Come and gather round the fire under the cosy and calming shelter of the trees and create a sacred pause for yourself within the hectic month of December to honour yourself and the Winter Solstice.
A deeply nourishing mini-retreat in Nature with Qigong, Forest Bathing, firepit circle, guided meditation & gentle intention setting, plus a delicious mug of soup with fresh bread and sweet treats served round the fire.
Places are limited and cost Β£55pp inc food and beverage
GIFT VOUCHERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT. SEE BELOW.
A discount code is available for attendees for entry into Hever Castle if you wish to make a day of it and head there after the workshop. Great if you are coming with friends, family or partners. Please notify me if you wish to use book in at the Castle.
Join Tansy in the Wild for this powerful mini retreat that will include some gentle grounding Qigong to warm up and awaken your body. Some deeply nourishing Forest Bathing to create a meaningful connection with Mother Earth. A gentle exploration of the importance of light and dark with poetry and intention setting to begin sowing seeds that might flourish in the Spring, and a delicious mug of soup with fresh bread and sweet treats to enjoy around the fire.
WINTER SOLSTICE
Winter Solstice is a significant astronomical event that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It carries deep cultural, spiritual, and symbolic meanings across various traditions. At its core, the Winter Solstice represents the return of light, hope, and the promise of renewal. It's a time when nature appears dormant, yet it holds the potential for rebirth and growth beneath the surface.
For humans seeking alignment with the Winter Solstice, this moment can be a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing the darkness as a precursor to the light. It encourages reflection, introspection, and the shedding of what no longer serves us, much like the natural world sheds its leaves and enters a period of rest. Rituals, and connection with nature, to express gratitude for the year that has passed can foster a sense of connection with Mother Nature and our own True Nature. Embracing the Winter Solstice is an opportunity to set intentions, cultivate patience, and nurture the seeds of transformation within ourselves, knowing that the return of the sun symbolizes hope, resilience, and the promise of a new cycle of growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will begin with a gentle and simple Qigong session where I will guide you through a series of warm-up exercises and Qigong movements that will all be done in a standing position. Qigong is all about fluidity and flow and does not require a certain technique to practice. It is deeply relaxing and enjoyable and will create a wonderful connection to your body and the present moment.
During the forest bathing, you will be invited to connect with Nature through a variety of simple exercises or reflections. This usually involves participants spending time quietly sitting or standing and observing the environment around them. As the guide, I share the principles and insights of the practice and will weave in the theme of Winter Solstice to explore light and dark and find that resting peace within us. I invite you to try simple sensory exercises. The forest is very much the therapist and what people see, feel, and experience is unique to the individual. Some exercises are quiet and introspective whilst others are more fun and playful.
Around the fire I will guide a gentle meditation and share some poetry and music, giving you the chance to turn inwards and explore what might need shedding from your life and what new seeds could be planted with the potential to flourish in the New Year.
There are opportunities to share insights and observations but this is not expected or forced. I also hold a tea ceremony at the end with some healthy snacks.
Places are limited as group sizes are kept small. The space at Hever is very flat and the distance covered is short because the focus is on slowing down and paying attention. This makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No previous experience in mindfulness, Qigong or forest bathing is required. All are welcome.
Please note the nearest toilets to the space are a 10 min walk away at the Golf Club.
VIEW FULL LIST OF FOREST BATHING FAQ'S
SCHEDULE
10:45am - Meet at parking location which is provided upon booking
11:00am - Mini Retreat Commences with Qigong & Forest Bathing
2:00pm - Lunch served around the fire
3:00pm - Meditation, Poetry & Intention Setting with Fireside Ritual
4:00pm - Close
WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING
Sensible, warm and comfortable clothes and supportive shoes
Waterproof jacket advisable in case of light showers
Water to stay hydrated
A Blanket for extra warmth and sitting round the fire.
I will provide a light lunch and snacks but you are welcome to bring additional
I provide a waterproof sit mat and have ponchos for extra coverage if you wish.
In every Forest Bathing workshop, I have held, I am always deeply grateful to see a look of peace and contentment on the faces of the participants as they leave the forest. In our fast-paced lives, we rarely get the chance to find this kind of tranquillity and connection and it can be a very moving and comforting experience.
BOOKING INFO
Β£55 PER PERSON INC FOOD & REFRESHMENTS
You can book your place via the button below.
When you book you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a health and safety form. You will also receive a reminder email a few days before the event.
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gifting someone with a wellbeing experience not only gives them that much-needed time out to rest and recharge. It also leaves them with a lasting memory of joy and contentment.
Gift vouchers are available for all my events including this one. You must specify which date you wish to book when purchasing as I am unable to hold spaces for these events.
βI did not expect to have such a powerful experience with Forest Bathing. I enjoy being in Nature and well-being so was curious to try and it definitely delivered. I felt so incredibly calm and at peace. I completely lost track of time and got lost in the moment. Tansy was very friendly and professional and lead us on a magical journey. I will definitely be back!β
β Vanessa - Sevenoaks
About Tansy Jane Dowman
Tansy is a People Walker and Nature Connector. She believes deeply that connection to Mother Nature is a direct pathway of reconnection with your soul, your inner wild self and your true nature. As a certified Shinrin Yoku Guide and Natural Mindfulness Teacher, she is driven by a purpose to reignite our relationship with this majestic planet we inhabit. To return to our place of origin and discover a sense of belonging that is waiting for us when we are ready to acknowledge and embrace our deeper connection to the wild.
Also an outdoor empowerment coach for women, Tansy walks alongside her clients on their journey of personal evolution. Nature connection is at the core of her work, her passion, even her name which is a wildflower.
Tansy holds a variety of workshops, retreats and walks all centred around finding a connection to Nature and the self.
About Hever
This retreat will take place at a private woodland location on the grounds of Hever Castle so is not in the main grounds. This beautiful secluded spot has a wonderful wild feel to it with a base camp circle surrounded by woodland and we will have exclusive use of the space for the duration of the session.
Please note: This area is a separate private space away from the main grounds of Hever and the cost to attend this workshop does not include access into the main castle grounds. We will however send you a link when you book with the option to add the entrance fee so you can visit the Castle and main grounds afterwards if you wish.
Tickets
Places are limited and cost Β£55pp