Rest Play Grow Retreat

This exclusive retreat is for anyone who has done Dr Ruth McConnell's One Wild and Precious Life course wants to have time in community going deeper:

·       You feel in need of a re-boot,

·       You may be in a time of transition and reassessment,

·       You may be needing a supportive, ‘held’ space to reflect on your life’s big themes.

Ruth’s sessions will focus on the restorative elements of play in nature, the neuroscience of awe and the need for deep rest for full flourishing growth in our lives.

As well as Ruth’s guided sessions, based on the Artist Way and other reflective poems, we will have the added bonus of these two sessions:

Guided ‘Artist Date’ with visual artist Jocelyn Friis

Jocelyn will run an art session with us on Saturday afternoon — no prior painting experience necessary! All materials for this session will be supplied. You'll take home your own inspired, intuitive painting.

Jocelyn has recently featured some of her artwork at the Auckland Art Show in the viaduct Auckland! Here are some samples of Jocelyn Friis’ beautiful artwork (Home - Jocelyn Friis Art).

Jocelyn Friis Home - Jocelyn Friis Art

Self-guided Artist Date time

Outside of Jocelyn's session, you're welcome to use free time for your own creative project of any kind. Please bring your own materials for this, as only a limited supply will be available on-site. Jocelyn will run an art session with us on Saturday afternoon - no prior painting experience is necessary! All materials will be supplied. You will be able to take home your own inspired intuitive painting.

Collective Effervescence Session: play date with dance and movement - featuring Beth Beard

There will also be an optional creative, physical element with a group dance session, where my very talented friend, Beth Beard, will share her expertise and guide a supportive, playful exploration of moving together—so bring comfortable clothes and supportive shoes if you’d like to join in.

There will be plenty of time for rest and unstructured play woven throughout the weekend.

St Francise retreat centre is next to the beautiful Pah Homestead with a sumptuous café and has a gorgeous park for meditative walks – good soul food all around!!!

Prices:   Fully Residential Early bird price: $999.00 + GST (early bird before Aug 31^st, 2026)

Fully Residential Regular Price: $1,099.00+ GST (Full price: from Sept. 1^st, 2026)

Refund policy

We're so looking forward to sharing this retreat with you — it's shaping up to be a genuinely special and restorative time. That said, we understand life is unexpected, and should you need to cancel, please let me know in writing at therapy@ruthmcconnell.com. Refunds depend on how far in advance you cancel:

• More than 3 months before the retreat (before Aug 6): full refund, minus an $80 admin fee.

• More than 2 months before the retreat (before Sept 6): 50% refund.

• Within 1 month of the retreat (after Oct 6): no refund, but your ticket can be transferred to someone else.

If the retreat is cancelled by the organizer for any reason, you will receive a full refund.

Your ticket includes single room, shared bathroom facilities and all meals and morning/afternoon tea, plus access to Dr Ruth’s sessions, Jocelyn Friis Artist Date session and Beth Beard’s dance sessions.

Spaces are limited for the residential option to the first 15 attendees.