As we come to the end of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on the experiences we’ve faced, the people we’ve met, and the moments that we’ll cherish for years to come. We’d like to share our thoughts of how 2024 went for us. Our year began gently, defrosting from winter’s grasp, resting and preparing for our first retreat at Hawkwood in May. Soothed by Anz and her singing bowls, basked under a canopy of trees we found peace and serenity. We enjoyed an afternoon of creativity, sprawled out on the front lawn, lying in the sun, reciting poetry while sipping cups of tea.
At the beginning of the year, Katherine completed her Mental Health First Aid training after working tirelessly to complete coursework and assessments. It was a necessary step for Oriri to take, as wellness retreats can bring up emotions and feelings that previously haven’t been given space to surface. Now we can offer gentle support during our events if ever needed. Katherine also became a member of Cirencester College facilitating creative mindful workshops in the evenings, sharing her love for pressure-free mindful art and creativity.
It was certainly a year of self-progression and development. Ellen relocated to Chichester to complete her Masters in Somatic Dance and Dance Science, travelling back and forth to the Cotswolds to co-host and facilitate Oriri events. She completed her dissertation on somatic movement practice and its impact on creativity in September. She looks forward to bringing her learnings and new practices to upcoming Oriri events. Also in September, we spent an evening in a quaint converted Barn, adorned with candles, fairy lights, and filled with incense. We embarked on a gentle somatic movement journey to unlock our creativity, which led to collaborative abstract mark-making and free art expression, all set to beautiful music. We enjoyed tea, nibbled on biscuits, and took refuge from the heavy rain in the warm, cosy barn.
This year saw the first Oriri collaboration event. Katherine and Ellen were invited by Amanda Edwards to the Frampton Court estate to run a mindful movement and art workshop for a group of American artists. We led two hours of mark-making, movement-inspired art and mindful creativity. A truly delightful morning spent with great company in a glorious location. We finished the year with our much-loved day retreat with all of our favourite activities including gentle movement, sound bath, delicious food and creativity. This was a particularly special event as we were joined by our dear friend Harri who led us in African Djembe Drumming.
Connected by rhythm and music we savoured a special few hours together. As we wind down for the year, ready to spend time with loved ones, friends and family, we would like to offer to you what is becoming our favourite yearly tradition. The virtual home retreat, specially for you to enjoy for free. A taste of our day retreats from the comfort of your home. As you are part of the mailing list, you will be sent exclusive access to join us for a virtual retreat on the 11th December at 8pm. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon! https://oririretreats.co.uk/retreats/ Big love, Katherine and Ellen.
