Dùthchas; a gathering
A rest & reset gathering in nature, for men
find your way back to your true nature!
7-9th October 2025 - North Yorkshire
Dùthchas: a gathering
A 3-Day [2 night] Personal Growth & Well-Being Nature Residential/Retreat for men.
DÙTHCHAS [doō-chas] - The deep knowing of belonging to land and self (Scottish Gaelic)
Dùthchas: Finding your way back to your 'True Nature'
If you're reading this, you're probably in one of two places right now:
Maybe you're a man, struggling with the pace and demands of life – rarely ever feeling 'caught up' or finding 'down time' work tasks seem to have no end , or your stuck procrastinating and in a cycle of 'panic and push through' meaning time and energy rarely feel efficient. Your seeing the impact on home life too, whether it's feeling disconnected from a partner because that desperate need for 'down time' turns to meaningless scrolling on your phone, or zonking out on the sofa in front of your tv. Or worrying your lack of presence and consistency means you end up giving yourself a hard time, about being a good enough partner, parent, family member, friend or son.
Finding yourself in tetchy exchanges with your partner , that lead to feelings of disconnect and disagreement.
Your mind is constantly busy and full, and if it's not about the things you've 'got to still do' your noticing that 'inner critic' turning up the volume on self-scrutiny, shame, guilt and over-thinking.
BUT IT COULD BE THE TOTAL OPPOSITE FOR YOU TOO!
It might sound a little cliché to say you 'feel lost' but deep down this is the truth – You are feeling stagnant, stuck or uninspired, with your current situation, or just sensing it's time for a 'shake-up' or redirection. But you can't seem to find what you need within you to make that change happen. Maybe your career isn't fulfilling you, you find yourself lonely, isolated, and disconnected (even from yourself some days) You feel demotivated and unfocused, get lured in by the 'odd good day' only to find yourself swiftly back at dissatisfaction. These combinations can leave you facing all sorts of complex feelings and a feeling it's a crucial time to make decisions, but the how of that feels confusing and unclear. Or such a big leap of change, you are fearing all the worst case scenarios. Leading you to feel stuck again.
Your common ground.... something needs to change.
You may be finding the emotional shifts within aren't just your own, navigating children progressing in education and figuring life's lessons out. Being a carer for someone with additional needs of their own. In a household with other stressed or over-burdened people. Or a perimenopausal partner where your rules of rhythm together feel pretty discombobulated right now, and neither of you have figured out the new 'dance moves' yet!
What Is Dùthchas?
The name says it all – Dùthchas is the Scottish Gaelic word describing that deep sense of belonging to yourself, to the land, and to nature. It's something you might be feeling disconnected from right now: what we call at Where the Mind Grows your 'true nature'. A sense of self that makes decisions, purpose, energy and connections an easier place to be.
This isn't your typical corporate or wellness weekend. No Alpha Male howling at the moon, and no pressured group therapy circles. An opportunity for down-to-earth opportunities for personal growth, reflection and understanding combined with time in wild spaces & activity to restore and re-wild the energy within you.
Experienced coaches that share practical skills and understand to help you with insight. Woven together with nature-based activities like wood-whittling, foraging, and hiking, and yoga – activities proven to boost mental health, confidence, and that sense of self you might have lost somewhere along the way. (whether it's because your too busy, disconnected or stuck)
This isn't about dwelling in the past of 'once was' and 'better times' we'll meet you where you are now, and help you explore approaches, self understanding and clear actions and intentions, to help you step out into a re-aligned future too.
What You'll Experience
Even thinking about this itinerary gets me excited!
Working with some AMAZING collaborators ( if I do say so myself) I've curated a retreat/residential that offers a balance of rest, personal growth, well-being and adventure.
Group coaching sessions designed to help you understand yourself better, identify opportunities & approaches to help with emotions, mindset and the 'how' of change, helping you guide yourself to actionable strategies & outcomes. You'll leave with greater confidence and clarity, 'more yourself' plus practical tools for living more in alignment with who you really are.
