Devon, UK – 12th – 16th September 2020
Our second women’s programme of the year – Choosing a Fresh Alternative – is hosted in a Magical Forest Garden in Devon.
“This course has been fundamentally the most soul-nourishing thing I have ever done for myself. It led me on a journey of self-discovery, self-appreciation and courage. I long for being in the wilderness like never before, and notice the peace and feeling of being alive that it brings me. Natasha is patient, encouraging and very human in the way she facilitates and I will be forever grateful to her.”
– Previous participant
Introduction
This retreat is for women who want to embrace their lives more fully.
On our life journeys to fully embrace life we usually encounter sticking points. This retreat will show you how to come into relationship to these obstacles in a way that liberates them and reveals their gifts, empowering you to move forward on your path.
We will do this with tenderness, fierceness and playfulness.
Rumi’s poem ‘Out Beyond Ideas of Right Doing and Wrong Doing’ expresses the heart of my approach and practices, which are informed by Deep Nature Connection, Focusing, Generative Change and Buddhist practices in Nature.
Our time together will emphasise certain qualities of presence and will draw on the wisdom of the body, of nature and of community.
At it’s core my work is about relatedness – how we relate to ourselves, and each other with Nature as a support. It’s about exploring our inner nature and our outer nature, and developing ways to accept , be with, and learn from each experience that life sends our way.
The Structure of our Days:
– Each morning will include a mindful practice followed by experiential practices informed by Gendlin’s Focusing method and some of Gilligan’s Generative Change work.
– The afternoons will include nature-based practices and an intimate sharing circle called Way of Council.
– The rest of the programme will include story-telling, poetry, meditation, yoga, dancing. There will be time for resting, digesting and wild swimming in the natural swimming pool. Our evenings will be spent around a roaring fire under the stars.
Why come on Retreat in Nature?
Spending time in nature disconnected from fast-paced virtual life, and immersed in awe-inspiring landscapes re-humanises us. We open up to a bigger perspective and reconnect with what matters most.
Location and logistics
Our base will be a Nourishing and Magical Forest Garden in Devon. This is truly a wonder to behold.
Accommodation will be camping, but more like glamping, given the idyllic venue. You can also choose to sleep in Mongolian Yurts (at an extra cost). We will have access to an indoor/outdoor eating and sharing space heated by a thermal mass rocket (the flue passes under the seating), a dedicated meditation space, a natural swimming pool, a fully equipped kitchen, warm outdoor showers and compost toilets. Plus the beautiful and abundant forest gardens.
A hearty breakfast will be included each day, and each participant will be asked to bring ingredients to prepare one meal during the retreat (either lunch or supper). The nearest town, four miles away, has food shops where you can buy the ingredients for this meal on the arrival day. All food will be vegetarian and we can only accommodate food restrictions for severe medical conditions.
There will be a maximum of 12 participants
Guide: Natasha Lythgoe
Natasha is an experienced guide specialising in working with individuals and groups through life transitions with nature. With over fifteen years experience leading programmes that connect people back to their true nature, her project ‘The Art of ReWilding’ weaves together the main threads of her life; creativity, dharma (truth), mythic journeys, the intelligence of the body and nature.
Her work supports radical shifts in both our understanding of community, the places where we live and how we choose to walk through this world (whether that is to live and work quietly in small areas or very publicly on grand stages). She loves to do this outdoors through engaging the deep imagination, therapeutic processes, mindfulness and embodiment practices.
Cost
£400
Concessionary Rates – If this price is beyond your financial means please do get in touch and we can explore the possibility of a lower cost in exchange for some support during the retreat.
Booking
To book your place on this programme please complete this registration form, following payment instructions at the end.
If you’d like to know more do feel free to get in touch. I’m very happy to have a conversation about the details of this programme and my approach. My email is [email protected]
Travel information
We will be based near Collimpton in Devon. Travelling by Train: Tiverton Parkway is 7 miles from our venue (Paddington line). Feniton is four miles away (Waterloo). By Bus: A falcon Bus stops hourly in Cullompton (4 miles away) – this links with Exeter and Bristol. We will send more travel information on registration to the programme.