Over the last year, I have discovered for myself the joy of being part of a well held womens circle. I’ve realised that having struggled somewhat with meaningful female friendship at school, I have not naturally gravitated to finding trust and support in other women and what I found when I started attending a woman’s circle was truly a gift – to be with other women in a genuinely safe and open space – to be able to share without the fear of judgment or unwanted advice. Just to be heard and seen and be accepted as me. What a joy!
I have also obersved for myself what school is like for my 2 daughters (11 and 15) and it’s not easy for them, navigating the usual trecherous groud of being a teenager in a large school but now also navigating social media and the new layers of judgment that can bring in.
One evening as I left for my circle, my 11 year old daughter asked me what i did there: “Well,” I told her, we drink hot chocolate (cacao,) sing songs togther and share what we’re going through. We often sit around a fire or swim in a river.” 
“I would like to come” she told me. And I would like you to come too I thought; to learn at your age what it is to connect and support and be supported by other women. 
And so the idea was born…

As this is not my usual area of expertise (and I think I probably like the sound of my own voice to much too hold a circle lol,) I am collaborating with Alice Cotton who is experienced at holding circles and is a very talented musician and singer, and of course a mother. For this event, the space will be held by Alice only (not me) and I will attend with my daughter. However my vision is, if there is enough interest, for this to expand into a full day retreat with art play, movement, food and maybe even a little bit of lake swimming. 

So if this sounds like something that would nourish you and your daughter, I warmly invite you to book a place and be part of this vision. 
We are suggesting that daughters should be 8 years and upwards to minimise disruption for the whole group, there is no upper limit age wise and yes, Grandmothers are also welcome. The age limit is s guideline only, we recognise that every child is different and we also do not demand that anyone sit still if it is causing them distress to do so, I have a neuro-diverse child and recognise the need to allow your child the freedom to follow their own instinct but we also need to balance this against having stillness to enjoy the sound journey.

The circle will include (hopefully) some time around an outdoor fire and some time in a beautiful yurt; crafting and time to connect, ceremonial cacao for mamas (this is not essential) and hot chocolate for children, a sound journey led by Alice and sharing with our daughters and with each other. 

It would be such a joy to see any of you there, please use the link below to book your place.