Natural Benefits: We'll spend time in wild spaces not just because they're nice to be in, but because they have a crucial impact on your mental & physical health. As well as offering 3.8 billion years of resilience, communication, thrivability and self-leadership skills. These aren't just fun activities – wood-whittling, foraging, hiking, and more – they're proven ways to improve focus, reduce stress, enhance problem-solving abilities, and reconnect you with your authentic self.
Skills for Real Life: Enhance communication skills and emotional regulation – crucial tools for a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic. The men I coach, share how these life skills and coaching insights impact their relationships far beyond themselves, making them happier, kinder, and more present to be around. In the end that guilt of leaving for a few days, becomes its own reward, when you return with new perspective, shifts in energy and a clearer outlook on life.
Comfort in Wild Places: All meals are provided, refreshments and resources. While we'll be immersed in nature during the day, you'll return to a cozy glamping cabin for downtime and rest with real beds! Whether you're coming solo or with friends (cabins sleep up to three), you'll have a choice of ensuite facilities or shared glamping tilet and shower, with a peaceful base at this beautiful location.
A Different Kind of Men's Space
We believe spaces for self-development & well-being aren't just for women. This retreat/residential is designed with amazing collaborators to create an experience free from toxic masculinity – something that's impacted so many of the men we work with in subtle but profound ways, from school attitudes to parenting, workplace dynamics, and social settings.
There are many ways to be a man, and this is a space to explore what that means for you specifically.
This Isn't About Being "Broken"
Let's be clear: this isn't about you being broken. When life feels tough to navigate, this is simply a space to focus on yourself and find the answers you're seeking about your energy and purpose. This is about personal development, expansion, self-compassion, and the ability to know and be your unique self more deeply. Life is a long adventure of growth, and this retreat/residential offers opportunities to explore that in a relaxed, open, 'human' and genuinely interesting way – with nature woven through everything you experience.
Whether you're overwhelmed and need space to breathe, or you're feeling lost and need direction, you'll leave with ways of being and doing, that help you always find your way back to your true nature.
Ready to re-connect with yourself & create ripples far beyond that?
Head here, to secure your place
This Retreat is For Men Who Think Differently
The men we work with recognise that they see the world differently. Whether this is defined by neurodivergence, your values and belief in equity. A caring, compassionate and thoughtful nature or the comparison you make between yourself and how you view others navigating the world.
This of course is a strength, but it doesn't always feel that way.
The men we work with share feelings of imposter syndrome, anxiety or pressure about messing up.
The pressure to perform or be at their best and a sense of often being or feeling misunderstood.
Not all the men we work with, have shared their inner thoughts and feelings with others.
With many saying it would be a surprise to people if they knew about the inner-critic, over-thinking, intense emotions and ways you've learned to mask. This lack of feeling safe or ok to be yourself, can put additional weight and worry on situations and experiences. It's super tiring and over time it begins to grind you down, or seep out in outbursts and arguments, or withdrawal and low mood.
For others being called out by a concerned family member is the catalyst to explore opportunities for change. Putting your trust in an unknown possibility can feel daunting and lets be honest. You've probably put off exploring this stuff way too long. This sort of experience feels a weird thing to invest your money in, because you are used to having something tangible at the end of a purchase, but this is different, this is deeper, this is investing in yourself.
You've been working really hard, feeling like things never get to a point where the pressure is off.
Or wondering how things got to a place, that feels so stuck.
This retreat helps men, find ways to manage energy as well as time.
To learn ways to handle inner-critics and imposter syndrome. Find resources to regulate the emotions so many men feel apprehensive to share are experienced.
From subtle shifts to big bold changes, this is a space for men who want to open themselves up to exploration, personal development and the positive impacts this type of change can have in your world.
What You'll Gain in 3 Days:
Centred Clarity & Emotional Re-Balance
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A chance to rest and reset so you feel more energised for life and work
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Strategies to help you quiet the inner critic and manage stress and anxiety
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A clearer outlook on your opportunities and choices for work/life re-balance
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Understand yourself and others better for closer connections, clearer conversations and emotional awareness and regulation techniques.
