The Wild Elemental Woman Retreat
23rd-29th September 2024
A Journey into the Five Elements at Bala Brook Dartmoor
There is a wild and free woman waiting to be unleashed in all of us.
Join us for 6 nights of remembrance of this sacred birth right to be free, to be real and be in our element.
As we come together to connect to ourselves, through nature and the five elements, to remember our wholeness, to recall our authenticity and reclaim our sovereignty.
Together we will journey deeply, into the raw and vulnerable hidden part of ourselves, to the places we have forgotten, to place of feeling, to the place of embodied knowing.
We will call out our modern-day nonsensical conditioning that misguides us and numbs us, and reflect, question and reclaim our truths, as wild elemental women.
Each day we will explore and discover each individual element and what that means to us, how to connect to it in nature, a tool for your toolkit you can take home, a movement practice including yoga, qigong and dance to embrace the element, teachings of the elements from a Chinese medicine perspective, the season and direction, and of course meals that day to support that element.
Plus, we will discuss women’s phases, including the menstrual cycle and menopauses from a seasonal and spiritual perspective, to empower, remember and reclaim our wild elemental woman.
Retreat Highlights
Accommodation in the gorgeous eco-retreat centre in the heart of Dartmoor national park
Beautiful nature will running brook, access to wild moorland and a woodland on the land.
Daily elemental inspired yoga and meditation practices
Walks and adventures on the wild moorland
Daily group reflections on the five elements as living elements and phases
A one on one healing with Allie McGloin – choice from Acupuncture, massage or Reiki (extra)
Meditation & Movement Practices
Morning Yoga:
Hatha yoga flow for getting into body, enlivening the spirit, and moving with the breath, suitable for all levels of practice and experience
Gentle qigong practice to connect with the energy body, open the channels and connect to heaven and earth
Afternoon Practice
Afternoon classes will be slow paced and restorative, cultivating yin energy, healing and regulating the nervous system
Special Offerings
Meditation and Sound Healing
Mindfulness meditation – to connect to what is, bring awareness to presence
Yoga Nidra a meditation practice for deep radical rest
Sound healing with a 42 inch gong for deep relaxation and recalibration, and other worldly indigenous instruments to enhance the sound journey.
Sacred Sharing Circle /Council
A safe heart centred healing circle for sharing in community. Through enquiry we explore the themes of the elements for deep self-exploration and return to a sense of belonging.
Zoe and Kate made a phenomenal team at the Nourishment of Tao retreat, where the brook’s gushing cascades, flowing under a naked canopy of oaks, were companions to our exploration of the Water and Wood elements. Zoe radiates a pure and genuine warmth and has a remarkable wealth of knowledge and experience in Eastern philosophies and practices.
She guided us through a range of body and breath work, meditation and sound healing, and is generous and intuitive with her holding and guidance. Her offering was the initiation I needed into rousing my neglected, slouched winter body awake, and this retreat offered a new impetus to bring a movement and breath work practice into my daily routine.
Kate is a feral alchemist, Boudicca of the kitchen, who cooks as she lives – in relation. Never before have I revelled in such innovative culinary creations with locally handpicked and processed ingredients. This retreat was a feast for every one of my senses and I left, not only nourished to my bone marrow, but more supple, and invigorated and inspired. Thank you Zoe, Kate, the brook and the oaks.
Accommodation and Facilities
The centre is set beside the river flowing down from the moor, and we have direct access to the moor for adventures into the wilderness of the untamed, moor land, to rewild our hearts and deeply connect with nature.
Sound of rushing water all around, the sublime presence of the trees, the proximity of the moor, the ever-changing colours, the darkness at night, the deep silence, all of this highly rejuvenating to the mind, body and soul.
The land of Bala Brook is sacred. It is an ancient land, which has profound healing quality felt by everyone who spends time there.
The centre comprises of a main house and a separate modern annexe called Shraddha.
The retreat centre is set in its own grounds besides a river flowing down from the moor, and we have direct access to the moor for adventures out into the wilderness of the untamed moorland. The retreat centre has been recently refurbished and it is run as possible on sustainable and ecological principles.
The rooms are beautifully finished and have a lovely homely country feel to them.
Words truly fail to capture the depth of gratitude I feel for the experience you curated for us amidst the serenity of the river and the company of amazing women. From the nourishing foods that replenished both body and soul to the renewing sound energy, yoga flows, and the heartfelt sharing of stories, every moment felt like a precious gift. It was more than just nourishing; it was truly transformative.
My heart is overflowing with gratitude for everything Zoe provided, and your unwavering commitment to ensuring my comfort and well-being throughout the retreat. Kates presence and support throughout the retreat were equally cherished, and I am grateful for all the love and care you poured into every aspect of our time together.
