Don’t know about you, but I need to start getting out of that detrimental mindset of self-care meaning selfish.
A day retreat? Let me get this right; I get to attend an Everyday Joy Day retreat just because I fancy a bit of self-care, reflection and mindfulness? Why on earth did that phrase fill me with guilt? Was it because I wasn’t spending that money on the family, was it because it was on a Sunday, and that’s usually a family day? Or was it that I just couldn’t fathom why I could deserve this? Let’s not get it twisted. It was probably all those reasons and others that hadn’t fully surfaced yet. But I went, and I enjoyed it.
Tamu Thomas, the creator of Live Three Sixty, a lifestyle brand aimed at busy women in their late 30’s and 40’s, held the very first retreat earlier this year. The retreat encompassed the brand’s mantra of accepting ourselves fully in all our shades from light to dark; our entire 360 degrees. But what does that mean exactly?
The retreat was set in the Clapton Laundry, the most beautiful creative space (and home) I’ve ever seen. Lisa Bent, qualified Counsellor and founder of Self Central and Nicola Rae Wickham, NLP practitioner, coach and founder of A Life More Inspired invited us to speak openly and honestly. I didn’t mind opening up; I wasn’t the only one. Being in a safe space with women of all different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds was therapeutic. Deep down, a lot of us shared the same feelings and insecurities. For me, a big one was ‘purpose’. What was my purpose? Am I merely here to cook, clean and raise kids? Was my current career as a blogger even worthy of being called a career? Was I enough?
Talking openly in a room full of strangers and online friends seemed daunting at first, but I seemed to forget about all that when others shared their personal stories.
Anya Hayes founder of Mothers Wellness Toolkit, successful author and Pilates teacher, and Mala Seecoomar founder of Feel Good Yoga were there to get our bodies in check. If I’m honest, I haven’t been the best recently. I think healthy eating and exercise came to a halt when I had that car accident and had a break from the gym. Bad habits are hard to climb out of, but as this year comes to an end, and the next retreat approaches, I think it’s time to make that change.
No, we didn’t do a rigorous workout, although, I was dressed for it! It was more about inner strength and thinking of those pelvic floors. At the moment, mine is cool, that’s probably one benefit of only giving birth by C-Section.
Yoga, ah, now this was real yoga btw. Not the fashionably-culturally-appropriated yoga that Tracy runs in your local church hall. This was all about proper positions, breathing right and meditation. Thinking back, I’d never been so chilled. That session teamed with the emotional release during the honest talk, the incense and the raw setting in the Clapton Laundry was a truly wonderful experience.
Tamu’s Everyday Joy Day Retreat was so fabulously put together. Not only was everyone involved both harmonious, knowledgeable and zen AF- everyone was super welcoming and trustworthy.
I left the retreat fully charged, belly full of healthy food and really refreshed. There’s something about spending the day with likeminded people. My head felt clear; I had a cathartic experience and was able to think positively. My usual hang-ups about work and life seemed to have been resolved, or at least feel less important.
We all were given a specially curated goodie bag to remind us of the day and the promises that we made to ourselves. A houseplant which will help to cleanse the air, yep, I do love plants! A Quartz Crysta which is a stone you can use to manifest the things you desire and a Journal to keep track and help to amplify those achievements and goals. Oh, and how could I forget a beautifully scented candle; Frankincense along with some other delightful notes set in a Rose Gold tin. I told you, Zen, AF!
This was a well-needed rest bite. If you’re like me, you’ll understand that ideas, goals and plans can take over. It was a reminder that it’s OK to slow down, and even stop at times.
What did I take away from the day? Well, all of the above and more, including a recipe that I tweaked; who knew Kale could be so bloomin’ tasty?
Kale (a zero measurement easy recipe)
- Kale
- Olive Oil
- Lemon
- Pistachio
Method
- Place prepped Kale in a large bowl
- Drizzle with Olive Oil and freshly squeezed Lemon
- Massage the ingredients together, work the Olive Oil and Lemon into the Kale. This helps to soften the leafy greens and makes it easier to chew!
- Add chopped Pistachio, and serve with your fave dish.
Fancy attending the next Live Three Sixty Day retreat?
The second Three Sixty Everyday Joy retreat will take place on Saturday 9th February 2019 at the cosy Clapton Laundry, London. This safe space has been carefully curated with workshops designed to guide you into deeper mind, body and soul connection.
We will be digging deep in an interactive, non-judgmental and restorative environment with workshops facilitated by qualified and experienced practitioners.
I’ve got you! – TICKETS
Pin it & save for later!