Authentic Connections
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Meet other men who also have interested in personal development and the outdoors
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Group coaching sessions that build real understanding and share techniques
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Some head-space to help declutter a busy mind and focus on priorities, connecting you back to self.
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Ways to be more emotional aware, inside and out, to help connect with your true self and others too through deeper and more genuine interactions.
Nature-Based Reset
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Learn the neuroscience around Nature connection and how this can help you.
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Practical outdoor skills: woodcraft, foraging, mindful movement
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Learn from nature not just in it. Biomimicry approaches that help you adapt your own resilience.
The Experience:
Three days and two nights of space and time for refocusing, resetting and restoring.
Guided by experienced collaborators and practitioners with space to connect and learn.
A chance to be immersed in Nature with all the benefits for mind and body.
Opportunities to meet others and make new connections
Leave with skills and insight to help you, and leave behind burdens and pressures.
Leading to a more hopeful, genuine and balanced way of living and being.
Secure your place
Use code HOPE25 before 22/9/25 for 15% off remaining tickets
SHARED CABIN [SHARED FACILITIES]
Share your cabin with people you know [max 3 sharing], price includes retreat/residential place [max 3] with access to glamping shower and toilet close by. Includes access to all retreat activities & meals (3 days/2 nights) 7-9th October 2025. Splits costs between your group
Cabins have own bedding. Bunk bed & double bed. Log fire and seating area. With refreshments.
£1, 379
Meet the collaborators
Check out the amazing 'team' of collaborators we have joined together for this event.
You'll experience knowledgeable, experience and down to earth practitioners and providers throughout.
Helping you make the most of the experience.
Why This Life Coaching Retreat is Different
No macho posturing. No forced vulnerability. No cult-like brotherhood schemes.
But its not a fluffy, spa-retreat either.
This is for men who want to be more genuine and wise about your ways in the world.
Plenty of opportunities to connect and explore as down-to-earth humans, in this nature immersed gathering.
Just practical and experienced, thoughtful female-led coaching retreat/residential delivered in and alongside nature by experienced facilitators who understand the importance of space to be yourself and opportunities for inner growth exploring resources and strategies to make sense of the world.
Small group experience, private glamping accommodation, and a coaching approach that helps you value your own unique way of being - whether you're naturally reserved or selectively outgoing or somewhere in between.
Why most Men Don't Do Retreats (And Why We're Changing That)
The retreat world hasn't exactly welcomed men like you. They also get a bad press when it comes to men, who would typically think they too 'wooly' or 'woowoo' or are just code for a 'spa-day'.
Most offerings are either overly feminine in approach OR hyper-masculine "warrior" weekends, or their focus is on creating a brand for themselves with all the surface layer shine, but no substance, experience or depth to helping you get clear outcomes from the event.
(You know the 'looks good for insta' type).
Old stories about 'maleness' conditioned men to "tough it out" alone, to view seeking help as weakness, and to prioritise everyone else's well-being over their own as a way to gain worth.
But like us, you are looking for different expressions that don't tie you to specific constraints.
Yet men who engage in personal development and peer support have significantly lower rates of depression, better relationships, increased opportunities for life satisfaction, and are more deeply aligned to find the professions that can help you live a happier/healthier life.
No one is weak for wanting help. You don't need to feel guilty for seeing something like this as an opportunity for yourself -Your guiding yourself to opportunities for further learning and connection - just by reviewing this page!
Society tells men to figure it out alone, that seeking support is somehow "unmanly." Yet amazing men throughout history have always had mentors, allies, community, learning and spaces for reflection. Way back when, Nature was a Natural part of that growth too.
This retreat offers a space to learn more about yourself and the way you navigate the world. As your unique self. Redefining unhelpful stories of what it means to 'be a man'. Helping you be clearer on how to feel good in life. With experiences to help make being yourself, less daunting!
