As The Peaceful Soul (Detzi) said post-event on the pictures we took and shared; "what a lovely little record of your special day", this is exactly the purpose of this blog post. Just like my previous one in May 'Catching the dream - a mini retreat'. Whilst I am present at such things I am also conscious to capture moments of these magical events I participate in. As whilst I am extremely grateful for my photographic and chronological memory, however, that gift will not last forever. Plus as a visual learner I learn from the collected imagery.
I kicked off my 40th birthday celebrations with a bespoke mini spiritual retreat on 18 July, held again on the land at Langar Hall, facilitated by the lovely Detzi. An idea conjured during a healing drum event I attended on 19 June 2025, and I just felt the need to make this a reality. Rather than going out or having a big party I'd much prefer to have a spiritual and mindful day of something like this, to spend time in nature with friends and recharge my soul etc. Especially given my timely big release bringing a close to a long previous cycle and chapter. Something different and an experience for everyone, not about me, but came together for my special milestone.
Me and Detzi met at the end of January to collaborate on ideas and a theme. There was a lot to begin with but in May we met to finalise plans and streamline it a bit.
Me - "Wow, got a bit emotional reading the plan - words can't describe how thankful I am for you doing this for me."Detzi - "So pleased you like the plan – I think this will be such a special event. And to see all your friends indulging in what drives you right now will be such a lift for you. Can’t wait!!"
I was going to attend spiritual retreat for my birthday regardless, as if I didn't get the numbers it would have been open to the public. However it would have been extra meaningful if some of my friends joined me. Initially I was weirdly nervous putting the invite out to my friends, even though they know I am into all of this stuff, but given the topic it might not appeal to some. However, I didn't expect to receive the response I did. Within the first hour of putting the invite out I had exceeded my maximum numbers. I was truly overwhelmed by it. So I had to make separate plans with some others but a optimistic wink of doing another in the future. To do this with close friends deeply meant a lot to me. I'd rather much spend time and days doing stuff like this and connecting deeply with one and another. Especially those who did initially felt uncomfortable and out of their comfort zone. That was pretty magical to share together. However I think it is good for us to be taken out of our comfort zones every now and again, and break the cycle and gain new perspectives.
I feel that retreats of this kind are increasingly becoming important to rest and express, should one be willing to accept the call/invitation. Whilst some might view retreats as just a cacao, share and 'massaging egos', and perhaps not true authentic ancient practices. However, this was not the case, but real deep work; the ability to be silent, present, open, share, recognise ourselves and truths and experience full nature immersion. I've previously experienced first hand how these spaces are transformative for people, and to see my friends, especially those new to it, engage and participate, I could see it had a positive impact on them, even if small for some.
Detzi - "We went from this to this this morning. I have just finished connecting with the land and charging the space in preparation for tomorrow. It’s gonna be a fabulous day!!!I even had three buzzards circling overhead just as I was finishing pegging out the tent. 🙌 🙏"Me - "Ha, we're in sync, I was out running and I was wondering if you had set up. Then you pinged. Wow, this caught me off guard. It looks so epic. I'm speechless. Quite emotional tbh. And awesome about the buzzards! I wonder if we'll get some come by tomorrow."
On the morning I cleansed and carried in my pockets a sphere amethyst, sunstone, opalite and what I think might be a type of moss agate. To draw on their energies to support me throughout the day. Unlike my last visit in May to Langar Hall, I drove up the tree lined entrance - what a joy this brought me. Such a beautiful entrance to a beautiful land. As I parked up I'm glad I saw Louise (Langar Hall land owner) to say a quick hello. We all wouldn't be here doing this if she wasn't such a lovely person in opening up her land to people for such things.
As I walked down to the area where we were holding the day, I got a glimpse of the tent through the trees. I felt quite overwhelmed in that it was real and here. As I got to greet friends arriving it was a great uplifting feeling to introduce and walk them through the land.
