“May the Life stirring underground stir new dreams to life within you. May the flames of inspiration and passion be ignited in your soul ”

Pagan Blessing for Imbolc

Imbolc, the Pagan celebration of the very first stirrings of new life (co-opted by Christians for the Candlemas festival), is one of my favourite times of year. Everything is potential, a gentle vibration of energy just making itself felt. At Imbolc, anything seems possible. And, of course, it is.

I’ve been waiting for the right time to embark on a breath-led retreat for a while and have settled on a date over the Imbolc weekend next January. I’m a personal testimony to the life-changing powers of allowing the breath to show you the way (I spent 20 years as a tax accountant before this!!), and it’s always been something that’s felt too good to keep to myself. So this, my inaugural breathwork retreat, is my chance to share all I’ve learned with those who feel the call to join me. And whilst this is the first retreat of mine to take breath as its principal focus, its aims are nevertheless soaring, with the focus on liberation from limiting beliefs and behaviours and stepping into our own lives wholeheartedly.

I’ve called it the “Life Begins” retreat not just because of its timing to coincide with the festival of Imbolc but because, freed of old material that holds us back, its possible for ALL of us to obtain that sense of rebirth, of starting over, of anything being possible. It’s something the breath is more than capable of achieving for us; we just need to give ourselves the time and space (and a few tools) to allow the healing to happen. The Life Begins retreat will offer all of that, and a bit more.

The retreat will span over three days and nights, allowing time for your own journey with the breath to unfold at a gentle pace. It begins at 4pm on Thursday 30 January 2025 and concludes at midday on Sunday 2 February.

Life Begins takes place on the Suffolk coast, in Harbour Lodge in the beautiful village of Walberswick. Walberswick (and indeed Harbour Lodge itself) is a place very dear to my heart, as it’s where I spend my summer holidays with my family. For me, being on the coast always affords a sense of having retreated from the world, and I think Walberswick beach might just be my favourite place to be. The accommodation at Harbour Lodge is just the right side of luxe to remain cosy and comfortable. The communal spaces are inspiring, light and spacious, there’s a hot tub to enjoy and glorious coastal walks to explore in your down-time.

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be accompanied on the retreat by the endlessly supportive and kind Jojo Sounds, who’ll not only be offering us two sound healing experiences over the long weekend, but will also be there with a compassionate ear and a ready hug when needed.

Over the course of our long weekend together, you’ll experience:

• An introduction to different ways of working with the breath

• At least four full length guided breathwork experiences encompassing conscious connected breathwork, Holographic breathing and Wim-Hof inspired breahwork

• Pair and group work and discussion

• Two sound healing experiences with Jojo

• Guided relaxation and integration practices

• Morning meditation and movement

• Regular journalling prompts and time for self reflection

• Opening, closing and last night ceremonies

• Downtime to process your experiences - ideal for bracing coastal walks or time in the on-site hot-tub

• Fabulous warming and nutritious food throughout the retreat from our retreat chef Na; welcome mocktails and nibbles, three nourishing meals per day plus frequent hearty and healthy snacks. The food will be insanely good!

• Complimentary herbal teas and fruit bowl always available

• Optional massage treatments (extra charges apply)

• Support with your own journey during the retreat from Jojo and me

• The company of a fabulous group

• A journal for you to record your thoughts during the retreat and a special gift to take home with you

I have the following accommodation options (prices are person and fully inclusive of all meals, snacks, activities and equipment. I welcome single person bookings for twin room places and can match you up with other single bookers):

Single room - £685 (king-size master en-suite), or £655 (double en-suite)

Twin room - £585 (en-suite) or £545 (bathroom shared between four)

A £150 deposit secures your place. A further instalment of £200 will be due by the end of November, and the final balance (amount dependent on your room option) by the end of December.

I’m keeping the retreat intimate with just 8 spaces available. If you’d like to book, or if you have any questions at all or perhaps would like to set up a call to discuss the retreat, do please get in touch.

I do hope you choose to be there. To accept this invitation to breathe, to be more fully yourself in each moment, to allow life’s vistas to open and broaden and to discover you’re capable of more than you ever dreamed possible.