Five days of weaving with natural fibres, in the company of like-minded women. Five days – adventure, soul whispering, beach driving, creek dipping, fibre spotting and trekking in paradise. René Bahloo of Weavery at the helm, in her trusty 4×4, Beasty Babe the troopcarrier.
Laughter, irreverence and joy… and silence, diving deep into the stillness of being, together. Meditative and contemplative practices of inner noticing, teamed with nature at her finest, to encourage and support healing while being deeply nurtured in circle with others. And time for self, to settle back into the grounded foundation of core truth.
What weaving will you learn?
You will learn to use lomandra and prepared pandanus (harvested, split, boiled and dyed) to weave a larger piece in a two-strand twisting technique native to Rene’s motherland, South Africa. The universal practice of string-making will also be shared, and there will be opportunity to learn a coiling technique.
We will discover and identify a variety of local flora, as weaving fibres, while traversing the land together.
How else will you spend your time?
Adventuring in Beasty Babe, beachside and bushside, with your weaving in hand. Yes, swimming is on the cards, if the weather is appropriate (bring your floaties, folks!). Sunday is a day off, where you are offered free time to sink deeper into yourself at your own pace. On this day there is the option to traverse the channel on the ferry for island time, with your hostess. This is not part of the retreat but is offered at no extra cost if you choose to be company.
There will also be time to experiment with eco-printing using leaves, flowers and roots in a well-brewed black dye pot, on white or light coloured fabric (bring your own). Adventuring does not remain with this external experience. It can be a deep-dive within, as time is spent in counsel together, sharing in circle. You will be invited to engage with focused intention, in nature. This can be through eco-therapy exercises and practices that can open up a way for deep communication with your soul-self, within the natural world, in peaceful yet growthful solitude. As much as there are juicy and deep treats in store for you (more than I can write here) you have ultimate say about how you choose to spend your time. Just sitting on the beach, weaving, if that’s what your soul seeks. Wind tickling your hair, sun caressing your face.
Sound good?
Sweet. So, what kind of accommodation is planned?
A holiday house in Rainbow Beach, a few minutes from the ocean, with varying room options, and a pool. Kitchen, lounge and deck, nature outlook. Room options are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The accommodation payment serves as a booking fee, and will secure your spot on the retreat. It is non-refundable. The remaining contribution cost is payable by the 24th January 2023.
It’s a partly catered experience: three evening meals will be provided so we can eat together, but you will need to provide your own breakfasts and lunches. One evening we will go out for dinner, together, locally (at your own cost).
Price for retreat (single) is $965.
How big will the group be?
There is place for a maximum of seven humans. This lends to a great group dynamic as we carve our way into the flow of a slower way of being, gently noticing and allowing the experience of present moment awareness to unfold. This is a together-walk, an intimate immersion into the weave of life and fibre, for healing and soul-tending.
Come with me, as we walk ourselves along this magnificent path.
If this feels good, please make contact. It is anticipated that spots will fill fast. Your contribution to the costs of the experience will secure your place on this expedition.
What else to bring?
An open heart, swimmers (for healing waters, and the swimming pool).
A white shirt or pillowslip to ecoprint in the black dye pot.
A willingness to learn and have fun. A curiosity about life, and what else is possible in this amazing experience of aliveness.
Minimum numbers apply.
If you have any more questions, call me at 0438162552 . Or email – weaverywork@gmail.com