Beltane Woodland Retreat (3-6th May 2024)
Beltane is traditionally the time to welcome the summer season, celebrate creativity and fertility, both of the land and our dreams. Spend this Celtic festival long weekend in the magic of Hazel Hill Wood and sink into our embodied selves and our relationship with the earth.
Drawing on the work of deep ecology and the Work that Reconnects, we will gift ourselves time out from the demands of the everyday and reconnect with our essential nature, that of being a part of the incredible living system, Gaia. Heightening our sense of connectedness, listening deeply to the more-than-human and finding harmony and rhythm through singing and drumming.
Our time will be deeply restful and nourishing, though we are not here simply to receive; rather to appreciate we are a part of this living system and to take part, offering gifts in lively reciprocity whilst we are together, be that our music, deep listening or conservation work in the wood. From this place we might inquire more broadly, ‘what’s being called for around and within me?’ and cultivate a more connected, ecologically placed sense of being in the world.
Musically we will enjoy and work with the rhythms of West Africa, sharing traditional drum patterns to support us grounding into our bodies and bringing greater awareness to our innate rhythm and unity. We will also share simple songs and harmonies around the fire to reconnect to our hearts and celebrate the joy of being alive in this world.
We will hold a Beltane fire ritual on our final evening, bringing together all that we have practised and explored, feeling into what we want to give energy to in the coming months. It can be a potent and profound way to energise our inner and outer work.
No previous experience is required to access this work.
The offering:
70 acres of magical private woodland
Daily sharing circles
Guided drumming sessions
Group singing time
Guided deep ecology practices
Embodied meditations
Conservation work
Healthy, delicious, plant-based food
Evening fire circles
Beltane fire ritual
Off grid, sustainable accommodation
Space for rest and reflection
Facilitators:
Jake is a gestalt psychotherapist and coaching psychologist who has been creating space for nature, self and community connections for many years, including at Hazel Hill Wood where she is a Trustee. She is also co-founder of Leading Through Storms CIC, an organisation dedicated to transforming our restless energies into spirited acts of leadership fit for these times.
Morgan is a teacher and musician who brings his study of global rhythms and dynamic, interpersonal processes to a range of cultures, ages and communities. He also works as a coming of age mentor for young men, closely linked with the ethos of A Band of Brothers and The Mankind Project. Additionally, he works as a Forest School Leader with young children in London, bringing together natural processes and music in an urban environment.
Information
Hazel Hill wood is a magical 70 acre private woodland, with beautiful off-grid buildings, cosy bedrooms and an enchanting mixture of beautiful outdoor spaces suffused with spirit for quiet reflection, gathering around a fire, celebration, sanctuary and healing.
The food we eat is an important part of the retreat. All meals will be vegan and – to the extent possible – locally sourced and organic. This is a conscious retreat and will be drug and alcohol free.
The fee for this residential retreat includes all food and drink and single or shared room accommodation. Please indicate your preference on the booking form. These will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Single room cost - £560
Shared room up to 2 - £460
Shared room up to 4 - £400
The retreat will take place over the long Beltane Bank Holiday weekend (3rd to 6th of May). We will begin on Friday evening for a shared dinner and welcome greeting and close the retreat after lunch on Monday.
Please note, you will be required to bring your own bedding & towels. A reminder and other important information about staying at the wood will follow nearer the time.
To secure your place please complete the online booking form and transfer the deposit as per instructions on the form.
To express interest in our retreats, or if you have any questions, please contact Jake via email at jake@apodltd.com .
