If you go down to the woods today…
You’ll remember you’re wild and free.
Review of Maverick Mum’s half day ‘Rewilding’ Retreat
My friend and I have been looking forward to this half day escape for a couple of weeks now, ever since the booking was made. As our car bumps along the track of 42 Acres in Witham Friary, there’s no doubt that we are entering a special space of privacy and calm surrounded by nature. We are greeted with warm smiles from the couple team – Rhiannon and Luke and the small group of other ‘Maverick Mums’ keen to experience some ‘rewilding’.
As we walk alongside a beaver-made marshland on one side, a magical camp emerges on the other. A beautifully crafted treehouse and other quirky landmarks such as a grandfather clock surround the campfire, where upturned logs invite us to sit and warm ourselves by the flames.
To help settle us into the day Rhiannon guides us through a meditative exercise and I start to feel my body truly settle and slow. As it does, I begin to notice the birdsong and trills echoing around us.
When was the last time I truly stopped and just listened? I can’t remember; and this stark realisation gives me a jolt – my first learning of the day.
Forest Bathing
Luke then guides us through ‘Forest Bathing’ – a totally immersive experience of mindfully exploring the forest, enhancing your attention to the senses and transforming an everyday ‘walk in the woods’ to something extraordinary. There is much research evidencing the health benefits of Forest Bathing (include link Luke shared with group?) including a reduction in the stress hormone Cortisol, giving your immune system a boost and a reduction in physical ailments such as headaches, high blood pressure and arthritis. But the research papers cannot convey how enchanting the experience is in its own right…
Encouraged by Luke as a group we explored with a childlike curiosity, freedom and lack of self-consciousness. For the first time in years, I remove my boots and socks and walk barefoot across the moss, feeling its spongy softness between my toes. And I give it the attention it deserves. The cold infiltrates my feet until they are almost numb (it is February after all!), but at the point where it starts becoming too much, something amazing happens; heat suddenly starts emanating from the earth back up into my soles, and I feel a deep and profound connection with the ground beneath me; with nature as a whole. A calm and contented certainty spreads through my system – a second learning from the day.
Wild swimming
Returning back to camp for popcorn, warm drinks and reflections helps us take stock of the morning so far, but also prepare us for the next activity of the day – a dip in the lake! There is a range of wild swimming experience within the group – some who swim regularly with other Maverick Mums at Vobster Quay, some sea swimmers, some “dippers”, and some completely new to the scene but curious and wanting to get a glimpse. Peripheral equipment such as gloves and socks are readily made available for us newbies, which definitely helps take the edge off the February chill!
As a child I had always been worried about not being able to see the bottom of wherever I swam, and as an adult I confess, the worry is still lingering there in the shadows a bit! But I am allowed to wait and watch others get in and this reassures me there are no monsters lurking below! Encouraged and supported by Rhiannon to go at our own pace, we each take turns to lower ourselves into the fresh water – some for a few seconds, some for several minutes – it is all totally accepted and celebrated within the group. And my; there is so much to celebrate!
As the water envelopes us, many of us take a gasp like that first breath our babies took at birth – a deep life-surging lungful! My body awareness heightens within the cold water in a way that enriches my sense of self – where I begin, where I end, and how I am connected with this amazing natural world. Obviously, submerging yourself in 7° water is not everyone’s cup of tea on a daily basis – but I promise you, it is definitely one to add to your bucket list! As for me, I realise I have truly fallen in love with the experience and doing it in the safe hands of Rhiannon, has given me the confidence I need to join up at Vobster Quay – something I’d been holding back on for fear that it would be too cold for me or I wasn’t good enough.
Remember your wild
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Re-wild yourself at our half day retreat
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Book now
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Remember your wild 〰️ Re-wild yourself at our half day retreat 〰️ Book now 〰️
Sauna
Having emerged from the lake and warmed ourselves back up a bit with a short walk back to camp, the sauna awaits - fuelled by the forest’s own bountiful wood supply.
Closeted together in the cosy space we let the heat sink deep into our bodies and I take the opportunity to look around the group. Every single one of us has a new-found sparkle in our eyes – energy, enthusiasm…joy.
It feels as though, for a few precious hours, we have entered a secret world that has nourished the roots of our beings, topping us up for the real world we are about to return to.
So much has been experienced in just 4 hours, yet the time has maintained a peaceful and leisurely flow which is testament to the energy that Rhiannon and her partner Luke bring to the experience. You can sense their love of and connection with the outdoors, and their desire to enable others to connect and explore the natural landscape both within and outside of themselves.
a secret world that has nourished the roots of our beings.
Gathering once again around the campfire with Cacao warming our hands and delicious sweet treats being passed between us, the group shares how the retreat has impacted them. There is a unanimous sentiment that the time has reinvigorated us, reconnected us with ourselves, with nature, and reset their system afresh to bring back an inner sunshine.
Coming away from the retreat, I feel an inner sanctum of tranquillity has been created deep within me. A space I will be able to return to in the face of inevitable parental and life logistical challenges headed my way as I drive back; but, my cup has been filled, important life lessons absorbed, and I’m excited to go forth and share the joy I have found through this Maverick Mums retreat with those I love.
Remember your wild
Embrace the tranquility of nature!
Join us for a soul-enriching experience of connection, rewilding, and self-discovery in the beautiful ancient woodlands at 42 Acres, Witham Friary, Somerset.
Reawaken your senses, discover your calm and clarity, go back to nature and to you.