That's Dùthchas
Pricing & Options
Accommodation includes all retreat activities.
Two Night, Three day retreat/residential and meals throughout.
SOLO OPTIONS
Cabin to yourself throughout your stay
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SOLO - ENSUITE CABIN
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£850
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SOLO-SHARED FACILITIES CABIN
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£756
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SHARED OPTIONS
Cabin capacity 2-3 people shared between double and bunk beds in cabin - sharing with people you know.
Price per cabin to split between your group.
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SHARED - ENSUITE CABIN
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£1,532 (per cabin, paid as one payment and split the cost between your group 2-3 friends)
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SHARED - SHARED FACILITIES CABIN
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£1,379 (per cabin, paid as one payment and split the cost between your group 2-3 friends)
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secure your place
Secure one of our remaining cabins, availaable for solo or shared retreat experience (share with men you know) - If you are interested and happy to share a cabin with someone you do not know please email info@wherethemindgrows.co.uk to make this enquiry.
Planned Itinerary
(Exact running order can be subject to change)
Tuesday
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Arrival, Group Meet & Greet and Cabin Check In
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Group workshop in the woods, with JK
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Lunch
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Woodcraft Session
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Early evening workshop with Emlyn and JK
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Evening Meal
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Campfire Conversations & Dark Skies Time**
Wednesday
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Solo Morning Time
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Breakfast
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Morning movement session in the wild with Alice Faulkner
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Lunch
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Afternoon Workshop with JK
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Afternoon wild activity - Foraging & Feast 'cook out' including some bush craft skills
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Evening Meal & Retreat Reflection
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Campfire Conversations & Dark Skies Time** + Sit Out celebration
Thursday
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Solo Morning Time
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Breakfast
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Cabin check out
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Wild Hike & Returning from the Wild Activity (Lunch provided) with Ant Mountain Boardroom
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Mid-afternoon - Retreat ends.
About Your Host & Facilitator
'That wild well-being woman of the woods' experienced nature-based coach and facilitator - JK.
JK (Jennie-Kate) brings years of experience working with thoughtful, deep-thinking men. As a coach and facilitator since 2017, [prior to that 15 years in leadership in public, private and third sector mental health and employability services] she's created spaces where men can truly be themselves - no pressure to fit stereotypes or perform a certain type of masculinity. Her approach blends practical, evidence-based techniques with intuitive understanding, offering a unique perspective that many men find refreshingly accessible and genuine.
Her personality maybe as vibrant as her hair. Yet down to earth and kind hearted - here to help you grow confidence and understanding of yourself in the world.
Deepening connection to nature, self and others, through personal development in the wild.
Learn more about JK at the link below
GRAB YOUR SPOT
Limited solo cabins left & ONE sharer cabin remaining. If you have a question please get in touch: info@wherethemindgrows.co.uk to make an enquiry.
Accommodation
Find out more about the cosy glamping cabins at Little Seed Field
As part of your retreat/residential experience you will stay in a cosy glamping cabin onsite at Little Seed Field.
With seven cabins in total (4 ensuite and 3 with access to glamping site toilets/shower a short stroll away)
Cabins have a double bed and bunk beds in most, with options to have the cabin as a solo or share with someone you know as a twin.
Bedding is provided and the cabins have real beds in them and basic tea making facilities. Ensuite cabins have shower and toilet also. You will be allocated a specific cabin which we will announce to you as part of the retreat events countdown sequence for those registered.
What is included?
All retreat activities commencing 09:30am Tuesday 7th October and ending no later than 4pm Thursday 9th October 2025
Your selected accommodation options - two nights Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October - checking out Thursday 9th October (before you commence the walk)
All retreat activities are included at no additional cost.
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Lunch Tuesday - Thursday
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Evening Meal Tuesday & Wednesday
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Breakfast Wednesday & Thursday Morning
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Refreshments throughout in communal area
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Firewood for your cabins
Please see full retreat Terms and Conditions.
