Mindful Month events to return in North York Moors

The North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month is this September, offering a programme of events designed to promote wellbeing through creative and contemplative activities. <i>(Image: Pretty Gritty)</i>
The North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month is this September, offering a programme of events designed to promote wellbeing through creative and contemplative activities. (Image: Pretty Gritty)
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Nature, art, and ancient sites are set to inspire a season of reflection and relaxation.

The North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month is this September, offering a programme of events designed to promote wellbeing through creative and contemplative activities.

It encourages people to slow down and reconnect with the landscape, with this year’s line-up including guided walks, art workshops, sound healing sessions, and opportunities to explore historic sites.

Vicky Burton, marketing officer for the North York Moors National Park, said: "This year’s Mindful Month is a great reminder, ahead of the autumn and winter months, that spending time away from the digital world can be a great way of boosting our own health and wellbeing.

"Protected spaces such as the North York Moors are becoming known for their Natural Health Service role in helping to make people feel calmer and more confident.

"Mindful Month reflects this as it shows what a great relaxation resource the National Park can be; a place where people can find their own idea of wellness, whether it’s being active, creative or curious about their surroundings."

A new addition to the programme is a land art session with Yorkshire artist Winston Plowes, who will guide participants in creating temporary artworks using natural materials at Coast & Camplight near Whitby.

Danby Lodge National Park Centre will host the Mindful on the Moor Art & Wellbeing Festival on September 5.

Workshops will explore the historic symbolism of standing stones, rock art, and witch posts found throughout the North York Moors.

Attendees will also have the chance to create their own symbolic artwork, known as a sigil, to represent personal goals or affirmations.

Other activities on the day range from writing imaginative field notes and creating sun-printed fabric, to clay pot making, yoga, and a didgeridoo music workshop.

Elsewhere in the programme, Falling Foss waterfall will provide a scenic setting for a Tibetan Sound Relaxation evening with Nurturing Retreats.

Village halls in Ruswarp, Lealholm, and Aislaby will host sessions with The Sound Healing Sister, who uses instruments like gongs and percussion to promote deep relaxation.

Duncombe Park near Helmsley will be the starting point for a guided walk led by the Mind Over Mountains wellbeing team.

Another guided walk along the coast will include insights from a National Park archaeologist about the history of Ravenscar.

Cyclists can take part in the Minds & Miles charity ride, choosing from three routes starting at Sutton Bank.

Funds raised will support the North York Moors Trust.

Other highlights include the Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage, a weekend package for walking stretches of the Cleveland Way, and a midweek Natural Balance Kitchen Retreat at The Tree Retreat in Rosedale.

Full event listings and booking details are available at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/mindfulmonth.

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