Outdoor Retreat - "Wellness in the Wild"

We delivered an Outdoor Retreat up in Perthshire, Scotland in November 2023. The theme was “Time to Connect” and it was an unforgettable day. We started the day with yoga, breath work and a beautiful heart-led meditation with Nichola Henderson (Life Coach / Yoga Teacher). I then led a psychology workshop about ‘connection/disconnection/reconnection’, where we had powerful conversations about what it means to connect with our authentic selves, others and the outdoors/nature. This led to lots of lively discussions and deep reflections! We then had a Q&A with all three hosts followed by a brilliant cold buffet lunch! The afternoon was spent hiking and getting to know each other more - we did a waterfall walk led by Iona Andean (Founder of Iona’s Adventures Hillwalking Group) where we got to enjoy the stunning autumnal colours in the November sunshine - the weather was beautiful for the time of year!

We had a lovely group of people who attended from all walks of life, many who had never attended anything like this before, some who even travelled all the way up from England to Aberfeldy. The energy and enthusiasm from our guests was fantastic and it was great to see a room full of strangers leaving as a more connected community.

Our retreats are a chance to pause, stop and reflect. It gives you time to focus on yourself, re-evaluate, gain clarity and overcome obstacles so that you can leave feeling refreshed and energised. It’s also a chance to connect with like-minded others and enjoy the beautiful outdoors together. We are hoping to hold more retreat days in the future so get in touch if you’d like to come join us next time.

Embracing Nature's Healing Power: A Journey of Connection and Self-Discovery

In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, finding moments of tranquility and connection with both ourselves and nature has become increasingly rare. However, amidst the chaos, there are still places that offer a sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-reflection. Recently, I had the privilege of organizing an outdoor retreat that combined the serenity of yoga, the introspection of heart-felt meditation, the enlightening exploration of a psychology workshop on "connection," and the awe-inspiring experience of hiking through a breathtaking waterfall adorned with the most stunning autumn colors. In this blog post, we will delve into the transformative journey that unfolded during this retreat, highlighting the profound impact it can have on those who attend.

1. The Power of Yoga:

The retreat commenced with invigorating yoga sessions amidst the serene beauty of twinkly lights in the country village hall (it was November, so it was too cold to do outside!). Through mindful movements and controlled breathing, we were able to ground ourselves and cultivate a deep sense of inner peace. The practice of yoga not only strengthened their bodies but also quieted their minds, creating a foundation for the personal growth that lay ahead.

2. Heart-Felt Meditation:

Following the yoga sessions, we were guided through a heart-felt meditation practice. With closed eyes and open hearts, we embraced stillness and focused on cultivating compassion, gratitude, and self-love. This profound connection with their inner selves allowed us to release stress, find clarity, and tap into our innate wisdom.

3. Psychology Workshop on "Connection":

One of the highlights of the retreat was a workshop on "connection" facilitated by myself. Everyone engaged in thought-provoking discussions, interactive exercises, and introspective journaling, exploring the various dimensions of human connection. We discussed the importance of genuine connections in fostering personal growth, emotional well-being, and overall happiness. The workshop provided tools and insights that allowed everyone to deepen their relationships, both with themselves and with others.

4. Awe-Inspiring Hikes and the Beauty of Nature:

The retreat also offered everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature - and boy did Scotland deliver that day with these stunning autumn colours! A guided hike through a scenic trail led us to a majestic waterfall, adorned with vibrant autumn colors. The mesmerizing sights, soothing sounds, and invigorating scents of the natural surroundings created an atmosphere of tranquility and peacefulness. Participants found solace in the embrace of nature and experienced a profound connection with the outdoors as we ended the retreat with a special mindfulness exercise in the quiet forest.

The outdoor retreat was the beginning of a journey for many. Through the combination of yoga, heart-felt meditation, a psychology workshop on "connection," and immersive experiences in nature, we were able to reconnect with ourselves and forge deeper connections with others and the outdoors around us. The retreat served as a reminder of the healing power of nature and the importance of nurturing our emotional well-being. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is crucial to carve out moments to reconnect, reflect, and find solace in the beauty that surrounds us.

So, let us embark on our own personal retreats, seeking moments of stillness, making time for ourselves to reflect/journal, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. In doing so, we can cultivate a sense of connection, find healing, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Warmest wishes,
Dr Dot :-) x

Blog 2: Outdoor Retreat - ‘Wellness in the Wild’

Blog 1 (Part 8 of 8): Good things take time to build