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Retreat Date: Tuesday 7th October - Thursday 9th October 2025 (2 nights 3 days)
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Location- Little Seed Field, Near Ripon North Yorkshire UK
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Arrive onsite -Tuesday 7th October 09:30am-10:00am
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Return from the wild -Thursday 9th October 2025 Afternoon - event ends no later than 3.30/4 pm Thursday 9th October - You will be required to check out of your cabin in the morning at 10:00am before we embark on our wild hike.
" You seemed to know me better than I've known myself in nearly fifty years, I've never felt so understood"
"I'm no longer feeling I need to go straight to people pleasing, saying yes and then feeling angry when I felt so busy and not appreciated. I'm using the techniques we discussed to pause, make sense and choose a good option for me"
“I couldn't have enjoyed the sessions online or in an office, I feel like I spend my whole life on Teams right now! Being out in the woods is what made the difference for me... and finding space for myself to talk about things I haven't found answers to before... I felt a little guilty at first but the sessions helped me realise that was part of the problem & why I had waited so long to find ways to help me"
Common Questions
- Retreat FAQ's
Is this retreat suitable if I'm dealing with mental health challenges or going through a difficult life transition? The retreat is suitable for men and/or people identifying as male, who have lived experience of mental health or experienced times of change or difficulty. However, our retreats are designed for personal growth and connection and whilst they might be therapeutic in nature, they are not a therapy or crisis space. If you're currently receiving mental health treatment, we encourage you to discuss participation with your healthcare provider first. Where the Mind Grows facilitators are trauma-informed and experiences in creating psychologically safe, supportive environments working with collaborators who have a good experience and insight into working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Its likely if you are joining this retreat you may have experience of anxiety, depression, stress, burn-out, confidence issues, trauma, grief, neuro-diversity or find yourself over-thinking situations (either currently or in the past) - these are common issues people we work with can relate to. None of our sessions will require you to share these experiences with the group.
Do I need any prior experience with outdoor activities or personal development work? Not at all. Our retreats are designed to welcome men from all backgrounds and experience levels and we put this retreat because we know this isn't the type of event that many men have experienced, so we appreciate this may be your first time at something like this. Whether you're completely new to nature-based activities or personal growth work, or you're looking to deepen existing practices, our facilitators will proactively support you to engage and feel part of what is on offer. It's totally common to feel a bit apprehensive about taking part in new or unknown activities. If you need to talk to us about any concerns or unknown just get in touch and ask.
Whilst we love people to make the most of the retreat offerings its also a space to 'opt in' to activities meaning you get a choice if you need to observe from the side-lines or take some time to rest while you are here instead.
I'd love to attend but I can't afford the total amount in one payment ? Our deposit only option helps you to split your payment - paying £200 Per Person with the remaining balance due by Friday 9th September 2025.
Deposit only option is available until 31st August 2025. You might also like to consider a sharing option, bringing along a male friend/family or colleague you know. The cost for this option is per cabin, split between a maximum of 3 sharing the cabin so can offer another way to split costs. You can opt for the deposit on these ticket options too paying £200 per person sharing and the remaining amount split and paid by 9th September between your group.
How do I get to the venue?
The venue (Little Seed Field) is located in a remote area of North Yorkshire, so its easiest to get to by car.
If travelling by public transport your nearest stations and/or bus station towns are Harrogate, Leeds, Ripon and you may need to get a taxi from these venues.
Sharing cabin retreaters are encouraged to car share where you are able too.
As part of our welcome sequence to retreat attendees we send you detailed directions to the venue to help you plan a smooth journey. If you are travelling from further away you may consider the option to stay on site the night before, where cabin availability and your budget allows.
I'd love to bring my son along with me to this event as a bonding and personal development experience, what age is this retreat for? The event is aimed at adults aged 25 and over, we believe this ensures the activities can be engaged in openly and are age appropriate across a group. Typically WTMG work with male clients aged 25- 55ish from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.
I am currently transitioning to male or now live my life identifying as male will this be a safe space for me?
