Coming Alive: Breathwork & Yoga Retreat Sweden

Coming Alive is a three-day breathwork and yoga retreat in Vadstena, Sweden, held in a small group at a manor guesthouse by Lake Vättern. It is led by breathwork facilitator Kia and combines immersive breathwork journeys with yoga, meditation, Reiki and quiet time in nature. It is meant for people who are curious about their inner world and want to go deeper, whether or not they arrive with a problem to solve or a clear intention.

What to Expect

Breathwork is the centre of the weekend. The sessions use circular connected breathing and two-part breath techniques, and they are guided to take you out of the analytical mind and into the body, the emotions and the deeper layers of experience. They can bring intensity, release or insight, and sometimes experiences that are hard to put into words.

Around them sit yoga in several styles (vinyasa, hatha, yin and restorative, each practised at your own intensity), somatic movement, meditation, Reiki, visualization and intuitive exploration. Some of the work is done alone and some in conversation, within a small group where the aim is to be witnessed without having to perform. There is also time with nothing asked of you: silence, rest, walks and space for what has happened to settle.

The rhythm is steady. Friday starts at 13:00 with an opening circle, then active breath and meditation with a hatha flow, a snack, an evening breathwork session with rituals and conversation, dinner, and an optional Yoga Nidra. Saturday begins at 7:30 with tea and coffee, then shaking, breath and yin or hatha practice before breakfast. Late morning brings active breath and meditation with a vinyasa or lab-style practice, and the afternoon ends with another breathwork session, dinner and Yoga Nidra. Sunday moves from yang to yin with breath, then a closing circle and breakfast with continued sharing, and checkout is at 11:00.

About Kia

Kia has explored the inner world for more than twenty years through breath, meditation, yoga, energy work, Reiki and inner journeys. She works as a breathwork facilitator, Reiki Master, coach and transformational guide, and she treats these as different doorways into the same territory: the body, the nervous system, the conscious and subconscious mind, and energy. Before this work she spent more than fifteen years in business leading people and organizations through change. She trained first as a pilot and then took an engineering degree in product development. She is drawn to neuroscience and to experiences that are harder to explain, and she has held retreats for several years. She does not see her role as healing anyone. She holds a space where you can go deep and stay grounded, and where your own body and breath lead.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Luckerstad Gård, a cosy manor guesthouse on the Östgöta plain with views over Lake Vättern and its sunrises and sunsets. Sessions are held in the Orangery, and meals are served in the main mansion, the fruit garden or by the pool. The medieval town of Vadstena, with its castle and monastery church, is close by. Between sessions you can walk, run or take a dip in the very cold lake.

Rooms are in two houses. In the White Guesthouse each bedroom has its own toilet and shower. In the Red Cottage four people share a two-floor house with one bathroom. Unless you book privately or come with a friend, you share a room with one other person of the same gender. Linen and towels are provided.

Meals are vegetarian, made with mainly local, seasonal ingredients together with the farm's head chef, Ann-Charlotte. Vegan and gluten-free needs are catered for, and other allergies and preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Before You Go

All experience levels are welcome, including people new to yoga or breathwork. The retreat is held in Swedish and English. The price covers two nights' accommodation, all sessions, meals, snacks, tea and coffee. Travel to Vadstena and transfers are not included. A private room can be arranged on inquiry, as can extra nights before or after.