Being Man, Being Woman – April 8-10

Being Man, Being Woman, is a fate, whatever we choose to do with that (and Secret Garden welcomes all choices and struggles about this core theme). This is vulnerable space to bring the whole of your being. Do you value freedom, living alive and awake, beingness, depth? Do you value the conscious relating these make possible?

We humans, we men and women, are all things – unlimited, powerful and yet vulnerable, sometimes fragile. You cannot live an awake life of presence and love unless your relationship with all the colours of being human, of being man, of being woman – in self and other – is resolved.

This is an invitation to travel deeper into loving being the man or the woman you are. If you are not fully able to celebrate all your choices and every day living in your body, living your s-ual energy, living free of repression, denial, blame and resentments, opening to the pleasure and pain of your life fully, fully honest to yourself and others, then your natural-ness, the sweet gift and wonder of your life is compromised.

The big circle and the men’s circle or the women’s circle are your beautiful anchors and exploratory ground for this beautiful work of self-realisation. Men and women need to do work in their journey of waking up that is different from that of their opposite gender. That is regardless of sexual preferences. These spaces are fully embracing of LGBTQIA+ humans.  The men’s and women’s circles gatherings will be longer than in other retreats, to allow lots of space for deeper same-gender exploration, winessing and healing to happen for you.

There will also be initiation and ritual in these spaces and in the big circle. Add in laughter, conscious boundaried touch, dance and more in great company.You find safe harbour to lovingly embrace any worries, confusion, helplessness or dilemma, any holdbacks to full sensual and sexual aliveness, and inspiration arising from the depth, to find, live, your natural joy and pleasure again.

Best few days of 2022 by far! ~ Stephen H., Buxton

It was inspiring to hear the feelings and experiences of the women in our separate women’s circle, and then deeply moving to witness the men being so surrendered and open. I loved all the various structures, which I found very freeing, encouraging me to move beyond convention and restriction into a place of joyful expression and connection. How beautiful! I want to say thankyou to both of you for being such loving, insightful and supportive facilitators ~ Anne Fearon, Cardiff

Dive into authentic community. In times of uncertainty and conflict on the planet, we need community and connection more than ever. If you have been drawn and wish to discover what Secret Garden is, or wish to meet old friends and replenish what you have received and learned from the circle in the past, join us. All are welcome. This is very beautiful work. You will benefit from deep immersion in that which is beyond you, a dive into stillness and silence. You emerge back into ‘ordinary’ life inspired, nourished and fuller from new insights and ways of being, so that you radiate presence and tenderness to all around.

Fundamental to all Joy’s retreats is the core principle that life is energetic and unconditional. Life has its natural laws and also simply responds to the signals you give out, whether those signals are conscious or unconscious.

Come join us and create your space for

Exploring unconscious archetyal energies

Exploring and accepting the shadows of wounded masculine and wounded feminine – how to recognise and be free of these in your life & relating

Discovering and energising masculine and feminine gifts, beyond gender.

Are you ready to deeply live the truth that all that is real is the love that you are?

Step more fully your own life; and release what is no longer needed. 

Join the men and women who choose to sit in circles of healing and awakening because you, like them, value heart over mind.

A gorgeous fusion of deep sharing, touching and sometimes playful structures, silence, profound meditations and an initiation, and Huna healings, bodywork, dance, laughter. Join us because you intuit that every human conditioned response or so-called problem dissolves in the heart’s silence and that any intelligent action, when needed, comes from that freedom and stillness.

Come join us if you are ready for what lies beyond the personal, if you value freedom to be over personality, if you are ready to drop your old stories and ideals for the sake of What Is.

thankyou for a wonderful, joyful time…I am full of delight and smiles, excited about my next steps and possibilities…and clear, with some trepidation, of the next pieces of inner work that need to be done ~ Hettie P., nr Stroud

Being around a pretty conscious bunch of good men & women should provide a fertile zone of learning, listening & applying lessons. And so it was ! ….I feel more at home in my life & am taking responsibility for my part in making it work well.  My shiatsu practice has gained … & I have more clients now. Warmth..inspiring…richness…real intimacy…an adventure I have valued and gained deeply from. I thank you, Tim & Joy ~ Kalandar Warren, Stroud

Top quality healing & growth for the separate self, whilst all around the whisper that the separate self is not real. This Love-infused combination is pretty special. Joy: profoundly loving, profoundly insightful, funny, earthy. Penetrating insight combined with unconditional love. Tim: wonderfully human, wonderfully encouraging, funny, clean; a beautiful – road-tested – masculine light, full of love. The down-to-earth humour of you both is worth its weight in gold. I feel constantly, quietly, encouraged and celebrated through being part of the Secret Garden community ~ Stephen Hancock, Devon and Buxton

I’m feeling different, it’s subtle but real. I feel happier with what is, & am noticing so much love & beauty around me every day. My deepest gratitude to you dear Joy for all that I have learned & am learning from you ~ Karen Scott, Narberth

This is cutting-edge ~ Steve, Isle of Man

a catalyst for fundamental change in how I look at life; I have found time to love myself more, have placed greater priority towards strengthening relationships within my family & other friendships and am pursuing a pathway which is heartfelt than mind felt. I also saw huge benefit in how circles are successful when well facilitated and held with love. It was also useful to see some individuals further along the awakening journey “fine-tuning” themselves vulnerably, while also modelling “best practice” for others…the importance of being present; dropping judgements; being aware of our own shadow/triggers and their impact on others & embracing the pure beauty of being truly intimate with others ~ Paul Collins, Glocs.

