The Emotional Playground

​​​​​

A day to feel, explore, play and reconnect with yourself.

​

When was the last time you had a whole day where you didn't have to be anything, achieve anything, or meet anyone else's expectations? A day where you could simply ask yourself, "What do I need right now?" and actually have the space to explore the answer.

​​

Welcome to Emotional Playground.

​

A different kind of retreat, where nature becomes your playground, your feelings are welcome, and you get to choose what happens next. There is no packed timetable, no pressure to participate and no expectation that you'll leave as a better version of yourself.

​​​

You are already enough.

​​

This is simply an opportunity to spend some time getting to know yourself a little better.

​​

Come as you are

​​​

So much of our lives is spent responding to the world around us doing what needs doing, meeting expectations, looking after others, and keeping everything moving. We become very good at asking "What should I be doing?" and sometimes forget to ask "How am I actually feeling?" and "What do I actually need, in this moment?"

​​​

At Emotional Playground, we turn that around, so instead of following someone else's agenda, you're invited to become curious about your own.

​​

Perhaps you're exhausted and need to rest. Perhaps you're full of energy and want to move. Perhaps there's sadness that needs some space, anger that wants expression, or a playful part of you that hasn't been out for a while. Perhaps you have absolutely no idea what you need and that's welcome too.

​​

You don't have to arrive with answers because the exploration is a big part of the experience.

​​

Learning to listen to yourself

​​

There's a simple practice at the heart of Emotional Playground:

​​​

Pause: Pause for a moment. What's happening inside you? What are you feeling? What do you need?

 

Notice: Look at the possibilities available and notice what you're drawn towards.

 

Do: Give yourself permission to explore your choice, without worrying about doing it right.

 

Reflect: How did that feel? Did it meet your needs? Has anything changed? What might you need next?

Then begin again.

​​​​

It sounds simple, and it is..... But it's not always easy! When we're used to putting our needs aside, listening to ourselves can take practice. This is a chance to experiment with doing things differently, in a welcoming space with no right or wrong answers and sometimes the most interesting discoveries happen when we give ourselves permission to play.

​​​

A playground of possibilities

​​

Throughout the day, you'll have access to a menu of activities, experiences and tools to explore as you wish. You might feel drawn towards creativity, movement, nature, quiet reflection or connection with others. There will be opportunities to play, make things, explore your senses, spend time outdoors, reflect, express yourself or simply do nothing at all.

​​​

Some activities might help you release or move energy, others might invite you to slow down, get curious about your emotions or discover something new about yourself. We'll introduce the different possibilities and offer guidance where it's helpful, but the choice is always yours. You can join in, change your mind, try something different, or spend the afternoon lying in a hammock if that's what you need. The activities aren't the point. They're the tools.

​​

The real invitation is to notice how you feel, listen to what you need, make a choice and see what happens

​​​

A day held gently

​​

Although this is a self-led experience, you won't be left to figure everything out on your own. We'll begin the day together with a welcome circle, an opportunity to arrive, get comfortable and explore how the day works then throughout the retreat, the space will be gently held, with activities, tools and support available when you want them.

​

We'll come together for a nourishing shared lunch, and there will be opportunities for quiet reflection and integration throughout the afternoon. Towards the end of the day, we'll gather again to share anything we'd like to share, reflect on our experiences and gently close our time together.

​

There is structure to hold the day, but freedom within it and you are welcome to take part in as much or as little as feels right for you.

​​

Optional personal coaching with Mandala

​​

Sometimes, when we finally give ourselves permission to slow down and listen, something interesting comes up; it could be a question we've been avoiding,  a feeling we don't quite understand, a pattern we keep repeating or perhaps a new possibility we'd like to explore.

​

If you'd like some individual support, you can add a personal coaching or mentoring session with Mandala to your day as an opportunity to explore whatever is present for you, with someone alongside you to listen, ask questions, offer reflections and help you find your own way forward.

​​

There's no need to arrive with a particular problem or goal; we can begin wherever you are.

​​

This is entirely optional and can be added to your retreat booking.

​

Nature is part of the experience

​

Emotional Playground takes place at Splatt Farm Gardens, a beautiful patchwork of gardens, growing spaces, trees, wildlife and little places to escape the world for a while. There are spaces to gather and connect, places to make and create, and quiet corners where you can retreat into your own company.

​

You might find yourself wandering through the food forest, watching the clouds, listening to birdsong or sitting quietly by the pond.

 

The land doesn't ask you to be productive..... and neither do we.

​​

Who is Emotional Playground for?

Perhaps you've been feeling disconnected from yourself, or you've noticed how rarely you stop to consider your own needs. Perhaps you're navigating a change in your life, wanting to develop a healthier relationship with your emotions, or longing for some time when the only person you need to consider is yourself or perhaps the idea of spending a day playing, exploring, resting and being yourself just sounds wonderful. 

​

You don't need to be experiencing a crisis, feeling burnt out or searching for some great revelation to come along (although that's welcome!); you might simply be curious. You don't need any experience of retreats, mindfulness, coaching or personal development.... You just need a little willingness to get curious.

​

All of you is welcome. The joyful bits, the tired bits, the messy bits, the uncertain bits.

​

Stay a little longer

 

If you'd like to make more of your time here, you're welcome to camp at Splatt Farm Gardens before or after your retreat. Our simple, peaceful campsite offers a chance to wake up surrounded by nature, enjoy a slower morning or spend an evening beneath the stars. Camping can be booked separately.