1 Day Following the Herds' Lead Retreat
This workshop offers an opportunity to step away from the busy human world and immerse yourself with the herd and nature at their pace of life. No matter what the weather is doing come and discover what it truly means to be present with self and the environment whilst learning how to bring this into everyday life.
On the workshop we will explore:
Learning how to relax and quieten the mind
Learning how to observe your mind and how this can be helpful when it comes to managing the mind, emotions and behaviour states
Learning about horses and nature
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
The retreats are suited to anyone interested in their own personal development. No previous horse experience is necessary but if you are nervous of horses a 1-1 is recommended first.
Please arrive around 9.45 ready for a 10am start.
Cost £150
Following the Herds' Lead
This 1 day retreat is an extended version of the 3hr FHL mini retreat. It is for people interested in learning how to quiet the mind and align to the herds’ and nature’s natural rhythm.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd going deeper into our minds, through some mindfulness techniques, to quieten them and bring ourselves into a state of present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day.
Cost £150
Following the Herds' Lead
This 1 day retreat is an extended version of the 3hr FHL mini retreat. It is for people interested in learning how to quiet the mind and align to the herds’ and nature’s natural rhythm.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd going deeper into our minds, through some mindfulness techniques, to quieten them and bring ourselves into a state of present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day.
Cost £150
Following the Herds' Lead 2 Day Retreat
This 2 Day Following the Herds’ Lead Retreat is the same offering as the 1 day FTHL Retreat except we immerse ourselves with the herd and the present moment for much longer over a 24hr period! This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with the herd at different times of the day and night witnessing their different behaviours whilst being amongst them. This is a unique opportunity to see first hand how they choose to spend their time through the day and night.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd moving deeper into the present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day and evening.
This retreat requires you to stay on site, we have bell tents and a shepherds hut offerings, the opportunity to camp in your own tent is available as well.
*Payment for accommodation is separate and can be for as many nights as you choose.
Schedule for the 2 days
Saturday
10am arrive and led through mindfulness exercise.
First experience with the herd.
1pm Lunch (please bring your own)
2pm experience with the herd
4pm Finish
4pm-6pm Own time
6pm Vegan Dinner served
7.15pm experience with the herd
9pm Finish
Sunday
6am-6.45am morning cuppa with the herd
8.30am Regroup and meditation
Experience with the Herd
12.30pm Retreat ends
Cost £280
Following the Herds' Lead 2 Day Retreat
This 2 Day Following the Herds’ Lead Retreat is the same offering as the 1 day FTHL Retreat except we immerse ourselves with the herd and the present moment for much longer over a 24hr period! This retreat offers you the opportunity to spend time with the herd at different times of the day and night witnessing their different behaviours whilst being amongst them. This is a unique opportunity to see first hand how they choose to spend their time through the day and night.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd moving deeper into the present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day and evening.
This retreat requires you to stay on site, we have bell tents and a shepherds hut offerings, the opportunity to camp in your own tent is available as well.
*Payment for accommodation is separate and can be for as many nights as you choose.
Schedule for the 2 days
Saturday
10am arrive and led through mindfulness exercise.
First experience with the herd.
1pm Lunch (please bring your own)
2pm experience with the herd
4pm Finish
4pm-6pm Own time
6pm Vegan Dinner served
7.15pm experience with the herd
9pm Finish
Sunday
6am-6.45am morning cuppa with the herd
8.30am Regroup and meditation
Experience with the Herd
12.30pm Retreat ends
Cost £280
Following the Herds' Lead Retreat And Forage for medicine
Meditation/mindfulness wellbeing retreat exploring different ways of being with self through the influence of nature and the herd.
This workshop offers an opportunity to step away from the busy human world and immerse yourself with the herd and nature at their pace of life. No matter what the weather is doing come and discover what it truly means to be present with self and the environment whilst learning how to bring this into everyday life.
On the workshop we will explore:
Learning how to relax and quieten the mind
Learning how to observe your mind and how this can be helpful when it comes to managing the mind, emotions and behaviour states
Learning about horses and nature
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
Foraging and making medicine
After we have spent the morning with the herd learning about their behaviour and needs and being amongst them we will pause for a lunch before heading off to forage for wild plant medicine for the herd and animals here at the farm.
