We will gather on the land of 22 acres, where I am fortunate enough to live, a beautiful reforested valley and begin our pilgrimages from there, to specially chosen places of beauty, waterfalls, mossy hideaways and streams.
I will share some initial meditation guidance on how to open up to ways of seeing, listening and imagining into our inner and outer landscapes.
We will at times walk in silence, and open into practices that support our embodied present awareness, deepening into a dynamic stillness, seeing with a freshness of view, and a lens of gentle compassion for all that is seen and unseen, including each other.
In the afternoon, we will begin to journal sketch, and use gouache/watercolour to bring some of our arising images into form, and begin to gather our awakening visions.
With no fixed idea, they may perhaps become known on the paper, revealing themselves from your senses and surroundings.
The second day we will rise early with the daylight and head to Cadair Idris, and walk up to the Lake LLYN CAU. It is an incredibly beautiful place, that I hold dear to my heart, going early may allow us the silence and tranquillity of this mythical place. It’s about an hour or so walking uphill.
Again walking meditation in part, sitting by the lake, immersing ourselves in all that the landscape may share, the weather will guide our journey of pilgrimage.
Rivers of power flowing everywhere.
Fields of magnetism relating everything.
This is your origin. This is your lineage.
The current of creation is right here,
Coursing through subtle channels,
Animating this very form.
Follow the gentle touch of life,
Soft as the footprint of an ant,
As tiny sensations open to vastness.
Power sings as it flows,
Electrifies the organs of sensing,
Becomes liquid light,
Nourishes your entire being.
Celebrate the boundary
Where streams join the sea
Where body meets infinity.
(from the yogic sutras)
If there is energy for it we will gently walk to one more destination after lunch, gathering more to our cauldron of creativity.
On the final day, after packing up camp, we will drive to Pantperthog village hall to begin a studio day.
There will be painting guidance with many possibilities for ways of working that best suit what you have gathered over the past days. No experience needed just an openness to explore.
My offerings on the retreat, are informed by my meditation practice with Akong Rinpoche (Tibetan Buddhism), James Low (Dzogchen), Rob Burbea Catherine Mc Gee and Yahel Avigur (Soul Making Dharma), Carolyn Hillyer (Womens circles land weaving) Min Tanaka (Butoh), Visionary Artists-Daniel Mirante, Vanessa Lemen, Christopher Remmers and more.
I have travelled a great deal, and embarked on incredible pilgrimages to Mount Kailash in Tibet, Padmasambhava trail in Sikkim India , and finding my way to the incredible landscape of Wales, where I can hear the land more clearly.
I would recommend camping on the land, to dream into the landscape, there is access to an outdoor kitchen, (or bring a camping stove) compost toilet, and reservoir to swim in.
Other accommodation is available in the area, best to book ahead.
A simple vegetarian lunch will be provide on the first day at camp , and final day in Panperthog, all other meals you will need to cater for. I could put you in touch with the group, if you’d like to cook together, or choose meals to cook, via a whats app group.
The land and camp is about 25mins outside of Machynlleth, more instructions on booking
£185 low income concession.
£220 standard
£250 supportive is the investment for the retreat, it includes art materials and lunches mentioned , teaching guidance and camping.
A non refundable deposit of £100 will secure your place.
Bring waterproofs, as Welsh weather can be unpredictable, walking boots, walking sticks, day bag, water bottle etc, usual hiking gear.
Bring a sketch book/journal,
Art materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your favourite brushes, paints, easel etc if you like.
To talk through any questions, practicalities or to book call on 07791158477, email or dm me on Instagram.