Ensures time/space allocated for what really matters, and … a deep connection with my being. Joy’s unique offering is her wisdom, intuition & insight. Tim’s unique offering is his heart and human-ness ~ Kim Rossi, Notts

the beginnings of having a closer connection to (my wife) and also being a little bit more present with others including my work colleagues and family…time in the circle (individually) and as part of a wider connected group to experience what is happening…. a chance to be more real. It is inspiring to see how other people have insights and understanding about themselves ~ Chris H., Surrey

Thank you so much for such a rich retreat, it feels extraordinary what you have created. What Joy creates means that transformation can happen in an instant when and if people are willing and step into the potential that is there. The circles are full of love, deep insights and potent learnings, laughter and humanity. ‘Me’ and my life have changed immeasurably since beginning work with Joy. For much of my life, I have doubted love existed, now I feel I want to dedicate my life to growing it ~ Hettie, Stroud

Are you ready to resolve your inner & outer conflicts, face current challenges and create more pleasure as love, doing what love would do?

Are you ready to create real & profound change by working deeply with that which isn’t love within your being and discover the awesome power & joy of your pristine and unfettered soul?

… then this retreat is for you! Suitable for all who wish to live an easeful, chosen life, rather than a conditioned one. We recommend you book early – numbers are strictly limited for this event. Book Your Place Below, Now.

Course Fees

Add your course place to your basket, below. There are delicious catered suppers on Saturday evening & also Sunday and Monday lunch . We work with a local, very experienced caterer who loves to produce gorgeous & nourishing food, using organic ingredients where possible. Please see details in ‘Description’ below.

This is a non-residential course. If you wish to book very good value b & b (with hot tub & beautiful views!)  just select that option below. Please see details in ‘Description’ below.  Note the friend discount is applicable if you bring someone new to Secret Garden.

Early booking course fee

Until March 16th

£297

Full course fee

March 16th onwards

£367

    Reset options

    £19 discount if you bring a friend

    Couple / friend discount?

    IMPORTANT: Both people must book separately - or if you wish to book on somebody's behalf, you must log in as them before making their booking

    *Name of attendee

    *Name of partner/friend

    *Catering per person

    • 69 £

    Special Diet Allergy Details (see note below)

    Newsletters - please confirm if you would like to be included

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Catered Meals

Eating together is an enjoyable way to relax & meet in a different way than we do in the circle. It supports our explorations to have some meals prepared for us. Your catering payment is mandatory. It covers all refreshments during the day & evenings, plus Saturday supper and Sunday and Monday lunch . There is a meat/fish option, a vegetarian option or a special diet option which you need to choose from in the drop down box above.  The food is nourishing, tasty and plentiful, and organic to a large extent. The desserts are yummy.  Catered lunches consist of vegan soups and vegan or vegetarian salads. The caterer also provides cheeses, perhaps sometimes hummous, eggs, or beef slices, plus salads, ricecakes, oatcakes and bread, fruit and cake.

Special diets

If you have a special diet, you must select that option from the drop down box above AND detail a) What your allergy is, and b) Exactly what you cannot eat as a result. We will then be aware of your dietary needs & will pass these to the centre or non-residential event caterer. Please note your health is always your own responsibility.

Non-catered meals

We bring food to share on Saturday lunchtime, and Sunday supper – for this, bring a baked potato plus toppings or salad or dessert. Everyone contributes to clearing up etc

Bed and breakfast Accommodation

Informal accommodation for this non-residential course, is available, on a friendship basis, for Saturday and Sunday evenings only,  at our beautiful, peaceful home 10 minutes drive from the daytime course venue in England’s largest designated area of outstanding beauty. The Saturday supper followed by evening circle is also held at this location. If you would like to stay overnight with us and many of the group participants, & enjoy self-serve breakfast, & the hot tub with its spectacular views, please select one of the options available in the drop down box above. Please note if you are a couple or 2 friends attending together (one of whom is new to Secret Garden), you must book your course places and your accommodation options separately and pay separately,  and you can both claim the couple discount. We have two cats so do make sure you are happy with that before booking. We need to know well in advance if you want this- first come, first served! You confirm your place (places strictly limited) with your payment. It’s an easy 90 minute drive from London, 40 minutes from Bristol, 20 minutes from Cheltenham. There is a regular train service to Stroud from London , Bristol, Bath and elsewhere and an easy taxi journey from Stroud. Full directions given after booking.

The Valley has never been intensively farmed, sprayed or built on. It is rare limestone grassland habitat and its ancient beechwoods have rich flora & abundant wildlife. The hillsides and the woodlands you can walk are known for many different types of wild orchid and lots of badgers & deer. The Valley is a place of natural abundance & strong, healing energy and is acclaimed for it exceptional beauty.

