Sacred Embers Retreat

Sacred Embers is a journey of reconnection. Back to the ground of your being, through the gateway of your heart…

Held within the beautiful wilderness of Dartmoor, this three day deep dive weaves together a potent mix of trauma informed psychotherapy (EFT, SE, IFS) with psychosynthesis and creative and shamanic practice. 🌳✨🌀💚🔥

This is for you if you desire to know yourself more deeply and express yourself more freely.

We will be engaging with meditation, movement, mask-making, voicework, ritual and psycho-education to help you to recognise and release mental, emotional and somatic blocks, and move towards greater connection to and alignment with your authentic self. 🎭✨💎

Our ultimate goal is to replenish a thirst for life and to offer sustenance to the parts of you  that are waiting to be seen and expressed. Over the course of the weekend we will guide you to meet the layers of your survival personality and support you in moving beyond them to make contact with the place inside you that is beyond wounding and agenda. Here you will find a wellspring of vitality and creativity; the source of your authentic desire and the energy needed to transform your life. Read more about this in this blog post on meeting our masks and disarming our hearts. 

The bridge we build between the psychological and spiritual/ mystical means that it is a very supportive container for anyone needing to integrate a profound spiritual awakening or psychedelic journey, or struggling with questions around identity, meaning and purpose.

We are calling all those who are seeking greater clarity and alignment; who desire to feel buoyant and expansive, and who are currently experiencing a sense of stagnation and limitation... As the trees begin to bloom, and the days begin to brighten, join us to the new life that wants to emerge from inside you. 🌱✨💖

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A truly beautiful, life changing experience. I can't thank Joel or Bonny enough for their kindness, knowledge, and expertise. Unforgettable, in the best way.'

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Wow! What an amazing experience. I was unsure of what to expect, however it exceeded anything I could have envisaged. My heart space has been blown open, my snow globe shaken and settled into a more peaceful landscape. Bonny and Joel are amazing facilitators, who created a safe, supportive and loving space to explore, to come to terms and to integrate.’ 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'The greatest gift I received was a feeling of expansion in my heart and a renewed hope about humanity and life in general, and my place in it. I have greater clarity now of what has been holding me back, some new insights to explore and renewed courage to face the future with excitement and vigour.’ 

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What is Spiritual Psychology?

Spiritual psychology is psychology which holds a spiritual context... 

It draws upon many of the models and techniques used in traditional psychology, but grounds them within a broader spiritual philosophy - ie. that we are more than our bodies, feelings and minds - we are souls on a journey. And within that perspective, is the understanding that even our difficulties are part of the growth of our being…. 

Sacred Embers refers to the spark of pure consciousness or spirit that is in each of us: the part of you that remains constant, even as your body remakes itself and the weather patterns of your thoughts and emotions shift endlessly… This retreat is a journey of reconnection back to that sacred centre. 

To get there, we’ll trace a path through your patterns of relating to yourself and the world, and through the wounds and traumas that created them. You’ll leave feeling more connected to your creative essence, with a greater understanding of your journey, more compassion for yourself, and more courage to embrace life. 

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What to expect:

Sessions on: Trauma & Survival, Patterns of Relating, Subpersonalities, Inner Child, Creative Essence, Courage & Will, Nature & the Human Soul, Cacao Ceremony

We will enquire into those through: 

• 📚 Knowledge Sharing: We will be sharing in depth psycho-spiritual knowledge gleaned from decades of research and practise in various fields
• ✨ Meditation & Reflection: You will be guided through various forms of meditation, visualisation and self enquiry.
• 🌿 Nature Connection: You’ll spend time silently communing with nature.
• 🌈 Creative Expression: We will be engaging in various creative exercises including drawing and making things, dancing and singing.
• 🙏 Ceremonial & Devotional Space: We will be holding space for deep connection and healing through prayer, sound and voice.

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About Us

Elemental Echoes marries expertise in trauma informed techniques with psycho-spiritual knowledge and shamanic practice. We are passionate about integrating robust psychological learning with expansive spiritual enquiry and embodied experience.

Our work is informed by Psychosynthesis - a school of transpersonal psychotherapy that provides excellent frameworks for understanding what it means to be a ‘spiritual being having a human experience.’ We will be teaching elements of psychosynthesis theory alongside reflective, meditative and ritualistic exercises to activate a new knowing at all levels of being.

You can join the Elemental Echoes Facebook group here.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to go and let my inner child explore her bright and dark edges. Was a very heart opening experience. Bonny and Joel did a wonderful job of facilitating the weekend, packing in such a rich programme that weaved together elements of creative expression, play, embodiment, ritual, psychosynthesis, and communing with nature. This made for a pretty potent container for self exploration and insight!  '

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘Beautifully designed and tenderly held three days that rekindled my inner fire. Bonny and Joel held space with integrity, creativity and intelligence.’ 

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Venue & Logistics:

Nestled in the heart of Dartmoor, Brimpts Farm boasts access to ancient woodlands and monuments, and has wonderful wild swimming spots on its doorstep.

Getting there: 

Public Transport: Train or bus to Newton Abbot (30 mins away) then taxi or car share. (We will connect you in a Whatsapp group to arrange lifts.) 

Driving:

• From London - Go to Exeter, then follow directions.
• From Exeter - (40 minutes) take the A38 towards Plymouth:
  Take 2nd Ashburton turn off onto the B3357 to Two Bridges/ Princetown. Follow the road for 7 miles, past Dartmeet, up the hill, we are the 1st drive on the right.
• From Plymouth - (40 minutes) take the A386 towards Tavistock:
  Take B3212 at Yelverton to Two Bridges (via Princetown). At Two Bridges turn right onto the B3357 towards Dartmeet. Follow the road for 5 miles, turn left immediately after the Hexworthy turning.

