GAIL AYLWARD
ABOUT
Gail started meditating in 1994 with a 10 day silent retreat in Bodhgaya, India. Two years earlier, whilst pregnant with her first child, she attended her first Hatha Yoga class in London and found it very beneficial. She continued to practice both of these methods and is a qualified Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Mindfulness teacher, and teaches retreats emphasizing a kind gentle attention within both the sitting meditation practice and the yoga postures.
In 2005 she co-founded Moulin de Chaves a meditation retreat centre in SW France. The same year she became a student of The Diamond Approach, an embodied practice cultivating presence using the art of inquiry. Deeply inspired and transformed by this work, she followed their 10 year teacher training, and in 2021 was ordained as a Teacher/ Minister in the Diamond Approach school.
Married to meditation teacher Martin Aylward, and with two adult children, Gail understands the challenges of raising a family, having a job, being in a relationship and how the past can influence the present. She is grateful to have the practices of inquiry, meditation and yoga to support her during the ebb and flow of life
THE DIAMOND APPROACH
The Diamond Approach is a modern day spiritual path, an alchemy of both ancient spiritual wisdom and modern psychology. This powerful combination can help us uncover our true potential, help free ourselves from our history, develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and true nature, and can invite us to discover our inner love of truth solely for its sake.
Using meditation, sensing and the art of Inquiry to inquire into our present moment experience, it can open up and unlock barriors to ourselves, that we do not even know exist.
Gail has been a student of the Diamond Approach since 2005, which has greatly transformed her life. Deeply touched by these teachings, she followed their 10 year teacher training and in 2021, was ordained a Teacher/Minister in the Diamond Approach.
Gail offers Diamond Approach one to one private sessions, either in person or via zoom.
To find out more infrormation about private sessions, contact gail@mindful-mentoring.com
Click here more information about the diamondapproach.org
Gail and Martin doing an inquiry under the Bodhi tree, Bodhgaya, India. The coming together of 2 spiritual paths, Buddhism and The Diamond Approach.
YOGA
Anyone can practice yoga. You don’t have to be slim, young, or flexible. If you can breathe, you can practice yoga!
The ancient science and philosophy of Yoga originates in the Vedas, the oldest record of Indian culture, and systemised by Patanjali over 2,000 years ago. The Yoga sutras teach a way to be, to live in harmony with ourselves and the world. They offer guidance on how to look after the body, and train our mind using Astangha, The eightfold path.
During retreats I offer gentle mindful practices of Hatha yoga, Ha meaning “sun” and tha meaning “moon”, using the breath the intimate connection between body and mind as an anchor. Opening with each inhalation and relaxing and letting go with each exhalation, supports us to land back in this body, with this breath, in this present moment.
With a kind approach, practices start wherever you are.
RESTORATIVE YOGA
Restorative yoga is a gentle practice of resting the body in a posture for approx 5- 15 minutes, whilst being fully supported by props, bolsters, cushions and blankets.
Resting in a reclined or inverted posture, in a calm and safe environment, whilst adding warmth and darkness, can support the nervous system to shift from stress and anxiety, back to calm, peace and ease, as the heart rate and breathing begin to slow down and the parasympathic nervous system clicks in.
This practice can be useful for everyone, whether in times of stress, anxiety, or busyness, or just to foster practices to help calm and soothe the body, heart and mind.
Rest and relaxation can help support a healthy nervous system.
MEDITATION
The Buddha spoke about suffering, he also spoke about freedom and the path to liberation.
Having attended my first 10-day silent retreat in Bodhgaya, India, the place where the Buddha became enlightened, the feeling was of coming home. It was both challenging and yet a liberating first retreat experience.
Over the years, I have attended many silent retreats in India and Europe following the Theravada Buddhist Insight meditation tradition, and greatly value this practice of cultivating awareness, learning to disengage from busy mind, and instead achor the attention in the now.
An ongoing meditation practice has been the foundation of my spiritual path. Knowing from the inside that there is more to this body and mind, allows for greater freedom, less clingling and more peace and ease.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Introduction to Diamond Approach
Yoga & Meditation
Yoga, meditation & Family constellations
CONTACT
If you would like to find out more about Mindful Mentoring you can email Gail at gail@mindful-mentoring.com
Mindful Mentoring is a support for an ongoing meditation practice. It is not a substitute for any other form of treatment, therapy or prescribed medication.