The Brecon Beacons Retreat
Friday 24th to Monday 26th January 2025
I often write my thoughts about an event such as this retreat beforehand. I wrote, “How will it be?” and followed it with the words, “Just be.” I took this to mean that I shouldn't try and anticipate it but just go so I wrote no more.
I met Chai in Swansea and then we travelled on to Brecon Beacons. We were staying at Glyntawe Outdoor Centre.
I usually think of an Agatha Christie novel as I meet up with strangers at a location although without the murder mystery. I was aware that I would be the only male among 13 women. Fortunately, we had a room for two as opposed to the bunkroom that most of the others were in.
After a meal, we sat outside around the fire pit. We were invited to write of things that we wanted to cast into the fire. Before setting them ablaze there was an opportunity for whoever to share what they had written. Once again I was touched by what I heard. When we are vulnerable we touch others' vulnerability encouraging them too to be vulnerable.
We had a yoga session before bed. I have never participated in yoga previously so this was a new experience. Yoga occurred each day in which I was to learn where my body was strong and where it wasn't.
On Saturday afternoon we went for a walk in the nearby area. Walking always helps bring about a sense of community as it allows you to go at your own pace and bump into people as you walk.
In the evening we participated in a Cacao ceremony, again I had heard of it but never participated. Cacao is a bean grown from a plant and tastes like something between coffee and hot chocolate. It is taken as a group with the belief that it heightens positivity. After we had drunk we moved into a dance session.
On Sunday morning we journaled with a few prompts. The first was ‘A significant moment in your life that shapes who you are today.’
I listed what came to mind
- 1980 — giving my heart to Jesus (aged 9) in the Salvation Army Sunday school
2. 1982 — being baptised in the Holy Spirit in a disused Mission Hall
3. 1987 — the day I took my flag down
4. 1988 — returning to Christ
5. 1988 — having a dream in Birmingham in which the words ‘Christ Unites Ireland’ appeared
6. 2000 becoming aware that my daughter was on her way
7. 2008 an experience of being united with all things
Again what people share touches on that which unites us as humans.
The other prompt was ‘What is a dream you wanted to pursue but haven't yet?’
I realised that perhaps all my dreams had come true. The most powerful dream I recall is the one I mentioned above.
I have had a vague dream for many years of living for a year in France but I am unsure of the level of passion. If I was passionate about it it would have happened. My dream now is for my daughter that she has a happy and settled life. Right now she does so perhaps my dream is that will continue for her.
We then had a Reiki session again I heard much of Reiki over the years but like yoga and cocoa, I had never experienced it.
The overall experience was one of relaxation and being encouraged in the company of fellow seekers.
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