A Day Retreat - relax, renew, revitalise... and enjoy!

Saturday 27 September 2025 from 09:45-17:00

This will be a fund-raising event in support of The Swansea Wellbeing Centre. You are invited to participate in an all-day programme intended to offer you a series of activities (or inactivities!) that can provide you with opportunities for focused individual reflection, personal growth, and rejuvenation in the safety and with the support of like-minded people. Previous experience of the various elements is not necessary as full guidance will be given.

Early advance booking and payment of the £30 cost at the time of booking are essential. To book or if you have any queries, please ring or text Gail Stewart on 07726 360584 or email her at gaildstewart@icloud.com

THE MORNING ACTIVITIES - Arrive 9,45am for a 10am start

The Dance of Life-connecting with joy! – led by Gail Stewart

Gail Stewart, a retired NHS Nurse, is a fully trained and experienced Dance of Life (better known as Biodanza) facilitator with many years teaching experience. Gail is also a well-known and established Sound Journey presenter.

The Dance Of Life is a practice that can transform the way you approach your life, leading to noticeable personal improvements. It does not matter if you have tried, or not tried, it before, you can enjoy this uplifting experience!

Participants engage in gentle, simple, guided dance and movement exercises, often to specially-chosen music, to stimulate the release of endorphins and promote a sense of joy, freedom, and connection. The practice emphasizes the importance of cultivating energy, expressing emotions through dance, communicating and connecting with others non-verbally, and accessing higher states of consciousness and spiritual connection.

QiGong session- Shedding the Snake – led by Sue Lyle

Sue Lyle has operated in the world of education for over 45 years as a teacher, curriculum developer, and much more. She is now retired and is trained as a Lee Holden QiGong teacher.

“Shedding the Snake” is a QiGong Practice for renewal in the Chinese Year of the Snake which we entered on 29th January. Join Sue for a gentle, grounding QiGong session inspired by the Snake’s wisdom.You are invited to release old patterns and move with renewed clarity and vitality. Through flowing movements and mindful breath, together we will honour the art of letting go—making space for healing and transformation.

The Year of the Snake is also associated with themes of introspection, intuition, and adaptability. It encourages reflection on past experiences and a focus on personal growth and transformation. The snake's ability to shed its skin symbolizes discarding old beliefs and embracing new perspectives.

Lunch - please bring food to sustain you!

THE AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

A Shamanic Journey – led by Alistair Armitage

Alistair Armitage is a shamanic practitioner and a holistic, psychodynamic counsellor based in Carmarthenshire. He has participated in shamanic circles over many years and identifies many names among his teachers. As elements of his group “Heartsong Drums”, he custom makes drums, leads drum and journey circles across West Wales, and facilitates drum making days.

In this transformative workshop, you will learn the art of shamanic journeying and the ability to access your own inner world for spiritual guidance. You can Journey to the song of your wild heart and connect with your authentic self!

You will have the opportunity to embark on a heart-led shamanic journey to the Lower World, where ancient wisdom and animal spirits reside. Through the rhythmic beat of the drum, you'll be guided to enter an altered state of consciousness, inviting your spirit animal to reveal itself to you, helping you to unleash your inner wisdom. You can connect with your spirit animal and discover a powerful ally that will aid your personal and spiritual development.

Break -tea and cake will be provided!

Sound Journey – led by Gail Stewart

A Sound Journey is a healing musical performance played out through Himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gongs, and a variety of other, often unusual, musical sound-producing instruments complemented by the human voice. Participants lie on the floor and allow the waves of sound to flow over, embrace and permeate them. It is an amazing, relaxing and uplifting experience; many participants fall asleep- which is fine!

Ensure that you make yourself comfortable! Ideally, please bring something soft, supportive and snug to lie on including a head support and also something warm to cover you. However, if needed, mats, cushions and blankets are freely available at the Centre.

THE CONCLUSION OF THE RETREAT

The Retreat will finish at approximately 5pm. You can then depart, hopefully, feeling relaxed, renewed, revitalised having had an enjoyable time just as we intended!