Elemental Joy - Wild Tuscany Retreat
Foreste Casentinese National Park 11th-18th September 2017
You are warmly invited to join us in the magnificent setting of Caselino for a week of gentle release, restoration, re-wilding and play. This week long retreat is not only set in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy but one of the most spiritually charged areas in this wonderful country. If you are looking for a genuine Off-Grid experience then quickly read on. Deep in the heart of the Italian countryside, in the foothills of La Verna the monastery of St Francis, lies this beautiful sanctuary where we will come together as a community, sharing and supporting one another as we explore the theme of balance.
Guided by the surrounding landscape we will journey through the four elements of earth, air, fire and water and the four directions of the medicine wheel, to experience the ways we are supported and nourished by Nature and how they are reflected within ourselves. Holding ceremony with each element we will open the channels for receiving inspiration from the natural world and create the space for this to be expressed creatively.
Through meditation, play, creative exercises, ceremony and ritual we will access our intuitive wisdom and allow a natural and authentic way of Being to arise. There will be ample opportunities for solitary reflection, walks in nature, wild swimming, dancing, star gazing, dancing and playful adventures.
As we gather near the time of the Autumn Equinox, we will celebrate the fruits of summer and abundance of autumn by reflecting on our own inner harvest, gathering the seeds of our intention to sow for the next solar cycle. We will explore practices and rituals that strengthen the power of our intention and commitment, as well as how to integrate insights from our experiences.
This retreat provides an opportunity to melt back into your wild nature, allowing a natural joy, reverence and connection to arise as we surrender any barriers that keep us separate from our true nature. Weaving together the threads of the medicine wheel we will recognise our part in the whole, how we are a reflection of the whole, and how to cultivate this inner harmony.
THE LOCATION: The house is reached by an old stone road only accessible on foot or by 4X4. Casalino lies within the Foreste Casentinese National Park - one of the biggest area of uninterrupted forest in Europe - and thanks to this the original fauna is reclaiming it's place. With porcupines, wild boar, roe and fallow deer and even wolves rambling the landscape, it´s easy to feel as though we are the intruders.
The many footpaths leading through the Park make it easy and pleasurable to explore the lush environment.The Sanctuary of St.Francis of Assisi - La Verna - is just 1.5 hours walk from Casalino through an age old beach forest known as the enchanted forest. Also, Michelangelo's birthplace (Caprese Michelangelo) is just 25km away. This is an area rich in culture and spiritual importance.
Being so deep in the wilderness away from civilisation Casalino very much creates a feeling of retreat from day to day life. It's the perfect setting to immerse yourself in nature, unplug from your daily life, and reconnect with yourself.
TO DO: Appart from the daily rituals and activities there is ample opportunity for
NATURE WALKS
WATERFALL SWIMS,
MUSIC
DANCING
DAY TRIPS ; such as St Frances monastery, an abandoned hilltop village and a magical sacred forest.
ACCOMODATION: please go here for lots of photographs: http://www.wildtuscany.org/venue.html
The accommodation is simple yet perfectly snug. Either in the main house ( sharing four to a room ) or in tents and Tipis around the house. This is done on a first come first serve basis. There are solar showers in the grounds which are blissful, as well as a main bathroom in the house and compost toilets outside. All electricity is solar powered so it is possible to charge small devices (phones, ipads) during the day.
You are warmly invited to join us in the magnificent setting of Caselino for a week of gentle release, restoration, re-wilding and play. This week long retreat is not only set in one of the most beautiful parts of Italy but one of the most spiritually charged areas in this wonderful country. If you are looking for a genuine Off-Grid experience then quickly read on. Deep in the heart of the Italian countryside, in the foothills of La Verna the monastery of St Francis, lies this beautiful sanctuary where we will come together as a community, sharing and supporting one another as we explore the theme of balance.
Guided by the surrounding landscape we will journey through the four elements of earth, air, fire and water and the four directions of the medicine wheel, to experience the ways we are supported and nourished by Nature and how they are reflected within ourselves. Holding ceremony with each element we will open the channels for receiving inspiration from the natural world and create the space for this to be expressed creatively.
Through meditation, play, creative exercises, ceremony and ritual we will access our intuitive wisdom and allow a natural and authentic way of Being to arise. There will be ample opportunities for solitary reflection, walks in nature, wild swimming, dancing, star gazing, dancing and playful adventures.
As we gather near the time of the Autumn Equinox, we will celebrate the fruits of summer and abundance of autumn by reflecting on our own inner harvest, gathering the seeds of our intention to sow for the next solar cycle. We will explore practices and rituals that strengthen the power of our intention and commitment, as well as how to integrate insights from our experiences.
This retreat provides an opportunity to melt back into your wild nature, allowing a natural joy, reverence and connection to arise as we surrender any barriers that keep us separate from our true nature. Weaving together the threads of the medicine wheel we will recognise our part in the whole, how we are a reflection of the whole, and how to cultivate this inner harmony.
THE LOCATION: The house is reached by an old stone road only accessible on foot or by 4X4. Casalino lies within the Foreste Casentinese National Park - one of the biggest area of uninterrupted forest in Europe - and thanks to this the original fauna is reclaiming it's place. With porcupines, wild boar, roe and fallow deer and even wolves rambling the landscape, it´s easy to feel as though we are the intruders.