Once gathered we will make infused oils and balms for the herd. When the infused oils are ready the herd will be able to self select the herbs and oils they need over the winter months which will offer them support on many levels.
We will also make a balm for each person to take home for themselves!
We will finish the day by returning to the herd to say our goodbyes!
Cost £150
Following the Herds' Lead
This 1 day retreat is an extended version of the 3hr FHL mini retreat. It is for people interested in learning how to quiet the mind and align to the herds’ and nature’s natural rhythm.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd going deeper into our minds, through some mindfulness techniques, to quieten them and bring ourselves into a state of present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day.
Cost £150
Following the Herds' Lead
This 1 day retreat is an extended version of the 3hr FHL mini retreat. It is for people interested in learning how to quiet the mind and align to the herds’ and nature’s natural rhythm.
Throughout the day we spend time alongside the herd going deeper into our minds, through some mindfulness techniques, to quieten them and bring ourselves into a state of present moment. As we follow the herd and slot into their pace of life, we too will shed layers of stress we are holding onto so that we can meet the herd in their world. The journey we go on to get there offers opportunity for:
Personal reflection on mindset, emotional states and life in general
Quieting the mind
Slowing down
Learning about the horses and herd life
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
We will visit the herd at different times throughout the day.
Cost £150
1 Day Following the Herds' Lead Retreat
This workshop offers an opportunity to step away from the busy human world and immerse yourself with the herd and nature at their pace of life. No matter what the weather is doing come and discover what it truly means to be present with self and the environment whilst learning how to bring this into everyday life.
On the workshop we will explore:
Learning how to relax and quieten the mind
Learning how to observe your mind and how this can be helpful when it comes to managing the mind, emotions and behaviour states
Learning about horses and nature
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
The retreats are suited to anyone interested in their own personal development. No previous horse experience is necessary but if you are nervous of horses a 1-1 is recommended first.
Please arrive around 9.45 ready for a 10am start.
Cost £150
1 Day Following the Herds' Lead Retreat
This workshop offers an opportunity to step away from the busy human world and immerse yourself with the herd and nature at their pace of life. No matter what the weather is doing come and discover what it truly means to be present with self and the environment whilst learning how to bring this into everyday life.
On the workshop we will explore:
Learning how to relax and quieten the mind
Learning how to observe your mind and how this can be helpful when it comes to managing the mind, emotions and behaviour states
Learning about horses and nature
Learning mindful tools to take away and practice by yourself as a way of integrating them into a daily way of life
The retreats are suited to anyone interested in their own personal development. No previous horse experience is necessary but if you are nervous of horses a 1-1 is recommended first.
Please arrive around 9.45 ready for a 10am start.
Cost £150
The Fire Horse - Following the Herds' Lead & Sound Bath Retreat
On the 17th February the year of the Fire Horse begins!
Horses symbolise many things for us, the fire horse in particular brings the energy of Freedom, Passion, Transformation and the Heart!
As we move out of the year of the snake and have shedded what no longer serves us the horse hits the ground running, no time for hesitation, now is the time to move towards what you feel authentically aligned to.
Join us for a special day retreat where we will celebrate and honour the horse and all they represent, whilst also bringing our own personal intentions to the day to be with as you immerse yourself amongst the herd and nature.
We will spend time with the herd learning about them and some of the herds' key behaviours before an opportunity to 'be' amongst them.
Joining us on this special retreat and to mark the arrival of the fire horse is Maria Christofi, the founder of “The Sound Apothecary" and practitioner of sound therapy, Traditional Chinese & shamanic Medicine, to bring the element of ceremony and sound vibration to the experience starting with an opening ceremony to honour the Chinese Lunar new year of the fire horse and our time with the herd with purifying smudging, Chinese herbal infused tea and drumming.
Our Chinese herbal infusion will be prepared by María with Chinese Red dates (Hong Xao), ginger and cinnamon.