We started off out in the shed settling into the day and with an informative and gentle introduction by Detzi. Then we moved over to the tent on the grass amongst the trees. We then made our way to the tent, which felt like a little ceremonial walk to it. As I stepped into the tent I felt joyfully overwhelmed, it just felt incredible, beyond what I can articulate by words. Just beautiful! The first activity was settling into the space and ourselves through mindfully drinking cacao and then passing around Detzi's unique talking stick - don't question what's on there too deeply ha. But before we passed it around, Detzi shared a few essential oil/scents she brings to such sessions that we can put on our wrists and faces, like frankincense, and some themed - which we had a little laugh about when a friend was asking for peace. It felt such an honour to be in a circle with my friends and my husband. In my opening talking stick I acknowledged the close of the big release of my previous chapter and a step over the threshold into a new chapter, I guess spiritually, emotionally and even physically. I got quite emotional and shed a tear, as the moment with close friends around me and thanking them for being here obviously heightened my emotions. Detzi gently and sensitively responded to us individually and encouraged us to further explore our experiences of what it might mean to us. Guiding us through our interpretations. During the cacao ceremony, the words step change came to me, my eyes were watering for quite a bit during this and after, but not because I was an emotional wreck, perhaps a cleansing of some kind. My sharing afterwards was that I felt a release, a slight heaviness disappeared or shifted, like a real change. After this circle experience, a friend commented on a common theme of 'chapters' that everyone had mentioned in some form. A few of us are turning 40 around the same time, and for some impending exciting life changes so it was really fitting for us all. Perhaps hence why chapters and thresholds were a common theme. As we might have all been reflecting on our journeys, younger years and the memories we don't want to let go of, as we mature and transition into our forthcoming phases. I also observed themes like childhood, playfulness, softness, softening edges coming through too. And not to lose that or tap into it more - I for one. We can get too serious in adulting with the responsibilities and accountability we hold. As critical as they are, it's essential we balance with humour and weirdness! So for me, this was not just a heart sharing and intention setting. This was an open invitation for deep work which my friends embraced and were guided carefully through. Which was clearly evident as the day progressed. Knowing their personalities and some being unsure, they had verbally and visibly recognised truths and reflections otherwise difficult to notice.
Afterwards, we were invited to connect with nature by peacefully and mindfully exploring the land and finding a natural object that resonates with us. Objects that we feel drawn to that represent how we feel at our present time, bringing any thoughts that we can articulate through their shape, purpose, texture, colour and perhaps smell. I somehow acquired quite a collection - nearly all of the elements, naturally, not forced. I found 4 great looking feather outside the shed. I was excited to learn they were buzzard feathers. When I collected my nature findings, I chose the largest feather and shared that I was contemplating my growth as a person, and how the buzzard feathers confirm my recent birds of prey sightings meaning heightened perspective and world view aspects. I kept all objects, especially the feather as I feel I need to work with these at a later date. I was also pondering about the feathers own growth on the bird from it's first flight and all the journeys and views it has experienced. Relating back to my own journey I have undertaken. If I had spent longer contemplating on it, the rough edges and smooth edges may represent something. Detzi guided us by talking through how she engages and interprets her experiences with her found objects. Everyone had a personally profound response. It really was warming to see, and it did not feel forced but deeply authentic, and somewhat emotional knowing my friends. Decisions to be made, reflecting on situations, releasing hurt and negativity and confirmations of sorts. On close of this to break for lunch, Detzi showed us a technique on how to release tension through our legs as we walked.
We had quite the community picnic style lunch on the grass. It just felt nice and relaxed with conversations flowing well.
After indulging ourselves, we were invited to get our bodies active and participate in some embodied movement. Bringing ourselves consciously into our bodies to acknowledge, release and/or express what might be there - feeling into the radiance theme. I decided to do a bit of shaking as an animal would, then I threw myself around a little bit - I often do a bit of Movement Medicine with Katherine after all. When we started the practice, we faced each others with eyes closed. Whilst I was in motion, I cheekily opened my eyes and saw a couple of friends peeping at others. Well it is an odd practice to begin with, but no pun intended, when you get into the rhythm and feeling into the body and connecting and deeply moving with the music, creativity and the mind can play. We then faced the other way to avoid feeling embarrassed or judged and to maximise attention on ourselves. I broke for a few moments to take a pic of us in movement.