Each option – shared Dorm accommodation on soft mats, twin room on soft mats, single room with bed or single room with mats, camper van and camping (bring own gear) – is available until fully booked -please select your choice above as they go fast.  That option is fully booked if it isn’t displayed or says out of stock. Unless you have a bed option, you will need to bring your own bedding, sleeping bag or sheets. If travelling by train or bus, let us know and we can lend you a duvet and pillow but please bring sheets and pillow cases if possible. All options include use of hot tub, hot indoor and outdoor showers and all sitting rooms.

The breakfast kitchen at Mayfaire is vegetarian. Your bed and breakfast fee includes a plentiful self-serve informal breakfast. We don’t provide special diet meals but we do provide in addition to the usual breakfast foods, rice and soya milk, soya yoghurt, cornflakes (gluten free), porridge (wheat free), organic baked beans, herb teas, oat & rice cakes. Do please bring any other special diet ‘extras’ you might need in a cool bag. if you need to supplement your diet with meat or tinned fish, please bring that with you.

There is a fridge at Mayfaire & at the day venues we use, but cool bags are helpful to store some items. If you have an allergy, the responsibility for keeping yourself safe & well lies with you.

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A note about personal responsibility – it is an ongoing experiment for us holding a group & living communally at Mayfaire with those who value this way of being. . We ask for your trust and care and flexibility, no complaining is the deal! Take some time quietly to yourself when you need it, let go of personal preferences for the sake of community and all will flow smoothly. We are exploring consciousness together so please remember and live the Hawaiian principle of lokahi -harmony with one’s environment – at all times.

Enjoy a peaceful, rural retreat & the benefits of being fully with the energy of the group. We get fabulous feedback from those who stay here. This is very much community living and guests find it enhances their overall experience to stay with us and many of the group. There is lots of laughter! and it is good and sweet in many ways to hang out in an informal way, enjoy the hot tub and beautiful countryside in free time. We ask you to be mindful that this is our home and to please take care of it as though it were your own.

We cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury whilst you are at Mayfaire. Please take care of your own well being & safety, you learn & stay here informally as friends, at your own risk. We are sorry but we cannot refund b and b payment if you change your mind, or your own childcare arrangements etc go askew as it takes an extraordinary amount of time to organize and set up and once we are full we have to turn others away. In sudden, extreme change of circumstances such as serious family illness only we will set your payment against a future booking with pleasure at our discretion.

You are very welcome to stay with us in this idyllic valley if you can respect & understand the requests & guidelines provided on your arrival, which are similar to those of a retreat centre and designed for the enjoyment of all of us. Assistants are available to clarify any questions.

We love to share our home and the blessings of living here, in this beautiful area, with you all and welcome you!

Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey to the beautiful countryside of Gloucestershire and a peaceful, happy time til then.
Aloha,
Joy, Tim, Honey, Tiger and Beauty

Preliminary details about the Retreat

Here is an example of a non-residential rough plan which shows you how the days behind the scenes of your course will unfold. You will receive a detailed confirmation with start time before your Retreat . You do not need to know any other specifics before that.

*For the asterisked meals (Saturday lunch and Sunday breakfast if you stay at Mayfaire) you need to bring your own plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork, & spoon

Saturday No B&B on Fri pm/Sat am  Day Circle opens at Stroud venue Arrival times in your course confirmation sent a few weeks before Coffee break mid morning Tea break mid afternoon Bring food to share for Lunch * approx 1pm-2 15pm  at Stroud venue which has a kitchen Afternoon break approx 3 45pm Day circle closes approx. 5pm At Mayfaire Dinner 7pm- 8.30pm – Outside Caterer *8 30pm Evening Circle at Mayfaire for all participants Close 9 30pm Mayfaire B&B*  if you have booked to stay at Mayfaire on Sat & Sun night
Mayfaire B&B*  if you have booked to stay at Mayfaire Breakfast at Mayfaire *
7 45am-9.00am if b & b booked 		  Day Circle starts approx 10 00am in Stroud Coffee break mid morning Tea break mid afternoon  Catered Lunch* Coffee break mid morning Tea break mid afternoon  Shared Baked potato etc supperEvening Circle at Mayfaire for all participants Close 9 30pm Mayfaire B&B*  if you have booked to stay at Mayfaire 
Mayfaire B&B*  if you have booked to stay at Mayfaire Breakfast at Mayfaire *
7 45am-9.00am if b & b booked 		  Day Circle starts approx 10 00am in Stroud Coffee break mid morning Tea break   Catered Lunch* Coffee break  Tea break mid afternoon Circle closes approx 3;15 pm on Monday.  

 

Additional information

Accommodation per person Mayfaire 2 nights

£0 No Accomodation, £44 Camping, £44 Campervan, £52 Dorm with Mats, £54 Twin with Mats, £66 Single with Mats, £80 Single Bed Attic, £80 Single Bed downstairs, £84 Double with Bed

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