Extra Treats for Mind, Body and Soul at Rievaulx Abbey, Saturdays from 14 July to 22 September
Inner peace and bodily relaxation are on offer this summer at Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, with the launch of a series of wellbeing events running every Saturday from 14 July to 22 September, encouraging visitors to find inner serenity within the walls of the ruined abbey.
The Wellbeing events launch on Saturday 14 July, when Tai Chi expert, Stuart Agars, from the National Centre of Combat Martial Arts in Harrogate, will lead a series of demonstrations, classes and have-a-go sessions from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Tai Chi, which involves a series of slow movements, stances and posture aimed at focusing mind and body, is one of the most relaxing martial arts, encouraging flexibility and balance.
Meanwhile, in Rievaulx’s herb garden, visitors can enjoy an equally relaxing time without even lifting a finger. In fact, all they will have to lift is their toes, as two therapists from Kirkbymoorside-based Natural Balances offer visitors foot massages – a perfect way to end a leisurely walk around the area, or a hard day’s sightseeing. The foot massages re-create a medieval tradition, common at Rievaulx – as many other Abbeys – from the 12th to the 16th centuries, when the Abbot would wash the feet of the monks in the order each Saturday morning, replicating how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Similarly, the monks would wash the feet of any visitors arriving at the abbey as an act of humility, showing they were not above the task of washing people’s feet.
“When Aelred founded Rievaulx Abbey, he remarked upon the peace and serenity which is still a remarkable attribute of the site today, even though his magnificent abbey is now reduces to ruins,” says English Heritage’s territorial marketing manager, Nicola Bexon. “We are hoping that the Tai Chi and our foot massages each weekend will help others to share the serenity in a whole new way.”
With the Tai Chi demonstrations running fortnightly from 14 July, locals are also invited to come along and have a try. “We’ll be holding a six week course in Tai Chi as part of the programme, which is free for anyone visiting the site – so, for example, by joining English Heritage for as little as £25, you get not only six weeks of Tai Chi classes, but also a full year’s entry to historic properties all over the country, and a free foot massage!” adds Nicola.
The Tai Chi demonstrations will take place from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Saturdays 14 & 28 July, 11 & 25 August and 8 & 22 September. Foot cleanse and massage sessions will run from 11.00am to 3.00pm every Saturday from 14 July to 22 September.
For more details, please call Rievaulx Abbey on 01439 798228 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire
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