Wellness Activities in the forest

If you are looking for other ways to pass the time, you are most welcome to participate in the extensive range of activities on offer at La Clairière. We schedule a host of activities throughout the year : Yoga, Pilates, Qi Gong, Pranayama and Meditation. Timetable of scheduled sessions available at Reception.

Besides Nordic Walking expeditions and meditative walks, we also run guided excursions in search of the beautiful flora and fauna of the forest. Take a class in Yoga, painting, singing or cooking, and if you're a fan of latin rhythms, look out for our popular Salsa Weekends!

A library filled with an inspiring selection of books is available.  We also play our part in keeping local festivals and traditions alive.

FOREST
The forests of the Vosges du Nord provide the ideal environment for oxygenating your mind and body while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings in peace and tranquility. Taking a walk in the heart of the countryside helps to dissipate stress and recharge your energy levels. Electric bikes and mountain bikes available for hire, maps of local area available for hiking. 


YOGA
The practice of Yoga uses asanas or postures to release tension and make you more aware of your body. The asanas work best when practiced in conjunction with Pranayama, Yoga Nidra and meditation. Pranayama is the art of controlling one's breathing so as to relax, purify and re-energise oneself. Yoga Nidra is a deep form of meditation where the body relaxes completely, letting go of emotions and reaching a state of peace and tranquility.

Meditation complements the series, helping us experience the present moment as fully as possible. At La Clairière, we run Yoga classes, workshops and retreats for a range of different types of Yoga practice (Ashtanga, Kundalini, Iyengar, etc.). We invite eminent teachers from all over the world to lead our yoga retreats.

Conscious walking, or meditating in motion, is another way of getting in touch with one's inner self. As you walk in the forest, let your thoughts drift to wherever your senses lead them. The idea is to maintain a high level of consciousness, both of yourself and your surroundings. This is done by paying special attention to your breathing, the action of walking, and your Hara or 'vital energy core'. The goal is to transform your usual way of walking into a conscious act of meditation. Once you have learnt the technique, you can use it during your everyday life.

MEDITATION
Zazen is a seated form of meditation, as practiced by the Buddha when he achieved enlightment 2,600 years ago. It is at the heart of the Zen religion and is practiced by paying special attention to posture, breathing and the coming and going of thoughts.

Regular practice of Zazen meditation brings calmness and clarity of mind, helping you remain stable and focussed. To start practicing Zazen, it is best to be seated in a position and location where you can concentrate. Clear your mind of expectations, purpose, and any thought of gaining something from the process.

At La Clairière, we organise sessions of Zazen meditation and participants are encouraged to visit the Zen Temple of Ryumon Ji nearby in Weiterswiller.