Devon, UK
On Becoming a Mother
24th to 26th September 2021
in person at Eden Rise, nr. Totnes
+ 3 live Zoom sessions
(two before and one after the retreat)
A nourishing and transformative retreat for Pregnant women who want to prepare to cross the threshold of Motherhood more consciously.
Join us in the lush countryside of South Devon in two beautifully converted barns on 7 acres of land. An oasis of rest, nourishment and inspiration.
*THE CHALLENGE*
"The fact is, once a woman becomes a mother, her life will never again be quite her own, or in quite the same way..." (The mask of motherhood)
Knowing the truth of that, how can we integrate our instinctual need to love, care, protect and do the best for our child, with our need for autonomy and personal fulfilment, right from the start?
This retreat offers the opportunity to begin answering this question for yourself, in a relaxed, nourishing and beautiful setting, with time to rest, play, connect and take part in the optional activities.
*RESOURCING AND SKILLING OURSELVES*
After letting go of fears and ambivalence, we will explore what skills and resources we already have and what else is needed for our Mothering journey.
We will learn self and co-regulation and nervous system care so we can support ourselves and our babies during challenging times. Co-regulation is the process whereby one nervous system calms another, producing a feedback loop that is soothing for both. A vital skill to know when becoming a mother.
*LIFTING THE VEIL OF MOTHERHOOD*
When the veil is lifted and we can see beyond cultural expectations and conditioning, beyond the archetypal myths and the impact of our own family experience, then we can start to embrace the reality, the practical, emotional and spiritual dimension of being a Mother and the potent opportunity of the journey.
*FUN, FOOD, DOING, BEING*
Beyond our daily explorations there will be plenty of time for activities such as restorative yoga with Elise, walks, singing and hanging out, as well as space just to be. Add Yummy food, great company and massages/bodywork into the mix and you'll leave the retreat not only more prepared, skilled and confident in your mothering but also nourished and refreshed.
*SUPPORT*
If you need extra support during the retreat, 1-1 counselling sessions will be available with the option to connect prior and post retreat with zoom sessions on request.
*AFTER THE RETREAT*
You will be part of a tribe you can choose to carry on sharing your mothering journey with.
There is also the opportunity to join our ongoing mothering support group who will be meeting fortnightly.
*SAFE AND COMFORTABLE*
This spacious residential centre has everything you need to be safe and comfortable during this covid time and we will observe social distancing throughout the retreat, if still necessary.
*Come!*
We are looking forward to welcoming you.
Testimonials
"Coming there was one of the best decisions I have made! "
"It was well organised, well paced. There was free time as well as plenty of different activities throughout the days. There was freedom of deciding if we wanted to attend a session or not - I think it is really important to don't feel obliged to something. Option for treatments. food was great and abundant at all times of the day :) All very informative and supportive. There was lots of sharing and listening which I like. "
Giorgia
Activities
MORNING PRACTICES, COACHING, YOGA,
SINGING, MASSAGE & BODYWORK
WALK, REST, BE
Join us at Eden Rise
“A place for inspiration, celebration and gratitude where visitors can reconnect to the earth and receive nourishment of body, heart and spirit.”
Sample Schedule
All activities are optional
At any point during the retreat, but especially during the free time sessions, you can wander around the stunning 7 acres of land surrounding the centre, enjoy a relaxing massage/treatment. In the evening, weather permitting, you will be able to enjoy a relaxing drink by the fire.
FRIDAY
11 am: Arrival, tea and snack
11.30:: Welcoming circle, introductions and practicalities
1pm Lunch
Free time/River paddle/Walk /Massages/treatments
4pm: Coaching circle
6.15 pm: Supper
7.45 Restorative Yoga
SATURDAY
8.30 To 9.15 Breakfast
9.30 Morning practices and Coaching circle
Tea break at 11am.
1pm Lunch
Free time/River paddle/Walk /Massages/treatments
4pm: Restorative Yoga
6.15 pm: Supper
7.45 Fireside singing
SUNDAY
8.30 To 9.15 Breakfast
9.30 Coaching circle.
1pm Lunch
Tidying our beautiful space and gentle clean together
Packing our belongings.
3pm Labyrinth Walk followed by Closing circle
4.30 pm: Returning home, feeling nourished and excited about our life.
The Retreat Team
Olivia Seck
inspired coach, eternal student and teacher of woman wisdom, mother of 4 and birth practitioner and trainer, Olivia has supported women and families for over 2 decades, especially through transitions such as pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.
Having recently retired from her birth work, Olivia now focuses mainly on her practice as a holistic pregnancy and motherhood coach. She still offers healing birth trauma sessions as this is still something she is deeply committed to.
In 2011, she founded and still co-run Radiant Mama (formerly the Totnes Holistic Birth Hub) a Devon project that offers info, emotional and practical support, classes, holistic therapies and a nourishing lunch within a community of like-minded parents – all on a donation basis.
Being a woman and a mother in the 21st century has been a deep exploration in her personal and professional life.
Her intention now is to share what she has learned and offer her presence and the tools she has gathered along the way, in service to women, families and a more peaceful and loving world.
Helen Yeomans
Helen Yeomans is the founder and leader of Glorious Chorus. She writes and/or arranges all the songs that the choir sings and runs workshops around the UK and abroad teaching her award-winning compositions.
Helen is a mother of 4. Her dream when she discovered the joy of singing in her late 30’s was to bring it to her mother friends as soon as her youngest was at playgroup. Thus was born Thula Mama – a weekly group of mums and babies who meet and sing together with Helen. She teaches a wide variety of songs in harmony from lullabies to gospel. Thula Mama itself is a beautiful South African lullaby. https://helenyeomans.co.uk/thula-mama/
What sets Helen apart is being able to bring out the best in all singers – from the professional to the absolute beginner.
Her ability to infuse groups with her passion and humour is a joy to witness.
Helen will be leading the Saturday evening session, outside by the fire, weather permitting or in our lovely Albion hall.
Expect a lot of fun and joy, and to be moved.
Emily Katsuno
Emily has been a yoga teacher since 2011 and is a mum to two little ones. She is now settled and teaches on the edge of South Dartmoor in Devon
Through her journey to becoming and being a mother, Emily connected to a more therapeutic and feminine voice within yoga and this is reflected in her teaching style.
Emily is dedicated to offering yoga to others in a way that actively and specifically supports mental health and wellbeing and welcomes all of who we are in the yoga space..
Many women discover the benefits of yoga for the first time during pregnancy. It can provide valuable tools that will support the body whilst pregnant and prepare mentally, physically and spiritually for labour and the journey into motherhood..
Emily will be teaching a pregnancy yoga class on Friday evening and on Saturday
Pricing
£395 to £495.
There are 2 donation places available.
Please contact Olivia to apply.
Includes zoom sessions, all in person activities, 2 nights accommodation in beautifully converted barns, and delicious vegetarian meals (most special diets can be catered for).
Excludes massages or treatments, which are an extra cost (from £25).
For now and until no longer necessary, we may need to follow a Covid protocol, which will mean no shared accommodation and social distancing will apply.
SPECIAL OFFER:
Bring a friend and save £50 each.
Contact us to check for availability, book your place or get more information.
A deposit of £100 secures your place. An instalment plan is available.