I particularly enjoyed connecting at the river and taking a dip. It was a moment of pure bliss and serenity that I will carry with me always. I feel truly blessed to have crossed paths with such remarkable souls, and I carry the memories of this retreat with me as a source of inspiration and gratitude
nourishment…
Home-cooked, plant based, five element inspired meals by Kate
Mid-morning brunch with local, seasonal, wild harvested foods to satisfy every taste
Early evening dinner of home-cooked, plant based, delicious meals
Kates famous ‘Potions’ (local herbal elixirs) served once a day for super healing
Wide selection of self-service tea all day
Shared meals with new friends for soul nourishment
Discussions on foods as medicine, five element cooking and nourishment
what you will take home…
How to relate and understand the elements within and without
How to create seasonal rituals to support emotional wellbeing and spiritual growth
Self-care tools, practices and meditations
A sense of being free, more relaxed and connected to the natural world
Knowledge of how to make fire, and also hold a sacred womans fire
Your own kimchi in a jar you made with Kate
A new meeting of local hedgerow herbs and how to make herbal infusions
How to do a medicine walk
A deep sense of community and connection to other women
What to expect…
Professional and highly personalised care from Zoe and Katie
Nutritious, healthy homemade meals
To be in outstanding natural beauty of the idyllic Dartmoor National Park
Homely accommodation in a beautiful setting in rural nature
A perfect balance between activity & rest
A reconnection to yourself
Stress relief
Deep relaxation and rejuvenation
Ancient wisdom teachings and information that can support your life
A real understanding of the five elements and how to work with them in your life
New found appreciation for the seasons and all they offer
Meet your team…
Zoe nash
Alchemical Acupuncturist, Ceremonialist, Sacred Sound Musician, Yogini and Lover of Life.
I have devoted my entire life to holistic wellbeing, Eastern philosophies and following the Tao, and am passionate to share these teachings through discussions, as well as providing a lived experience of the elements through yoga, qigong, sound, ceremony, food, herbs and nature connection, with you.
After many years of living abroad I have now come home, home to Dartmoor, and am especially excited to share this beautiful mystical part of the world with you now, and integrate these ancient teachings into this landscape..
My intention for this retreat is provide the most authentic, transformational, joyful and recalibrating retreat experience, that also provides a deep dive into the five element philosophy so to share this wisdom in a way that is embodies these teachings, that is engaging, accessible and relatable.
katie (& the crow)
Holistic Chef. Water Woman. Herbalist. Earth keeper.
I am a lover of the wild in all of us; and spend my time teaching, cooking, and sharing what I know through forays, workshops and online encounters.
I take mindful care about the tracks I leaves on this earth -physically and energetically – and make considered choices in
sourcing and gathering every ingredient, from vegetables, to seaweed to honey, as well as how I travel, and who and what I invests in locally. I find my food for these retreats in the hedgerow, the garden, seashore, and through a wide network of wonderful local producers I know personally.
I have cooked for retreats, events, in the refugee camps of Europe, runs workshops, and I guide my wild and alchemical teachings online. My intention for this retreat is to share food that enhances your connection to the five elements, the seasons and the flavours of food, and show how what we eat and where we buy it is our most vital link to our spiritual and earthy life.
allie mcgloin
Acupuncurist. Massage and Reiki Therapist. Mother.
I have been a holistic practitioner since 2003, and I knew from my first massage class that this was my path.. I run a busy practice at home in Donegal, Rep of Ireland, and feel blessed everyday to love what I do.
I believe that treating the physical body is not enough for true healing to occur. The condition of our mind and spirt needs to be addressed as well, to bring the body as a whole back in to balance. For that reason, I use a combination of different therapies such as energy healing in a session to ensure that every aspect of your mental, emotional, and physical body has been looked after.
I work with massage to help release all that is held within the muscle, and acupuncture to address organ imbalance and channel blockages. I will incorporate reiki healing to release and unblock the energy in the auric bodies, and old emotional wounds, beliefs and patterns can be released through chakra clearing.
When you come for a session bring with you any dreams you would like to manifest and blocks that you want to clear. Offer it up for healing, so that you can move through all that is holding you back from being your best self, and reconnect to your inner self
mirel stambuk
“There can be no growth if we do not remain open and vulnerable to what is new and different. I have never seen anyone take a risk for growth that was not rewarded a thousand times over.”
JOHN O’DONOHUE
What’s Included!
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Six nights accommadation from Monday to Sunday
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A private room
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Full board in beautiful eco retreat centre in the heart of Dartmoor
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Two movement classes a day
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One meditation /ceremony a day
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2 abundant delicious meals made by Kate (Holistic Chef) plus a yummy homemade midday snack
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All yoga equipment
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Wild brook on the land for private river dips and plunges
- Plenty of other surprises!
