Heart Circle, Forest Retreat

Forest Retreat

New Forest National Park

"A space to hold us, a space to renew us."    

Forest Bathing has had much press cover recently, and already this approach to wellbeing is being prescribed by GPs in the UK. This weekend is about rest, recovery and recharging; using the natural environment in a way in which we can connect with ourselves and our conditions. 

Who is this retreat for? 

We are offering a fantastic weekend for up to 9 guests. Located middle of the New Forest in a thatched cottage. A weekend retreat of nurturing, healing and self-care. It will be a space to learn about the therapeutic value of nature. To discover the power of reconnecting and nurturing ourselves, and ultimately take time out in a beautiful location to invigorate our sense of purpose and to be with ourselves. 

What is 'Forest Bathing'? 

Forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) originated in Japan. It is a way to reconnect with nature, drawing on it's therapeutic power. You will feel calmer, more in-tune with your senses. You will develop greater mind-body awareness as we practise mindfulness, walking and standing meditation, and cultivating silence in the forest. During this retreat, you will feel the unprecedented benefits of the world's most immense natural health resource - the great outdoors. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us. 

During the retreat you will: 

• Enjoy the beauty of nature in the midst of amazing Furzey Botanical Gardens.
• Enjoy periods of blissful silence in the midst of nature.
• Practice group work, guided meditations, discussions and mindfulness practices.
• Walk and lie down deep in the forest amongst the tall trees.
• Star gaze with very little light pollution.
• Visit nearby coast and beaches and see the most amazing sunsets.
• Enjoy home-cooked meals by a local chef.
• See the herds of free-running ponies, horse, cattle and deer.
• Optional (included) entry to Rhinefield House Spa, a 4-star hotel with spectacular views, or tour of the New Forest
• Enjoy a Sound Bath experience with Lorna Heath -  a sound threpist and healer.
• Get a CPD certificate in self-care weekend.

Location

What better place to practice forest bathing than in the beautiful New Forest? Recommend by Dr Qing Li - one of the world's leading experts on forest bathing. The New Forest was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror and is now a National Park. The wood is host to incredibly diverse wildlife, a range of different habitats, the highest concentration of ancient trees in Western Europe and, of course, the famous New Forest ponies. Covering 120 square miles, the New Forest is spectacular, magnificent and peaceful. During your stay, you will have a tour of the forest and beaches.

Accommodation

 Furzey House sleeps nine people in six bedrooms. It is a beautiful thatched country house with lounges, dining room, private terrace, and private access to the fantastic Furzey Gardens. https://www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/pages/category/furzey-gardens  

Guides and Facilitators

William Fley is a clinician in private practice who also provides training for mental health practitioners through workshops and retreats. He works with community leaders to help them adapt in the face of on-going physical, emotional, organisational and societal change. A fully accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and Breathworks and holds Masters degrees from Birkbeck College, University of London and Roehampton University.

He is also researching 'Absent Fathers and the Forgiveness Model' which is about tackling the epidemic of fatherlessness in our society and its effects on mental health. William's interest in forest bathing is in part a result of his extended monastic attendance and interest in Theravada Buddhist practice. 

Dates

May 28th-31st, 2021 or October 1st-4th, 2021 

Booking and Cost

The retreat runs from Friday evening (4pm) to Monday (11am) (3 nights) 

Cost Includes full board accommodation, walks in the New Forest and along the coast, and an optional 4-star spa visit. 

Fully inclusive from £399 to £475. 

Local resident day tickets covering both Saturday and Sunday are available from £90.