Our position on this is we hope you feel it will be yes. The event is open to anyone who identifies as male.
If you disclose anything further to us personally this is always done in confidence as we believe people are the owners of their own stories. If you have any questions around this, please do arrange a chat. Our shared toilet and shower facilities are individual cubicles should you value privacy in changing and showering and we also have ensuite cabins too - we mention this as past trans, queer and LGBTQIA+ clients have fed back this was helpful information to know. We ask you to identify your pronouns on registering so we can speak with you in a way that matches who you are. Our Terms and Conditions include an anti-abuse policy and we seek to offer this space to people who can be respectful to themselves, each other and nature.
I'm trying to decide if I should come solo or see if a friend, family member or colleague wants to come along with me. But I am not sure what is best?
Many people enjoying coming to our retreats as solo attendees because it offers you space to really focus on yourself and a cabin to yourself too. If you find you are wanting to attend the retreat to work on issues around masking or people pleasing around others and need space to re-define we say GO SOLO.
That said we have also found that many people will choose to share with someone they trust, feel comfortable and open around and that recognise the need for each others independence and space throughout the retreat to connect with other people too. A sharing option (always with someone you know, we don't ask you to share with strangers here) can be great if you and your friends have identified the need for a break from your everyday pressures, where you already have connections with people where you do activities to enhance your collective well-being (even though lets be honest you might not describe it exactly that way) e.g you go camping, running, hiking together or have been school/uni friends, colleagues, brothers etc.
Sharing cabins and this retreat experience together can help connect bonds of friendship, whilst also meeting other interesting and new people too. Whatever you choose, we will always see you as an individual and you'll be treated that way. Even if you attend in the company of good friends. We ask each person to complete a registration form prior to attending, and we don't share anything you disclose with others in the sharing or wider group.
Do you need to like Nature for this event? This event is delivered in and alongside Nature so we would hope that like us you have an appreciation and affinity for Nature, if you plan to attend.
Many people are attracted to this event, because you don't get enough chance to be out and connected with Nature. The retreat gives you the opportunity for that. Our T&C's highlight an expectation that all attendees will respect the natural setting.
Will a men's retreat be too 'out-there' and 'woowoo' for me? Retreats for men still aren't that common and retreats in Nature are still seen as something that may just be 'full of hippies' and 'woowoo' or people worry we'll try and get you to join a cult.
Not this one! Our retreats are accessible to a wide range of people. We combine science and psychological and coaching elements with elements of ecopsychology, nature-inspired modalities and a natural appreciation for our collective natural world. Some of our practitioners training draw on ancient indigenous wisdom or holistic methods, which have existing for a long time across the world and can be fascinating to explore and learn about. These ideas are delivered in practical and tangible experiences with open exploration of people's differing views and experiences. Many people find that exploring personal development and growth can also offer you deeper understanding of yourself and the world, which some people may see as spiritual. We always let you find your own words for your learning at our events.
All we ask is that you come with an open mind to the opportunities and learning you will experience. You won't be asked to do anything you really don't feel comfortable to and our sessions offer space for new ways of thinking and doing, that may lead you into 'stretch zone learning'. The retreat is a place for personal growth and we invite people ready to engage and participate openly - this is a do with approach not a do too, and we see all attendees as contributors and co-creators of the retreat group. experiences
Retreat T&C's
These terms are conditional of the event and all attendees.
If you can't find the answer or information you are looking for - please get in touch info@wherethemindgrows.co.uk
Blogs to read
We've selected a few blogs you may like to read
How to Support the Man in Your Life to Take the Break He Really Needs
Breaking the Cycle of Stress, Work, and Silence
Why Men Need Nature Retreats
Solo vs. Shared: Making your "Right" Choice for Your Nature Retreat Experience
book your place today
Limited spaces available for solo or shared retreat experience (share with men you know) - If you are interested and happy to share a cabin with someone you do not know please email info@wherethemindgrows.co.uk to make this enquiry.