title programme

Embracing the Change: A Mindful Journey through Menopause

date

March 16 - 18

 

facilitator

Chris Bowles

organiser

price

For many women, approaching and going through the menopause can be both a challenging and a liberating experience, as we come to terms with changes in our bodies and emotions, the roles we play in life and the ways in which we define ourselves. In our contemporary Western culture, we allow ourselves little time for rest, reflection and celebration of this important phase in our life’s journey. This weekend retreat embraces an earlier tradition of contemplation and creative activity at times of change and transition, helping you to develop stability and resilience in the face of the physical and emotional upheaval of menopause. It will give you the time and space you need to explore your creative self and to learn ways of being fully and vibrantly present with each moment of your life as it unfolds.

Building on a framework of Mindfulness meditation practice, storytelling and image-work, creative writing and artwork, sound and movement, we will look at ways of:

Building on a framework of Mindfulness meditation practice, storytelling and image-work, creative writing and artwork, sound and movement, we will look at ways of:

• * Loving and accepting your body – relaxing, centring and staying present with body sensations and the symptoms of menopause.
• * Managing your mood – working mindfully with thoughts and emotions.
• * Nurturing yourself – developing self-compassion; mindful self-care; simple stretches for groundedness and flexibility.
• * Increasing enjoyment and appreciation in day-to-day life.
• * Developing a Mindful First Aid kit – Simple strategies to help you “weather the storm   and stay stable in challenging times.
• * Exploring who you are now: Letting go of the past, accepting the present, embracing the future.
• * Celebrating the journey into wisdom, maturity and liberation in the company of like-minded women.

Facilitator:  Chris Bowles is a Mindfulness teacher, retreat leader and stress management coach. She has over 30 years’ experience of facilitating groups privately, in organisations and in the NHS. Chris holds a Diploma in Humanistic Psychology & Group Facilitation, a Diploma in Stress Management and has additional training in coaching and counselling. She has undertaken training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction & Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy with the University of Bangor Centre for Mindfulness.

Category A rooms: £276 per person (inc all meals)

(twin/double/triple room with en suite)             

Category B rooms: £258 per person (inc all meals)

(twin/double/triple room with shared bathroom or quad room with en suite)