A short comfort break and we headed back to the tent for shamanic sound cleansing. The guided meditation healing journey before the sound cleanse felt very meaningful with my current situation. We then drifted into our calm and peaceful states, open to receiving whatever comes to us or simply just feeling relaxed. I had a cute little moment with Gary when he touched my hand. Detzi then came around with a variety of shamanic sound instruments to soothe us. I recall hearing a few lion-sized snores on either side of me ha! Detzi brought the day to a close through brief reiki on our heads. My head definitely welcomed this as the fuzziness that was whirring suddenly stopped and eased. A friend said that you really felt cared for. I strongly agree, there's a really genuine and authentic care in her hands and for the people in front of her. She exudes genuine human compassion. I interjected at end to say if people enjoyed all of the things we had been doing, Detzi offers spaces, workshops and Facebook live meditations for people to access.
The day was a good mix of stillness yet the time in this space went too quick, and some of us wanted to be in the circle longer. Towards the end of the day it felt like we had all dropped into a state of community. A nice little social part at the end, talking and catching up. Detzi was even approached by two friends to support their own retreats; Jenna Parkin Temple Spa and Lorna Taylor Wellness. Some others went on to say how great the day was without distractions of the world and digital devices. I was saying to one friend at the end how we're all friends but it was great to hear deep sharing, especially from those initially reserved, as it's not often that friends share so openly and deeply, especially in this format. As whilst we're friends, it can be uncomfortable for some to open up in a vulnerable way, or even at all if this is something that they might not do or have never done. But they immersed themselves and shared openly. So I am proud of them to bravely engage with their inner selves and to witness each other through it. That in itself felt profound. I think we all left feeling relaxed, present and grounded. This was really special to experience together.
Just like Detzi said, it also gave a glimpse into my world. Whilst I envisioned it to be a deep experience for all. It turned out it was transformative for everyone involved, giving space to ponder about what will unfold in the coming days as well as how good it is for the soul.
Detzi - "It’s been a fantastic day. What awesome friends you have!!"
The whole day was expertly led and facilitated by Detzi. It was also a nice touch that she involved me throughout the day with small decisions, which is in alignment with her generous flexibility. Her passion really shows through how connected she is to it all. I'm aware I am being overly gushy now and digressing, but it's good to show appreciation and gratitude for such qualities. In times of inauthenticity, I know when I see high- quality and authentic work. It's sacred work that cannot be 'fake it till you make it', and when someone is deeply compassionate and connected to the unseen, without ego and acting on the highest good. And to me, that needs to be recognised. I just deeply connect to passionate work and that is in alignment with my own values. She is also extremely patient and spacious, as I am aware I can be a bit relentless with unsolicited sharing of ideas, requests and encouragement, and the amount of questions my curious mind may ask! All of my friends commented on how caring and approachable she was. One saying how it was pitched at the right level and another how much deeper experience they've had before. She went above and beyond of what I had thought this event would be, which I was already super pleased with. I'll be thanking Detzi for years to come. I'd love for her to do this again in the future. By way of expressing a small thank you. I bought her a little gift. I know she likes to be drawn to her own books and resources, but I took a chance on a book I saw and thought it was quite fitting - but she'll be the judge of that ha.
A deep thank you to everyone sharing and indulging in this day with me and making this dream become reality. Everyone was present and willing, balanced with a good dose of humour, not forgetting to smile and breathe! Memorable for years to come. And thank you again to Detzi for the pictures she took in the very rare moments she had. I really appreciate her capturing these precious moments of and for us.
On the way back home, I saw maybe a buzzard and red kite, reflecting off the sun in its full glory. Hovering very close above me. I'll take that as current confirmation of sorts.
Later I managed to try Detzi's pecan and cacao squares - they were incredible! And I opened the birthday card that Detzi got me. She's such a sweetheart, very thoughtful and kind of her.
