Co-Created Christmas Connection Retreat

You are invited to a mixed-activity retreat, created by those who come. This is an opportunity for rejuvenation through reconnecting with yourself, connecting with likeminded  others, and connecting more deeply with nature. The retreat is aimed at adults only. Workshop/retreat days are the 24th, 25th and 26th December, and for group cohesion and our ease as hosts, we ask people to come to at least two days, or the whole period.

Each day we envisage a mix of group activities, with the programme co-created  by the attendees, with people offering something they would enjoy sharing. The expectation is that people will attend because they wish to contribute and participate, but also that they look after their own needs and dip in and out as they feel. An example of the likely programme is something like this:

8-8.30am  Yoga, chi gong, meditation or similar

8.30- 9.30 Breakfast

9.30 - 10.30 Work period: food preparation, chopping and bringing in wood.

11-12.30 Nature connection games and practices, in local woods unless raining.

1-2 Lunch

2-4 Free time

4-5.30 Focussing, Circling, NVC practice, authentic movement, craft or art, or other offers..

6-7 Dinner

7.30-9 fireside storytelling, a talk, life stories, improv games, singing, open mic sharing, or other offers...

The venue is our home in Bath. It has been  eco-renovated and has a lovely large cosy living room that works well as a group space. It is an urban setting but we are ten minute’s walk from the woods and valleys. 

The food will be vegetarian and mainly vegan and the retreat will be drug and alcohol free.  The group will collaborate to cook meals and look after the space.

Accommodation

There is the option to stay in the house for 8 guests. There is a single private room (normally a teen’s bedroom), a twin room, and a dorm room which has a double bed and two single mattresses.Two people could also sleep on the sofa in the living room.  The private room will be offered to the most in need. 

Those living locally are asked to sleep at home to allow more participants to attend. 

Anyone staying over and participating on 24th is welcome to arrive from 8pm on 23rd. It is also possible to stay the night after the last retreat day on 26th, and leave on the morning of 27th.

Economy and booking - important 

The retreat is offered by the hosts, Rosie Jones and Elia De Matteis who are housemates and both facilitators, and who endeavour to live in the gift economy. We would very much enjoy any gratitude and appreciation to be expressed through donation of money to us, paying it forward, or future gifts of time and skills that are useful to us, which we’d be happy to discuss with you. 
 

We would appreciate a minimum financial donation of  £10 per day to cover food, drinks and fuel costs, if this is affordable to you. Any further donations can be made during or after the retreat.