A Wild Weekend That Reconnected Me to Nature and Myself

I arrived at the Wild Weekend Retreat not fully knowing what I needed - just that something in me was craving stillness, truth, and a deeper connection to the land. What I experienced over the weekend was far more than a retreat. It was a remembering.

From the moment we stepped into the forest, it felt like entering a living classroom - one guided not by walls or clocks, but by fungi, plants, trees, and the quiet wisdom they’ve carried for centuries. Under the guidance of expert forager Gjergj “G,” we learned how to identify wild mushrooms, flowers, and plants, discovering not only what was edible, but what was medicinal. Each walk through the forest felt sacred - slow, intentional, and rich with knowledge passed down through observation and respect.

There was something deeply grounding about learning directly from the land. As we hiked, G shared both culinary and medicinal uses of the plants and trees surrounding us, teaching us how to safely harvest and partner with nature rather than take from it. We even stumbled upon a few rare mushroom treasures - an unexpected gift that made the forest feel generous and alive.

Food became a ceremony. Chef Liz transformed what we foraged into wild-infused gourmet meals that felt both nourishing and celebratory. A three-course forest-to-fork dinner grounded the day, reminding me how powerful food can be when it’s prepared with intention and love. Each bite felt connected - to the land, to the group, and to something older than all of us.

As the physical body was nourished, so too was the nervous system. The sound healing journey was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Resting as waves of vibration moved through the space, I could feel my body soften. The ancient teaching “Nada Brahma - the universe is vibration” suddenly made sense. It helped release stuck energy and brought a deep sense of calm and clarity.

Breathwork and meditation offered another layer of healing. Guided with care, we explored how the breath can regulate the nervous system and release emotional and physical tension stored in the body. It felt empowering to learn tools I could carry into everyday life - simple practices to navigate stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.

Movement was woven beautifully throughout the weekend. Yoga slowed everything down, gently bringing awareness back into the heart and body. The free-flow ecstatic dance, on the other hand, was pure liberation - high-vibrational music, no rules, just movement and expression. There was laughter, release, and a shared sense of joy that connected us all.

What stood out most was the people. The facilitators and team truly worked from the heart centre - holding space with warmth, knowledge, and authenticity. There was a genuine sense of being supported, seen, and welcomed exactly as you are.

By the end of the weekend, I felt recharged, reset, and deeply connected - not just to nature, but to myself and the collective energy of the group. I left with new skills, new awareness, and a profound sense of gratitude for the land and those who steward it so lovingly.

This wasn’t just a retreat - it was a reminder of what it feels like to live in rhythm with the earth. And I’m already carrying that wild wisdom with me.