THE TALKING STICK Mens AW Retreat
DATE
Saturday 18th November 12pm - Sunday 19th November 4pm
WHERE
Happy River Retreat, Wareham, Dorset.
After a year of seasonal retreats I'm honoured and excited to invite any brothers to join me around the fire to close out 2023. It's been a transformative year for the Talking Stick with a growing community of brothers coming together to heal, reconnect and be inspired to make changes in life - Whether that's our attitudes, old habits, being a better father/partner or starting a new venture.
This final retreat of the year will be about embracing the seasonal shifts from Autumn into Winter and the themes of Samhain. This is when we descend into the darker months, and make space to go inwards to embrace rejuvenation and revaluation. We will plant seeds of intention for the following year. Going into Winter can be isolating, and emphasise negative cycles, addiction and negative hibernation. This retreat will be an opportunity to be part of the community, to reflect on the year, release and cultivate prayers of change for the coming cycles.
We will honour this time of internal and external transformation with healing, ritual and ceremony on the land. Throughout our time together we will explore healing practices such as sound, meditation, breath work, hot and cold exposure, forest bathing and ceremonies using cacao and tobacco as we connect deeper into the land, the elements and our masculine essence for a deeply healing and nourishing experience.
Together we will bind together and make strong roots to support us through the darker months to create a catalyst of renewal in mind, body and spirit. This is about us connecting with our divine masculine energy and stepping deeper into our truth, strength and embodiment - Creating profound shifts for life.
This will be the final UK weekend retreat of 2023, so I look forward to seeing you around the fire before we enter the following year.
ABOUT THE TALKING STICK
The Talking Stick is a healing space for men. A place for men to connect, be part of community and be seen and heard with compassion. It provides a space for men to explore different healing modalities, communicate with integrity and to receive healing through being held and holding space for others. We will not be looking to fix each other or ourselves, as no man is broken but we will be looking to ignite shifts and build greater awareness and understanding of who we are and what our role is in this world as men.
The Talking Stick is a safe and compassionate container so we can feel comfortable being our authentic selves and speaking our truth; We will use the power of the talking stick to express and release what might be causing us internal discomfort and give it to the flames of transmutation. Being seen, witnessed and heard in a safe, intentional place by other men is healing, transformative and deeply empowering and I believe is the key to us achieving a deeper sense of connection, purpose and feeling harmony within, so we can be the best version of ourselves. This is about reclaiming our ancient ways of community. It is about remembering the importance of healing together. This is the missing link for men in our culture and it is time to bring it back. We were never meant to do this alone. I will be there to hold space, support and guide you through the journey.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Throughout the weekend we will be grounding into the beautiful land and the elements together here in Dorset at Happy River Retreat. We will be reconnected to ourselves, eachother, nature, spirit and elements throughout the weekend through various activities and ceremonies. We will use the power of the talking stick to open up, release and express what is rising and hold space for each other throughout the process. We will work with the fire to represent the masculine energy and support us in transmutation and restoring fresh energy and motivation. There will be a mixture of ceremonies, practical exercises, inward journeys and holistic practices to bring healing, growth, empowerment and a deeper sense of awareness. We will be exploring practices such transformational breathwork, sound healing & meditation, cacao, cold water therapy and process work to help us receive insight, growth and development.
We will adventure for a wild swim connecting to our tribal essence and honour the land. We will be getting uncomfortable, physically, emotionally and mentally to enhance strength, resilience and empowerment. Ultimately we will be connecting to our masculinity and choosing to heal in brotherhood. I will also be providing nourishing high vibe plant based meals to nourish and ground us all throughout the weekend. We will be exploring some deep inner work but expect to have a good time, laugh and connect with each other in the process, healing does not have to be serious all the time. We will be camping on the beautiful grounds nestled in Wareham Forest in Dorset.
I will be holding space throughout the retreat weaving sound, meditation, ritual, ceremonies and nourishment to support your journey throughout. Alongside myself will have other experienced and facilitators and practitioners joining me to hold space and share their expertise.
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR:
Men who feel lonely or are seeking connection
Men who feel a lack of purpose and inspiration
Men who are ready to rise into their authentic self
Men who are ready for transformation and growth
Men who are seeking a deeper connection to self, others and oneness
Men who are seeking a conscious masculine community
Men who are seeking a spiritual connection
Men who are seeking healing and feel lost and lonely
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Talking Stick Sharing Circles
Sound Healing Journeys
Guided Breathwork
Tobacco Ceremony
Guided Process Work
Wild Swim
Barefoot Walking & Forest Bathing
Cold Water Therapy
Cacao Ceremony
Expression Session
Fire Ceremonies
Wood Fired Sauna Session
Guided Meditations
Plant Based Meals
Mixed Accommodation - Camping / Yurt / Barn /
ACCOMMODATION
We have a few options for the winter weekend retreat. You can camp, you can stay in the yurt, stay in the heated barn, or you can sleep in your van or car. The yurt and the barn are a mixed sleeping space. All options are included with the ticket price. Please bring the appropriate gear with you.
TESTimoNiAL
“Last weekend was so powerful I can’t put into words how much it meant to me. Life Changing! Keep doing what you're doing, it's really special. — Charlie (Spring Equinox Retreat 2023)
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Camping Equipment - Tent, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Mat
Appropriate warm clothing for being in the cold
Waterproofs (Incase of rain)
Walking / Hiking Boots
Swimming Trunks
Towel
Drinking Flasks
Yoga mat, blanket and pillow (for sound healing)
Drum (Don’t worry if you don’t have one as I will bring extra instruments)
An offering to the land - Money, candles, flowers, fruit or oats, vegetables, tobacco (I will explain what this is for when we are there)
Notepad and a pen
If The Talking Stick is calling you, I look forward to you joining me around the fire. Let’s rise up into our infinite light together. I look forward to going on this journey with you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
This is an intimate retreat space to make sure all men have their needs met and strong bonds can be forged. ONLY 10 SPACES AVAILABLE.
(Deposit non-refundable, can be used on a future event, if you cat attend)
BOOKING
You can pay in full or choose the payment plan option. If you choose the payment plan option, pay your deposit to secure your place, final instalment due 1st November 2023. Please make sure you make payments on time.
I am offering two low earner spots on the retreat to make this as accessible as possible. This is for camping only. Please email me HERE to chat further about this option.
PAY IN FULL
PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS
Deposit will secure your booking. Second Instalment due 1st November 2023.
TESTIMONIAL
“THE THREE DAY RETREAT NOT ONLY SIGNIFIED A POWERFUL TURNING POINT FOR ME BUT ALSO FURTHERED MY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUALITY AND MEDITATION. CHRIS AND ROBBIE WERE VERY HOSPITABLE, TAKING CARE OF ANY NEEDS WE HAD ON AND OFF SITE. A PERFECT SETTING WITHIN THE GROUNDS OF HAPPY RIVER RETREAT HELPED CREATE POSITIVE ENERGY FOR OUR GROUP, WHILE PUSHING BOUNDARIES AND EXPANDING OUR COMFORT ZONES. CHRIS MADE TASTY, NUTRITIOUS PLANT BASED MEALS, COOKED FRESH EVERYDAY, TO CARRY US THROUGH THE DEEP SYMBOLIC RITUALS AND MEDITATIONS. THE BROTHERHOOD HAS SINCE CONTINUED, CREATING TRUE GROUP ACCOUNTABILITY”
DAF — October Retreat 2022