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Investment:

Your Booking Includes

• 3 nights accommodation
• 3 days of workshops and ritual
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks
• Materials for creative practise
• Access to hot tub and sauna
• Access to wild nature in the heart of Dartmoor, Devon
• Cacao ceremony

(Does not include travel to and from site)

Accommodation:

All Rooms are en-suite

Single Room - You will have a room to yourself - £750

Twin Room - You will be sharing with one other - £575

Dorm Room - You will be sharing with three others - £450

Low Income - Dorm room sharing with three others - £350 (limited spaces)

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About your facilitators:

Joel Bennett

Joel is an experienced trauma specialist, psychotherapist, psychospiritual guide and shamanic practitioner. He has worked in mental health for over 19 years and has extensive training in a wide variety of psychological, embodied and spiritually informed methods. Joel has a deep reverence and optimism for human potential and is passionate about helping individuals find personal meaning and value in their lives. Through witnessing countless clients overcome adversity, he believes in the profound potential of human transformation and our collective ability to overcome humanity's most difficult struggles. 

Relevant education, training & experience:

• MA – Psychosynthesis Psychology (In Progress)
• Cranial Sacral Therapy (Body Intelligence – In Progress)
• MSc – Psychology
• Shamanic Practitioner Training – Sacred Trust
• Core trainings: EMDR / EFT / DBT / MBT / ACT / Bioenergetics / Converging streams
• PGDip – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• PGCert – Integrative Counselling / Psychotherapy
• BSc (Hons) – Psychology & Counselling
• 19 Years’ experience of working in mental health / 12 years qualified psychotherapist
•  Accredited member of BACP, member of BABCP and EMDR UK & Ireland

Bonny Tydeman

Bonny is a psychosynthesis coach and multidimensional creative. In her coaching work with individuals and groups, she focuses on connection to and expression of soul essence, drawing on a range of wisdom and techniques to help people answer the questions, ‘Who am I? Why am I here? & Where am I going?’ in a way that is dynamic and creative.

Relevant education, training & experience:

• MA - Psychosynthesis Psychology (in progress)
• PG Dip - Psychosynthesis Leadership Coaching
• The Path of the Shaman – Sacred Trust
• MA - Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries - Central St Martins
• BA Hons - History of Art & Visual Cultures - Goldsmiths
• 12 Years practise Vedic meditation and study of Vedic philosophy

For more information check out: soul-beam.com and bonnytydeman.com.

Testimonials:

“The work we have done together has been life changing. Bonny’s playful and enlightening techniques of dealing with the different layers of my personality meant that even the dark, ugly traits became more approachable and I was able to understand and honour them. I now feel as though now I can deal with life and the many curve balls that it likes to throws with a calm, clear grounded sensibility.” - Zoe Wellman

“I feel a freedom that wasn’t there before. It’s still a work in progress, but the fact I can now catch my negative thought patterns and choose to change how I react is really powerful for me.  This new perspective allows me to be more balanced which will ultimately let me live a fuller life.” - Jo Twyford

“Bonny reminded me of the necessity to let my desire be my north star. I now have a renewed sense of vitality, curiosity, and creativity. I was so ground down from day-to-day monotony, that I lost sight of the spice of life… Our sessions brought about a shift in my perception that I can only describe as volcanic. The thick, protective layer of muck I had unconsciously constructed to stifle my own desires began to crack and anger, lust, playfulness, creativity and passion erupted from deep within me… I'm now on the other side with a new light inside me and a clear vision towards the future.” - Erica Wolfe

Faisal Al-Jawad

The retreat will be supported and uplifted by the musical and culinary talents of Faisal Al-Jawad. Faze takes a hyper-holistic view of life and is particularly enthusiastic about the role that nutrition and relaxation play in physical and emotional wellbeing. A purveyor of good vibrations and deep nourishment through the mediums of food, sound and stories, Faze delights hearts, minds and bodies wherever he goes.

• BSc Neuroscience 
• PgDip. Consciousness Studies and Transpersonal Psychology
• MA in Ecological Design Thinking 
• Gong practitioner for 12+ years
• EFT practitioner for 2+ years
• Fermenter and fermentation teacher

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What you will need:

• A notepad & paper (+pens & coloured pencils if you have them)
• Comfortable, warm and waterproof clothes
• An object of sacred or sentimental significance to add to the altar
• Instruments (optional)

Please Note: 

Although this retreat is run by skilled mental health practitioners, it is not a replacement for personal therapy. We will be engaging in a range of somatic, psychological and physical techniques. If you are experiencing significant difficulties with your physical, emotional or mental health please contact us in advance of booking so we can explore if this is the right environment for you. We will invite you to share only what you feel comfortable expressing; and encourage ongoing personal development following this retreat. 

All food will be Vegetarian with Vegan options. If you have specific dietary requirements please let us know. 

We will be encouraging the retreat to be a no phone zone. Please arrange as much as possible to be free of communication commitments. If you need to be on your phone before and after sessions, you can be, but phones will not be allowed in the workshop space. 

This is a sober event! Although in some ways it has the flavour of a medicine journey, the journey will take place through embodied enquiry and will be enhanced by communion with nature, and Cacao. We will not be offering any psycho-active substances.

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

Our facilitators have agreed to our code of conduct. Learn about our procedure for raising concerns

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