Whats NOT Included ..
- Personal expenses
- Airfares and travel costs
- Insurance
- Airport transfers
Cancellation Policy …
- A reservation requires a deposit (1 part of 3 payments) or full payment
- The deposit is non-refundable, although is transferable to our next retreat if you have to cancel
- The remaining payment is required 30 days before arrival
All Inclusive Pricing
early bird UNTIL 15TH JUNE
ONE PAYMENT OF £1200
REGULAR PRICE FROM 16TH JUNE
ONE PAYMENT OF £1350
“Longing is the voice of your soul, it constantly calls you to be fully present in your life, to live to the full the one life given to you. Rilke said to the young poet, “Live everything.” You are here on earth now, yet you forget so easily. You traveled a great distance to get here. The dream of your life has been dreamed from eternity. You belong within a great embrace that urges you to have the courage to honor the immensity that sleeps in your heart. When you learn to listen to and trust the wisdom of your soul’s longing, you will awaken to the invitation of graced belonging that inhabits the generous depths of your destiny. You will become aware of the miracle of presence within and around you.”
JOHN O’DONOHUE
Sample of the days…
FIRE – TRANSFORMATION
Teaching of the South
Sunrise Meditation and yoga practice to wake up our internal fire and connect to the heart
Heart opening and nourishing dishes, including local hawthorn tea to nourish the Heart
Discussions on the Elemental Wisdom of the Fire Element, and the Spirit of the Heart from a Chinese Medicine Perspective.
Woman health from a spiritual perspective, discussions on our “Inner Summer” (ovulation and our fertile years) and how to honour and harness this energy and inner season
Learn how to make fire from flint, and charcoal!
Learn the secrets of how to keep the sacred woman’s fire.
EARTH – NURTURE
TEACHING OF THE CENTRE
Barefoot yoga and qigong practice outside on the Earth
An earthy feast for the earth element, with a mindful eating practice to reconnect to the sacredness of food and sharing food together.
Nourishment, to nourish and be nourished, esp. as a woman.
Finding balance in giving and receiving in all we do.
Elemental Wisdom of the Earth Element, the Spirit of the Spleen.
Singing Circle, opening our voices to sing and chant – unleash your inner wild elemental woman
Kimchi making workshop with Kate to nourish microbiome.
METAL – LETTING GO
Teaching of the West
Medicine walk with mirroring with special guest Mirel
Taoist Breathing Practice and a gentle morning yoga practice in sacred silence.
Immune Supporting Brunch in Sacred Silence
Walk to a local Tor together, (a mystical ancient granite rock on Dartmoor)
Elemental Wisdom of the Metal Element, the Spirit of the Lungs. Exploring the Shadow -self. Death and rebirth.
Women’s health from a spiritual perspective, discussion on our ‘Inner Autumn’ (pre-menstruum and peri-menopausal years) and how to honour and harness this energy and inner season
Deep yin practice with the letting go of old patterns and grief in the body
Vibrational Sound Ceremony – Gong Bath with Tibetan Singing Bowls.
WATER – REJUVENATION
TEACHING OF THE NORTH
Greet the Brook together and plunge into the wild water
Morning fluid flow yoga practice to awaken synovial fluid and nourish the kidney Jing
Elemental Wisdom of the Water Element, the Spirit of the Kidneys.
Discovering our deep-seated wisdom. The Tao.
Woman’s health from spiritual perspective, discussions on our “Inner Winter’ (menstruation and menopausal years) and how to honour and harness this energy and inner season
Revealing the need for radical and deep rest, and time to rest
Restorative yoga practice for deep restoration and renewal
WOOD – DIRECTION
Teaching of the East
Vinyasa flow for strength and flexibility
Detoxing Brunch, with apple ginger shots and herbal infusions such as local nettle, dandelion root, and dark leafy greens.
Discussions on finding our ‘Inner Compass’ and direction, our vision for our life. Bringing our dreams into life, and action we can take.
Elemental Wisdom of the Wood Element, the Spirit of the Liver
Women’s health from a spiritual perspective, discussions on our “inner Spring’ (Pre-ovulation and puberty years) and how to honour and harness this energy and inner season
Dreamcircle with special guest Mirel
Foraging nettle, cleavers, burdock, dandelion – time in the woodland, and forest bathing
Wild foraging and how make herbal infusions to detox and nourish the liver
INTEGRATION
Five Rhythms Dance session for all the five elements
Full balanced feast of the five elements
Sacred Sharing Circle – What we are taking home to integrate into your lifes.
Pricing
early bird UNTIL 31ST MAY
ONE PAYMENT OF
£1245
THREE PAYMENTS OF £415
REGULAR PRICE FROM 1st JUNE
ONE PAYMENT OF
£1395
THREE PAYMENTS OF £465
