Rest Play Grow Retreat

This retreat is for anyone who …..

·       may be in need of Rest and Play to re-energise their bodies and souls

·       may be in a time of transition and reassessment,

·       has attended the One Wild and Precious life course and wants to have time in community going deeper and is needing a supportive, ‘held’ space to process life’s themes

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

·       experiencing a hands-on Artist Date with a Visual Artist – Jocelyn Friis Home - Jocelyn Friis Art

·       As well as being in play-mode with Beth Beard leading us in some dance and joy-filled movement.

During the retreat there will be plenty of ‘free time’ and chances for Rest and Play as well as high-quality input during the sessions with Ruth. There will be space to go on your own Artist Date (led by Jocelyn or self-guided/on your own: bring your own artistic material – a limited supply will also be available).

Special Features

‘Artist Date’ with visual artist Jocelyn Friis

Jocelyn has just featured some of her artwork at the Auckland Art Show in the viaduct in Auckland.

Check out her website for inspiration of Jocelyn Friis' art ( Home - Jocelyn Friis Art). She will run an art session with us on Saturday afternoon - no prior painting experience is necessary! All materials will be supplied.

Play Date with dance instructor 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:   Option 1: Fully Residential: $750 (early bird before Aug 31^st, 2026) Includes single room, shared bathroom facilities and all meals plus access to the sessions and art/dance sessions.

              Option 2: Fully Residential $790 (Full price: from Sept. 1^st, 2026) Includes single room, shared bathroom facilities and all meals,  plus access to all sessions and art/dance sessions.  

              Option 3: Non-Residential Full Retreat (3 days): $350 early bird before Aug 31^st 2026 Includes meals and all sessions.

              Option 4: Non-residential Full Retreat (3 days): $390 Full price from Sept 1, 2026) Includes meals and all sessions.

              Option 5: Non-Residential Saturday only (1 full day): $180 Early bird before May 31^st include lunch,  morning and afternoon tea plus sessions.

              Option 6: Non-Residential Saturday only (1 full day): $190 Full price includes lunch and morning and afternoon tea plus sessions.

Spaces are limited for the residential option to the first 15 attendees. Non-Residential tickets are limited to 5 attendees.