The many footpaths leading through the Park make it easy and pleasurable to explore the lush environment.The Sanctuary of St.Francis of Assisi - La Verna - is just 1.5 hours walk from Casalino through an age old beach forest known as the enchanted forest. Also, Michelangelo's birthplace (Caprese Michelangelo) is just 25km away. This is an area rich in culture and spiritual importance.
Being so deep in the wilderness away from civilisation Casalino very much creates a feeling of retreat from day to day life. It's the perfect setting to immerse yourself in nature, unplug from your daily life, and reconnect with yourself.
TO DO: Appart from the daily rituals and activities there is ample opportunity for
NATURE WALKS
WATERFALL SWIMS,
MUSIC
DANCING
DAY TRIPS ; such as St Frances monastery, an abandoned hilltop village and a magical sacred forest.
ACCOMODATION: please go here for lots of photographs: http://www.wildtuscany.org/venue.html
The accommodation is simple yet perfectly snug. Either in the main house ( sharing four to a room ) or in tents and Tipis around the house. This is done on a first come first serve basis. There are solar showers in the grounds which are blissful, as well as a main bathroom in the house and compost toilets outside. All electricity is solar powered so it is possible to charge small devices (phones, ipads) during the day.
YOUR HOSTS:
Isla Macleod:
Isla has been exploring indigenous traditions, ceremony, ritual and story since her childhood, spent in Nigeria and Japan, and through her studies of History, photography and Shamanism. She has spent the past decade gathering tools and wisdom to weave together ways of healing that are inspired by Nature and rooted in these lands.
Whilst undertaking a training in shamanic healing, Isla was called to live in solitude in the ancient woodlands of Sussex, where her deepest training began, with Nature as her guide. She explored practices that awoke ancient pathways of memory and wisdom within, as well as unearthing myths and stories woven in to the fabric of Nature. Through cultivating a relationship with our ancestors and the trees based upon reverence and service, Isla recognised the potential for healing, transformation and empowerment through connecting to the natural world in authentic and creative ways.
Her healing work weaves together ceremony and ritual, sound, journeys in to the landscape, energy cultivation practices, movement, play and inner and outer exploration. Isla is a natural facilitator and companion for your journey back into nature's embrace; approaching healing in a gentle, grounded and playful way.
Hunter Delves;
Hunter has worked across Europe as a Retreat Manager, Holistic therapist, Sound Healer, Motivational Coach and Workshop leader for over 10 years. His approach is joyful, wild and unceremonious. Drawing on his own mixed life experiences he teaches a non-judgmental practice using predominantly Buddhist and Pagan teachings and attitudes to bring about Joy, Self Expression and laughter. Hunter often uses dance, Holistic therapies, One to one sessions, nature, elemental practices and energy work to bring out the best in people, to allow yourself to be perfectly genuine, guiltless, childlike, creative, loving and free. Hunter first found Caselino whilst volunteering in 2015 and fell in love with the wild nature, forests and formed a friendship with the founder of the Caselino, George.
Hunter has worked across Europe as a Retreat Manager, Holistic therapist, Sound Healer, Motivational Coach and Workshop leader for over 10 years. His approach is joyful, wild and unceremonious. Drawing on his own mixed life experiences he teaches a non-judgmental practice using predominantly Buddhist and Pagan teachings and attitudes to bring about Joy, Self Expression and laughter. Hunter often uses dance, Holistic therapies, One to one sessions, nature, elemental practices and energy work to bring out the best in people, to allow yourself to be perfectly genuine, guiltless, childlike, creative, loving and free. Hunter first found Caselino whilst volunteering in 2015 and fell in love with the wild nature, forests and formed a friendship with the founder of the Caselino, George.
George ( @ Wild Tuscany) :
George has been running Caselino mountain retreat for over ten years and provides a rustic, warm and generous welcome to all of his guests. Geoge has a relaxed, welcoming and care free approach to life, accepting everyone and everything with a warm smile and gentle laugh. His centre hosts amazing events throughout the summer, do check out his website at:www.wildtuscany.org
George ( @ Wild Tuscany) :
George has been running Caselino mountain retreat for over ten years and provides a rustic, warm and generous welcome to all of his guests. Geoge has a relaxed, welcoming and care free approach to life, accepting everyone and everything with a warm smile and gentle laugh. His centre hosts amazing events throughout the summer, do check out his website at:www.wildtuscany.org
DATES: Arriving Monday 11th September - leaving Monday 18th September.
COST: The cost of the 7 night retreat is only £450 including all meals (vegetarian) Accommodation ( which is either in the main house or in tents overlooking the national park) and also transfers from Bibbiena train station to the retreat.
The retreat is limited to 15 places to allow for space, one to one instruction and intimacy.
Do feel free to call me on: 07586923079 if you have any questions.
We look forward to hearing from you.
COST: The cost of the 7 night retreat is only £450 including all meals (vegetarian) Accommodation ( which is either in the main house or in tents overlooking the national park) and also transfers from Bibbiena train station to the retreat.
The retreat is limited to 15 places to allow for space, one to one instruction and intimacy.
Do feel free to call me on: 07586923079 if you have any questions.
We look forward to hearing from you.