Womens Deep Wilding

Sunday 1st November to Saturday the 7th 2020

This modern day rite of passage (ROP) is for any woman going through a major transition in her life - a new job, a marriage, the death of a parent or other loved one, separation or divorce, finally realising we may never have children, or, celebrating becoming a mother, facing a life threatening illness or recovery from that, moving to a new town or country, becoming an adult, becoming an empty nester, experiencing menopause, or becoming an elder. There are many significant transitions that require our full attention if we are to fully embrace our new role or life experience.

A rite of passage is an opportunity to mark, honour and explore these significant changes in our life. 7 days away from our usual business - 7 days to consciously examine what we need to let go of, where we need to challenge ourselves, or what we need to accept, as we step into a new way of being in the world.

These internal musings are given close attention as we sit alone for three nights and two days with the forest as company. We observe our internal challenges and claim our latent strengths and in doing so bring our wholes selves back into community, into our work and our families.

By deeply nurturing and listening to our hearts we make ourselves more powerfully available to support others in our lives. Everyone benefits when a woman pauses to nurture herself.

Our allies in this process will be the other women in the group and the forest surrounding us.

Overview

How the 7 days will unfold:

For three days we will become orientated to the forest, to the group and to our intentions for our solo time in the forest. We will also explore self generated ceremony to enable us to mark our rite of passage during our 3 nights and 2 days alone with nature. When you give voice to your intentions for the next phase of your life, your words give weight to your resolve.

An example of a simple self generated ceremony - in gratitude for sustenance.

At dusk on the third day you will step over a threshold and go to your circle in the forest. You will have a mesh tent and a tarpaulin to protect you from weather and insects. You may choose to fast or to eat very simple foods. Regular water intake is essential. Your safety circle will be chosen for you and will be 20 meters in diameter. We request that you do not leave your circle during your solo time.

(Drumming and fire are not part of the solo time in the forest.)

At dawn on the 6th day you will return, recrossing the threshold, back into the group of women where we will share in a celebratory breakfast.

During the next 2 days you will have the opportunity to tell the story of your time alone with the forest and to have the core of that story reflected back to you by the ROP facilitators. Preparation to return to your own family and work communities will occur on the morning of the 8th day before you begin travelling home that afternoon.

Suzan Muir, Women’s Rite of Passage Facilitator

Prepare for your trip

This deep wilding experience is a drug and alcohol free event. We recommend eliminating any substances that do not support your health for at least one week prior to the start date.

Please read the Code of Conduct prior to inquiring. This code gives you an idea of how we will support ourselves and others. At the time of booking can you please send a signed copy of the Code of Conduct, indicating your commitment to making the deep wilding rite of passage a safe and supportive experience for everyone involved.

When you confirm your place with a 10% deposit we will forward to you a gear list and the confidential medical and release forms and the code of conduct, for you to sign and return. We will also send you travel information including public transport options.

When you commit to this rite of passage it’s a good time to begin to think about what it is that you will be working with during your solo time in the forest. We can begin an email exchange to support you in feeling into what your intent may be for your rite of passage. Preparing some months in advance for your self generated ceremony allows for powerful transformation into the next phase of your life.

Fee Options

The group number is limited to 6 participants.

Book soon to avoid missing out.

Early bird rate of $1,200.00 if you book before August 31st,

or $1,400.00 after that date.

Early bird Concession Card rate of $900.00 if you book before August 31st

or $1,100.00 after that date

For full booking terms and conditions please click here.

inquire

Learn more about rites of passage

WHAT'S INCLUDED

5 dinners, 5 lunches, 5 breakfasts,
Herbal tea, black tea and percolator coffee, hot chocolate
Snacks of fruit, nuts, biscuits and crackers.
If you choose not to fast, rice or corn crackers will be available for your solo time in the forest.
(If you decide to eat more complex foods during your ceremonial time alone then we ask that you bring that food with you.)

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. Let us know when you book.

We will use some of our own organic harvest. Other food is also mostly organic, sourced in bulk and Australian grown. Some food is from the local supermarket, e.g. the bread, some of the cheeses the milk and biscuits.

Accomodation

Simple shared accomodation in the ocean yacht, bungalow, or stand up tents with foam mattresses.
If you would like single accomodation please bring a tent or you can hire a tent from us for $80
The shared stand up tents have inbuilt floors and are either insect proof or have a mosquito proof net. (We have a very low number of mosquitoes.)
Natures Head Composting Toilet.
Solar shower in lovely shower area.
Use of beautiful, quirky and rustic camp kitchen and lounge area.
For your solo time there is a bug proof mesh tent, tarpaulin with tie off ropes, water containers and 2 closed cell foam mats.

Not included:

Sleeping bag. If you don’t have a sleeping bag and can’t borrow one you can hire one from us for $40.

Inflatable camp mattress for you solo time - if you want one
Transport to and from the retreat - however we can provide a complimentary pick up and drop off, to and from Dunkeld for those using public transport from Melbourne.