Overview
Join us for an unforgettable 4-day journey into mindfulness and wellness on The Big Retreat Festival site , guided by the incomparable Ruby Wax and Rahla Xenopoulos Nestled in the heart of nature, this retreat promises a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From Ruby "Rahla and I are offering this 4-night retreat because we know that when we feel connected to our bodies and minds, it’s as if we’ve found home. And when we find home, things like uncertainty and loneliness don’t pack the same punch. The outside world may be in chaos, but if we know we’ve always got the house of “us” to come back to, we will always have a refuge. The aim of this retreat is to help you find that refuge, or at least help you build one. To do that, we have to be fearless, bring dark realities out into the light and accept them. This takes courage and effort, and most people would rather just “have a nice day”. But we’ve seen what happens when the days stop being so nice. We know we need some kind of safety net so the fall doesn’t kill us. None of us want to face the unfaceable, but there has to be a baptism of fire if we’re to come out the other end – wise, not broken. We offer this retreat as a guide to help bulk up our emotional resilience as far as learning to deal with the unknown. So that when the waves of living feel unswimmable, and we feel we’re going under, there are enough life jackets to go round. During the retreat, we will offer workshops and tools which support us to get through a day - without thinking we’ve failed, that we didn’t do enough, that we should have or could have ... (well, you know the lyrics). To remind us that who we are is enough. And that if we can believe that, if we can create a calmer environment inside us, this will impact on what’s outside us, too."
Highlights
Mindfulness Workshops with Ruby Wax
Tell Your Story with Rahla Xenopoulos
Ice Baths
Wild Swimming Sessions
Foraging Walk with Garry Thomas
Morning Simply Stretch with Amber Lort-Phillips
Delicious Food
Hosts
Ruby Wax
With a plethora of transformative speeches under her belt, including her widely acclaimed 2012 TED Talk on stress, anxiety, and depression, Ruby has made a significant impact on audiences globally. In 2015, she was honored with an OBE and appointed as Visiting Professor in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Surrey, later becoming Chancellor of the University of Southampton in 2019.
A prolific author, Ruby has penned several best-selling self-help books and memoirs on mental health, such as "And Now for the Good News," "How to Be Human," and "A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled." Her works emphasize the importance of self-care, resilience, and celebrating small victories in life. Recognizing the need for accessible relationship counseling, Ruby also serves as the President of Relate and is an ambassador for mental health organizations like Mind and Sane.
Having graduated with a Master’s Degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and further qualifications in psychotherapy and counseling, Ruby seamlessly blends humor and insightful discussions on mental health in her work. Known for her ability to engage audiences through comedy and profound insights, Ruby's impact is deeply rooted in her rich background in entertainment, including shows like "The Full Wax" and "The Ruby Wax Show."
As a self-proclaimed "poster girl for mental health," Ruby travels worldwide, delivering invaluable corporate training workshops and keynote speeches that tackle the complex subject of mental health with boldness and authenticity. Drawing from her own experiences with mental health challenges, Ruby's relatable approach resonates with audiences, making her a sought-after speaker for enhancing emotional wellbeing in workplaces. Embrace the expertise and wisdom of Ruby Wax to elevate mental health awareness and support in your organization.
Rahla Xenopoulos
Rahla Xenopoulos is a writer and mother of triplets.
She is the author of A MEMOIR OF LOVE AND MADNESS (Random House South Africa), and the novels BUBBLES (Penguin SA), TRIBE (Penguin SA) and THE SEASON OF GLASS (Penguin SA).
She has published short stories in the anthologies WOMEN FLASHING, TWIST, JUST KEEP BREATHING, and THE LOCKDOWN COLLECTION. She has written for SUNDAY TIMES, COSMOPOLITAN, GLAMOUR and OPRAH magazine. Her latest book, THE SEASON OF GLASS, was longlisted for South Africa’s SUNDAY TIMES Literary Prize.
Rahla was one of thirty-four South African women profiled in THE POWER WITHIN COMPANION. She gives talks on mental health and empowerment, and hosts workshops that focus on mental health and personal inspiration.
She teaches writing workshops to underprivileged children and has been on the boards of SA-Yes. and Short Story Day Africa.
Rahla has taught writing in South Africa, as well as in Greece, the UK and New York.
She is a teacher at Westport Writer’s Workshop and is an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College, where she is presently teaching the creative non-fiction master’s program. She has worked with both experienced writers and novices from all over the world, and many of her students have been published.
Rahla lives in New York with her husband, eighteen-year-old triplets and a ludicrous dog.
In an ideal world Rahla would have a broad mind and a narrow waist but failing the latter she’ll settle for the broad mind.
Schedule
Arrive on Sunday afternoon - Time to relax and settle in.
Previous
Next
Example Day
7.30am – 8.30am Simply Stretch Class
8.30am - 9.30am Breakfast
9.45am – 11.45am Session with Ruby
10.30am – 10.45am Break
12.00pm – 1pm Nature walk
1.30pm – 2.30pm Lunch
2.30pm – 4.15pm Writing Workshop with Rahla
4.15pm – 4.45pm Tea Break
4.45pm – 5.45pm Optional Ice Bath Session
5.30pm - 7pm Free Time for Hot Tubs, walks, Sauna or treatments
7pm – 8pm Dinner
8pm - 9pm Stargazing Meditation in the lower walled garden
What's included
What's Included
All activities
Food and Drinks
4 Nights Accommodation
What's Not Included
Massages
Travel Costs
Gallery
The Little Retreat Walled Garden
And breathe
Our venue is The Little Retreat in Lawrenny.
A luxury glamping site with private dining restaurant and outdoor teaching spaces
You'll Be Staying Here
The Luxury Domes
Lotus Stargazing Tents
The Bunk House
Related Blog Posts
Tue 9 Jul 2024
Join Ruby Wax and Rahla Xenopoulos at The Little Retreat in Pembrokeshire"
Empower Your Mind and Spirit
FAQs
What is the daily schedule like during the retreat?
Sunday is relaxed with an arrival time of 4pm if you wish to arrive the night before
For those arriving early you can join us on Monday breakfast at 9am can our 1st session will be with Ruby at 12pm. The closing circle is 4pm on Thursday - then head home
Each day at the retreat is thoughtfully structured to provide a balanced mix of mindfulness practices, workshops, writing sessions with Rahla Xenopoulos, discussions led by Ruby Wax, and time for personal reflection. The schedule includes morning meditation, guided writing exercises, group discussions, and opportunities for relaxation amidst the serene surroundings of Pembrokeshire.
Do I need any prior experience with mindfulness or writing to attend the retreat?
No prior experience is required to participate in the retreat. Whether you are new to mindfulness practices or writing, the program is designed to cater to individuals at all levels. Ruby Wax and Rahla Xenopoulos will guide you through the sessions with warmth and expertise, creating a welcoming environment for personal growth and exploration.
How can I prepare for the retreat and make the most out of the experience?**
To make the most of your retreat experience, we recommend approaching the program with an open mind and a willingness to engage in the activities and discussions offered. Prior to the retreat, consider setting personal intentions or goals for your time at The Little Retreat. Pack comfortable clothing suitable for mindfulness practices and writing sessions, as well as any personal items that may enhance your relaxation and reflection during the retreat. Most importantly, come with a spirit of curiosity and readiness to connect with yourself and others in a supportive and nurturing environment.