Antioxidant rich Chinese red dates (Hong Zao)are potent blood and immunity boosters. Chinese medical sages wrote about how the heart and mind must be rooted in healthy blood and "where the blood flows, memory follows" signifying the importance of nourished and well circulating blood for a focused mind to bring what we imagine into the physical.
Stoking the internal fire in winter with intentional focus on nourishment is a powerful ritual in the cultivation of readiness for when the wheel of the year turns at the Spring Equinox.
After we have spent time with the herd and had a warming light lunch in our cosy barn heated by a wood burner, María will take you on an immersive sound journey to ground and further explore your intentions and reflect on the time spent with the herd.
We will begin with a warming infusion of Mugwort ( Artemisia Vulgaris) one of the 9 sacred Celtic herbs with a rich history in British folklore for both its magical and medicinal properties. In medieval folk medicine it was considered a magical herb for ritual , purification and to enhance dreams. It was also taken medicinally as a digestive or menstrual tonic and prescribed by midwives to ease the transition of childbirth.
Mugwort is still prescribed in herbal Medicine to dispel cold and damp from the body, it is also known for its effect on dream intensity and recall making it a powerful herb for dream work and creative practice.
The name Artemisia orginates from Artemis - the ancient greek moon goddess who protected women and the animals of the wild, casting her magic over childbirth and cycles of nature.
The energy of Mugwort is warming with an earthy mineralised taste. A variety which grows in China is burned in Traditional Chinese Medicine close to the skin to warm and boost circulation and in western herbal medicine it's prescribed for its medicinal effect on the nervous, reproductive and digestive systems.
As a herb connected to dream enhancement, Mugwort is a supportive ally to any meditative or ceremonial practice and a wonderful plant ally for sound journeying.
Our journey will explore the therapeutic effects of drum, crystal bowls and monochord composed to entrain the mind into the theta brainwave, encouraging deep rest, down regulation of the nervous system and an altered state of consciousness.
A hand made blend of incense including mugwort will be burned to purify the space & stimulate the brains olfactory nerve and limbic system, which are associated with creativity, emotions and memory.
Mugwort Contraindications
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
SSRI medication.
A diagnosis of bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis. Severe allergies.
Any other significant presenting medical condition or symptom.
Please get in touch if any of these apply, an alternative infusion wth a more neutral plant such as Rose can be provided but this needs to be arranged in advance. Please note: you are also welcome to attend and drink the sound without Mugwort :)
Contraindications with sound
The following conditions are contraindicated, feel free to touch base with any questions on
07970794367
•Epilepsy.
•Pace maker or cochlear implant
•Severe diagnosed mental health conditions.
•Metal implants - note that sound vibrations may be felt in implants or joint replacements.
•Severe Tinnitus Bio
Maria Christofi Bio
The Sound Apothecary is a place to retreat to for deep listening. The name was chosen by the founder, Maria Christofi to represent the therapeutic power of sound.
A graduate of the British Academy of Sound, Maria has a special interest in the cross section of art and healing, incorporating sound with plant medicine and ritual rooted in mythological and Shamanic wisdom.
As a highly experienced practitioner of 30 years, Maria maintains a private practice including Classical Acupuncture, Daoist healing, Traditional Chinese nutrition & Sound Therapy, integrating ancient shamanic wisdom with modern functional medicine. Clinical experience includes a 5 year residency as lead acupunctirst of Professor Winston's fertility clinic in London's Hammersmith hospital, as well as placements in rehab and palliative care
& private practices in Neal's Yard Therapy rooms and Triyoga.
Maria contributes to publications such as the annual Ignota Diary and her article "Alchemy
of Sound" features in the Air edition of the Wild Alchemy Journal.
Emma Ross Bio
Please visit meet the team page for more information about Emma
Cost £150
Further info:
light vegan lunch served (soup and sourdough loaf)
Full waterproof and warm gear is needed when spending time with the herd outside including wellies/waterproof boots. We recommend wearing waterproof trousers, layering up and bring a hat and glooves. Please expect mud.
For the sound bath please bring comfortable clothing for lying down in. A mat, blanket and pillow for warmth and comfort are essential.
Please email us to enquire and book