Feldenkrais, Sauna and Amazing Views at Norton Grounds Cotswolds

Mark Bibby Jackson attends the first Norton Grounding at Norton Grounds, Cotswolds. This is what he discovered.

Initially I feel very self-conscious, the only man in a room full of women lying in a huge hall. I shuffle myself on the mat, ensuring my phone is turned to silent, and try, if at all possible, to relax. My instructor, Silke Weeks, assures me there are no right or wrong moves – slim chance – and that we should take our own time. I shuffle once more. We should be comfortable. Shuffle. And feel the ground. Shuffle, shuffle.

Then I am instructed to move my pelvis slowly towards my feet, and my Feldenkrais Method induction commences.

Silke is true to her word. We are left to our own speed; there is no right nor wrong way of moving. I find it strangely relaxing, listening to my breathing, feeling my contact with the floor, and just lying there, occasionally attempting to move my pelvis. I think the Feldenkrais Method is best described as yoga-light. In reality, you just lie still as if you are practising for the luge.

The Cowshed where the Felkenkrais Movement session was held — The Cowshed where the Feldenkrais Method was held

Feldenkrais was created by Moshé Feldenkrais, an engineer and physicist who aggravated an old football injury during the Second World War, slipping on a submarine. Refusing an operation, he cured his injury in the process developing the Feldenkrais Method. The theory is that the simple movements help reorganise connections between the brain with the body, and consequently improve both body movements and mental state.

Norton Grounding

The Feldenkrais Method was part of the initial Norton Grounding sessions devised by former Yoga Holiday organiser Sacha Taylor-Cox and held at Norton Grounds, a delightful farm in the Cotswolds.

“The ethos for Norton Grounding is to bring yoga, Pilates and the pursuit of wellness in The Cotswolds, back to its origins,” says Sacha. “Conscious, restorative, considered movement, that’s gentle, low impact, focused on relaxation, letting go of ego and the need to compete.”

Certainly, I was not competing with anyone.

The sessions will be held each Wednesday through October. Our session included yoga with Barney and massage as well as the Feldenkrais Method. There was also some delightful vegetarian food and drinks served in the Tipi.

Norton Grounds Cotswolds

Having checked into the Dovecote Barn where I would be staying the night, I went for a wander around the beautiful farm and soon got chatting with its owner Andrew Valender.

Although he and his wife Clare only bought the farm in 2014, opening it up for weddings and events in 2020, Norton Grounds was his family’s farm. Andrew talks of how his grandmother used to pluck chickens and geese here. His father was forced to sell the farm, but Andrew managed to rebuy it.

Part of the attraction is that Norton Grounds is that it is still a working farm. Clare, who was a keen equestrian, keeps horses here.

I can see some of them, as I relax in the wood sauna provided by The Steamy Pheasant. The view from my hot perch of the fields (and horses) is quite magnificent. There is also a plunge pool should you wish to cool off. I dipped my feet in water but was not quite brave enough to take the plunge.

Quick Pint Before Bed

Whether it was due to the Feldenkrais Method or the sauna, I feel totally relaxed, and most importantly the back ache that has been plaguing me all year disappeared – clearly, I haven’t been moving my pelvis enough.

Andrew, who is the epitome of the good host, had earlier recommended the local pub The King’s Head. It is a mile or so away in the village of Mickleton was excellent. I took his advice and had an excellent pint of Butty Bach as well as the fish pie.

By now I was fit to drop, but just had to take one more wander around the farm. This time looking up not down, as the stars were amazing. Twice this year I had planned to visit the dark skies at night but had been thwarted by cloud and full moon, but here in the heart of the Cotswolds they were glorious. It was so quiet and peaceful.

Morning Walk

Although Norton Grounds is still a working farm, it has been extensively modernised. The room where we practised Feldenkrais Movement was the old cowshed. My cottage was one of the former farm buildings. Downstairs I had my own living space with kitchen and living area. Here I have breakfast with a hamper provided by Andrew and Clare. The eggs, bread and butter are all produced locally. Upstairs in the rafters was my bedroom with en suite. The view across the farmland was excellent and I slept soundly.

However, the view from my bedroom was nothing compared to the one the following morning from the hill at the side of the farm.

That morning Andrew told me to walk back down the drive, turn left at the grassed passing space, and then follow the cut grass along the field and up to the top of the hill. Apparently, if you continue the walk beyond the railway tracks you will end up at The King’s Arms.

The view was like a Constable landscape. On this beautiful morning, I could see as far as the Malvern Hills. It was a wonderful conclusion to a great break in the Cotswolds.