THE DARKEST NIGHT
An invitation to rest in a world that never stops.
Sunday 20th December
SOMATIC MOVEMENT, DEEP REST & GONG SOUND
The pulse of the seasons has something to teach us about how to live. In a world that suggests rest is something we must earn, the seasons tell us otherwise. Rest is part of the cycle.
In the heart of the darkest night, there's a powerful invitation to slow down, embrace rest and honour the cycles that sustain us.
Before the season's rush takes hold, join Amy and Sam for a candlelit seasonal gathering of somatic movement, restorative rest and gong sound. A few hours to step out of the December madness and turn towards yourself.
There'll be mince pies, gong magic and absolutely no pressure to be productive, positive or anything other than exactly where you are.
Now in its third year, The Darkest Night is becoming something of an annual ritual. A little seasonal disobedience. A chance to step out of the December madness, put down the endless doing, buying and organising, and remember that we're living beings, not machines. Winter has its own rhythm, and it doesn't ask us to keep striving.
Sometimes the most important thing we can do is stop.
Come and spend the shortest day of the year with us.
A CANDLELIT SEASONAL GATHERING FOR WOMEN
Somatic movement, deep rest and gong sound
Sunday 20 December 2026
16:00 - 18:00
The Hideout, Bedminster, Bristol
Places are limited.
This is our third year gathering for The Darkest Night, and the previous two have sold out, so early booking is recommended.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF DECEMBER PRACTICE
Now in its third year, The Darkest Night has become something of an annual ritual: a space to gather, move, rest, listen and remember that there is another way of being in the world.
We'll begin with 45 minutes of somatic, floor-based, rest practices and yoga, allowing the body to settle, soften and find its own rhythm. This will be followed by 45 minutes of sound and gong, offering space to drift, listen and simply be.
Then we'll gather together to explore the themes of darkness, soil and the wisdom of the seasons.
What can the natural world teach us about resting? About slowing down? About the value of periods of apparent inactivity? And what might we discover when we stop expecting ourselves to be constantly growing, producing and striving?
Because beneath the surface, in the dark soil, so much is happening. Life doesn't stop in winter. It changes its pace. It turns inwards. It rests.
WHAT TO EXPECT
45 minutes | Somatic rest & yoga
An invitation to move away from shapes, expectations and effort. Through gentle floor-based somatic practices and yoga, we'll explore rest, sensation and the possibility of doing a little less.
45 minutes | Sound & gong journey
A chance to settle into stillness and let the sounds wash over you. Nothing to follow, nothing to achieve. Just time to rest and receive.
Time together | Darkness, soil & seasonal wisdom
We'll explore what the darkest part of the year might have to teach us. Through conversation, reflection and seasonal enquiry, we'll consider what happens beneath the surface, the wisdom of winter and the possibilities of living in closer relationship with the natural world.
And, of course, there'll be mince pies and time to enjoy one another's company.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
The Winter Solstice
Sunday 20 December 2026
16:00 - 18:00
The Hideout, Bedminster, Bristol
Places are limited. This is our third year gathering for The Darkest Night, and the previous two have sold out, so early booking is recommended.
Investment:£30
Places are limited
WHO THIS IS FOR
The Darkest Night is for you if you’re curious about what might happen when you begin to tune into the wisdom of the seasons
Perhaps you're:
Curious about the seasons, the wisdom of the body and the things we've been taught to overlook.
Sensing there's more to this time of year than consumerism, Christmas chaos and the pressure to make everything magical for everyone else.
Feeling a little weary of the more-more-more narrative, and wanting some space to pause, reconnect and explore a different relationship with rest.
Feeling the pull to slow down, do less and step away from the pressure to keep achieving.
Curious about exploring yourself through movement, sensation, reflection and conversation, rather than trying to think your way through everything.
Drawn to the wisdom of seasonal cycles and what they might teach us about our own lives, and alternative ways of living.
Simply craving a little more time, spaciousness and connection as the year draws to a close.
You don't need to know anything about somatic movement, yoga or seasonal living. You don't need to be good at resting, either. You just need to be willing to get curious, listen inwards and see what the season might reveal.
