|
Contact adam@advancedserendipity.com Tel 07944 311 700 for a free, no-obligation health assessment today.
Walk Innovation Retreat Review
21st – 24th July 2008
Location Glastonbury
When I was asked to attend the Walk Innovation Retreat I was terribly excited, I had never before been on a retreat of any kind, so I didn’t know what to expect, although the concept of retreat made me think of Buddhist and long periods of time in deep contemplation and restrictive poses.
From the very moment I had accepted, I was faced with obstacles that potentially threatened my few days away, from finances to car problems (my car actually died!) It wasn’t just a case of get up and go, but being so determined to go, I over came every obstacle with the help of positive forces…be it in some unusual ways!
Arriving at the retreat I had my own room within an old converted dairy, with all the normal amenities to hand, so I didn’t feel like I had entered into some monastery after all.
The first night kicked off with taking some time to reflect on 3 Oracle cards we had been asked to pick upon our arrival. We each were given a journal to document our all experiences, and to make notes from the sessions we had with Adam.
The next day we got up nice and early, a bonus for a lark like me. First thing was some very beneficial but gentle exercise incorporating breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi etc. Followed by a hearty breakfast, which set us up nicely for the Walk.
A role for each was chosen, whether to be lead walker and questioned or follow and ask questions. I was in luck I got to ask questions and happily escorted my first walker. Being a person in every day life who utilises most signs or symbols that come my way, I found it easy to start off questioning and noting what kind of terrain we were traversing. This particular day it happened to be up a stony track, and then guided down a steep hill to the edge of a corn field of which there was no obvious paths by the side to continue on. Yip you guessed it, it was either up hill again or through the corn!
Being only a wee thing, I followed through corn where every leaf slapped me in the face, then coming out on to an open section and feeling like I was doing the Krypton factor as by now I was trying to dodge the stinging nettles and prickle mines everywhere. However what I had not seen but my walker had was a gate leading to a road which was to take us finally back to base. Although the signs where still manifesting on this new terrain in the form of copious cow dung, leaving us to do strange zig zaging movements to avoid them. All in all that first day, for someone who is not a keen walker we walked for about an hour and a half, and I loved every moment of it. It was a great release and exciting to see how the questioning interacted on a subconscious level with the lead walker and his answers to my questions. They may not have expressed it all verbally but the terrain they take you through spoke louder than words!
After walking, a delightful lunch cooked by the owners of Earth Spirit, now I am not a vegetarian but I do love my veggies, being very much the critic of food outside of my own domain after experiencing the wonderfully prepared and exquisite tasting food (boy I didn’t know veggies could taste so goooood! Nicky I want your recipes!) I just fell in love with it all, every meal served I can honestly say 10 out of 10! You never felt hungry, or that there was nothing for your taste. I also put on weight which really fogged me as I was doing more exercise and eating veggie food! Hmmm? I put it down to building muscle…
After lunch it was generally followed by time for reflection, you could do your thing whether to rest or write or go on another walk, or in my case sleeping off like a lion my belly full of food, whatever you chose it is not compulsory that’s the great thing about this retreat, as the facilitators want you to be more in tune with you, get in tune with you, if you want to go write in your journal and it takes longer than expected and miss a section of the classes, then that is what is meant to be. Although I do suggest that attending the classes held during the day are what gels not only the group but also wise teachings that will help you to be more able to understand what is coming to the surface and deal with it.
Another delightful meal is served and other activities scheduled in the evening.
One of those evenings we had a guest visitor Ann Kelly of Relationship Dynamics who gave us individually (although within a group) insight into what was coded into our DNA upon our individual creation using the Human Design System. I was intrigued by this system, as my chart based on our birth dates, time etc was so different to the others, and when interpreted by Ann she hit on my personality, traits through life, problems I have experienced and how I deal with them. One of which is that I get knocked on my derriere quite often but always get up and continue on undeterred, and utilise that information to pass on to others, which is so true. All very fascinating and would love to have a complete reading which would be more in depth. Nonetheless what tasters I had that night for myself and listening to the others readings too added a few more pieces to the puzzle I call life and how I deal with it.
This retreat is about going inside in a very gentle way, armed with techniques learnt we start to recognise what we want in life, not what we don’t want in life, overcome obstacles that “appear” to block our way, question our values even rewriting them when we need to, in order to achieve what we want, this is done by the most simple method available to all bipeds…walking and observing what nature has to tell you.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time; this retreat is well worth the investment. I didn’t miss work, or the net which takes up most of my time normally, I actually missed not being in this relaxing peaceful world and upon arriving back I soon realised one fundamental thing that challenges never stop coming your way, but how you deal with them can!
Thank You Adam and Walk Innovation for such an enlightening time!
Loren
Spirit Mind Body UK
I recently attended a Walk Innovation retreat in Compton Dundon, near Glastonbury. What an amazing experience. I was out of my comfort zone having to write a journal but did as I was asked and wrote an entry the night we arrived ( I was surprised to find how much I had to say).
Also the thought of lengthy walks (for someone not incredibly fit) filled me with dread.
An evening of getting to know the other guests and finding out about each other ensued. We also were asked to pick Animal Guide Cards and Ascended Master cards, these proved to be quite accurate in funny ways over the next few days
Up early morning for deep breathing, yoga & tai chi, (I assure you by the third day this is getting much easier.)
Once we had been split into groups we headed out for our first walk. It became apparent quickly that the path we walked was relative to the talk we talked. This was something I had not tried before and was a little sceptical, you really have to try it for yourselves.
The workshops that we had were both informative and interesting, they were kept short enough so you didn't lose interest and we were all able to join in. By the last day the excercise in the morning was much easier, and what had filled me with dread at the beginning of the week, the walking I was actually rearing to get going.
The whole experience made me question various issues about my lifestyle and things that need to be changed and I have come away with a health plan that I find managable but does not deny me anything.
I feel more positive about making changes a step at a time now. Adam was interesting,had an amazing sense of humour and was a fountain of knowledge. Add this to the amazing scenery and the delightful staff at Earth Spirit (especially Nicky the fantastic cook). This is an experience you wont want to miss.
Vanessa, London Colney, Herts.
Fantastic! Sign me up now and I'll make sure I can make it
Who the hell is making these claims?
Tell me more
Just make me laugh and then I'll decide whether I'm up for changing my life
How was this discovered?
I need some inspiration before I consider signing up for this |
