Wildsong & Reiki Retreat
At this unique and healing day, we will gather together in Circle at the Yurt to nourish the spirit and soul. Rest, replenish and restore yourself through somatic folk singing and individual and group Reiki, or ‘spiritual/life force’ healing. This retreat will allow rest for the nervous system, as our collective breath flows in harmony throughout the day.
Rhythm of the day (approximate timings):
10am arrivals, tea/coffee and cake
10.30am opening circle and blessing
11am Wild Song & Harp somatic singing workshop
12.30pm sharing lunch
1.30pm sensory, spiritual walk on the land, or time to relax in the Yurt
2pm individual reiki healings and deep rest by the fireside in the Yurt
3.30pm closing circle
4pm retreat ends, with relaxed departures until 4.30pm
Meet your host…
Caitlin Mayall – Folk singer, reiki healer and harpist
Caitlin has 15 years’ experience as a choir leader and vocal teacher, and a degree in Music. She directs the non-profit school Music at Heart as well as Wild Song, a healing women’s singing community who meet in nature. When Caitlin became a mother 4 years ago, she began holding wellbeing folk song circles for mums and babies. Her work is grounded in the belief that every voice is beautiful, and she gently guides you to find and harness your own unique, natural and unforced sound.
Caitlin recently trained in Reiki Healing with Amanda Winburn, yoga master. Through working with energy, she aims to help others remember that they are inherently, spiritually good. Through the breath, land connection and somatic practice, her spaces remind us how to live in harmony with nature.
🌿 Instagram: @musicatheartschool
Reviews…
“I am a mum of two small children and this was just the retreat I was looking for. Caitlin led us with care and gentleness. I felt revived!”
“Thank you Caitlin for such a lovely retreat. I left filled with a sense of peace and reconnection with myself. I would love to do it again in the future and can’t recommend it enough to all those that are curious and would like to experience Reiki in a comfortable and beautiful space. Thanks again x“
‘Thank you so much for the amazing day on Sunday, I really enjoyed it. It was so amazing to have such a calm and welcoming safe space to truly be myself and feel like I belong.’
“Caitlin’s singing group has been a joy to be a part of. The songs are so special and I find myself singing them all the time.”
“I’ve found attending Caitlin’s song circle this half term incredibly healing, both in relation to my emotional health during this period specifically and in relation to past trauma. It’s been a real support to be part of this singing community.“
FAQs
*Who can come?
Women of all ages and walks of life are welcome, as well as mothers with babes in arms. Anyone who identifies as a woman is welcome in this ‘safer’ space. Please see the LGBT Foundation’s guide on ‘What is a woman’ for more information. Also, menstruating/pregnant/ birthing people who don’t identify as women, but would love to be included in this space, are welcome.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing that involves a practitioner using their hands to channel universal life force energy into a client to promote relaxation and well-being. The word “Reiki” translates to “universal life force energy,” and during a session, the practitioner lightly places their hands on or near the body to clear blockages and restore balance.
How it works
- Energy flow: The practice is based on the principle that a life force energy flows through all living things, and when this flow is low or blocked, illness can result.
- Practitioner’s role: A Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit, not creating energy, but guiding it to the client to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
- Hands-on or hands-off: The treatment typically involves the practitioner placing their hands lightly on or near the client’s clothed body in various positions for a few minutes each. It can also be performed at a distance.
- Sensations: Clients may feel warmth, tingling, coolness, or nothing at all. Some may feel deeply relaxed or even fall asleep, but personal experiences vary widely.
- Promotes relaxation: Reiki is widely used to reduce stress and promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
- Works alongside medical care: Reiki can be used as a complementary therapy to support traditional medicine.
I am a mother. How will it work if I bring my baby with me?
Babes in arms are welcome in this space. For millennia, women have sat in circle, singing and gathering together, and babies have always been a part of this. I am a mother of 2, and I know how hard it can be to bring a baby along to a new space, particularly whilst you are trying to have some time for yourself. I treat mums and babies as VIPs. I will check in with you as your arrive to make sure you’re comfortable and check if there is anything you need.
I recommend bringing a sling, for when your baby needs a nap. The Yurt is cosy and comfortable for you and your baby to relax. There is hot water from the kettle, if you need to warm bottles. If there’s anything else you’re not sure about, text or voice note me (Caitlin) on 07708616790 and we can chat it through. I am also very happy to give your baby reiki, if you wish – it can be very relaxing for them and only takes a few minutes!
Do I need to be a singer?
No, all voices are welcome, the songs are very simple and we learn everything by ear. This is a wellbeing retreat, where every voice and every person is valued; we meet on the land and sing in Circle, as we have been coming together to work and sing in rural communities for centuries. It’s not about the voices we have, it’s about the energy that moves through us when we sing as one. And for the mothers/pregnant people among us with babes in arms, I love to remind you that your voice is your baby’s favourite sound.
Location of the Yurt & Accessibility
The Yurt is located down a beautiful country lane on the outskirts of Otley, next to fields with ponies and a river. The exact location of the Yurt will be provided after booking, but it is within walking distance of Clifton Village Hall, Newall Carr Road, Newall with Clifton, Otley, LS21 2ES. There is parking available at a short, flat 2 minute walk from the Yurt. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact Caitlin via email at caitlinmayall@hotmail.com or, if preferable, via WhatsApp voice note on 07708616790. I will support you however we can.
What’s included…
- Held space as part of our women’s wellbeing Circle, at the beginning and end of the retreat
- An approx 90 minute somatic folk singing workshop
- An approx 30 minute sensory, spiritual walk on the land after lunch (optional)
- An approx 90 minute fireside deep rest and reiki group healing
- An individual 10-15 minute reiki healing
- All hot drinks and a selection of wholesome cakes and sweet treats
- Access to the Yurt as a relaxation space and the surrounding land for spiritual reflection/walks
- A whole day of ‘you time’, grounded and held in the intuitive, feminine way of being
Exchange: £75 general admission / £45 low income (limited availability)
Hurry – only 2 tickets left!
Contact me for more information about accessibility, or to enquire about a low income space: caitlinmayall@hotmail.com
REFUND POLICY: Please note, should you be unable to attend this retreat, we are unable offer refunds for any reason. In the event that the retreat is cancelled by us, we will issue a full refund.
Not sure this retreat is for you? I have recorded a 30 minute video called ‘Find Your Own Healed Voice’. You can watch this, get a feel for me and how I work, before deciding to jump in and book.
Caitlin Mayall 