Disconnect to Reconnect
- Andrea Murtagh
- Jul 29
- 6 min read
This past weekend, we held the very first Disconnect to Reconnect at the beautiful Embrace Holistic Retreat Centre in Killinchy.
The idea behind the event was two fold really –
1. A relaunch – both myself (Andrea of ReFocus with Andrea) and Juliette (Owner of Embrace Holistic Retreat Centre) took an extended break of around a year and a half from our work to focus on our families – both stopping at the same time, and feeling ready to return at the same time – one of many little synchronicities we have enjoyed since becoming friends! (but that is a story for another time!)
2. I love the idea behind movements such as The Offline Club—encouraging people to put their phones away and reconnect with real life—but these experiences tend to be city-based.
I found myself thinking, "What if we created something similar... but in nature?"
And then another thought followed quickly behind...
"What if we invited some of Northern Ireland's incredible holistic practitioners to share their gifts too?"
That's when Disconnect to Reconnect began to take shape.
The idea - A day unplugged, a chance to get offline and come together – to spend time with nature, with like minded people, and with yourself.
The day opened with a few emotional words from both myself and Juliette, giving heartfelt thanks for the 20 women who had shown up to the event, both the practitioners and the attendees who all also brought their own contributions to the day by being so open and sharing with each other.
It was truly wonderful to have the centre alive and buzzing with everyone’s energy!
The day was then officially opened by the wonderful Cara of Root to Rise, in what felt like a sacred ritual guiding us home to ourselves ahead of the very special day which was about to unfold. Cara invited us all to set an intention for the day, led us through grounding exercises and gentle movements. All of the women in the circle then shared a little of themselves, and many of us were brought to tears as we listened, tears of joy, shared experiences, some of sadness, grief, but ultimately of support and love for the women, who only minutes before were strangers, but were now dear friends. What a special gift Cara has to make everyone feel so held and so safe to share.
If you would like to get in touch with Cara you will find her on Facebook Root To Rise With Cara, Instagram @root.to.rise.with.cara or via her website, RootToRiseWithCara.co.uk
Next, we decided to move outside and make the most of what the weather was giving us, and Collette guided us in some chair Chi Me as the sun shone on our faces. The practice of Chi Me is accessible to all and gave us all some gentle, and grounding movement in such a relaxed way. Now, what I did not know until after the session, was that this was in fact Collette’s big debut! She had just recently completed her Chi Me training and this was her first time facilitating a group session! You would never have guessed. She was an absolute natural, and there wasn’t even the slightest hint of any nerves. I hope that having such a lovely group and a great first experience will inspire Collette to continue on her journey of bringing her skills to more groups and sharing the wonderful practice of Chi Me.
Patricia, was next with a beautiful colour breathing meditation, guiding us through the chakras with breath and colour before sharing with us each a card and affirmation – many of which felt very poignant to our own journeys and circumstances. Another beautiful practice, shared so gently. There was something quietly powerful about the way she held the space.
We took a quick break to grab a cuppa before settling down to hear Kim sharing her wisdom and knowledge of how little tweaks to our nutrition can have a big impact on our health.
Who knew the humble lemon could do so much!
Kim really knows her stuff, and I’m sure many of us went away with a list of helpful changes we can make, and a list of questions to come back to Kim with about our own particular health concerns or conditions.
If you would like to learn more about how you can use simple nutrition changes for maximum benefit, or to ask about your own specific needs, Kim is available for 1 to 1 consultations. You can reach her by email KimMcCreery@outlook.com or by phone 0799743518.
Oh my goodness, next it was lunch time and the shared lunch did not disappoint. There were so many home made goods, from salads to ferments, to gluten free delights. What a treat! And the company wasn’t bad either! It was so lovely to just sit amongst each other and chat that we almost forgot that we were supposed to be out enjoying nature on the break! The good company and chats, and food meant we didn’t make it as far as the lake this time – but there is always next time, but we still managed 2 of the shorter walks taking in the forest and the glorious views from the top of the hill (although the Mournes were being shy behind the clouds – another one for the next time!)
After lunch we were guided back into our bodies by the lovely Fiona, with some restorative yoga – we began with the sun beating down and reddening our skin, we enjoyed a passing light drizzle which we all enjoyed cooling us… before the heaven’s opened and we were drenched through as we ran for cover back to the yoga studio. We screamed, we laughed, we bonded through the experience!
It turned into one of those moments we'll all remember.
The kind that wasn't in the plan, but somehow became one of the highlights.
Once home and dry Fiona guided us back to our bodies and calm reigned once again, before finishing off with a lymphatic drainage practice to leave us feeling lighter and more energised. Thank you Fiona, for guiding us and remaining the steady calm even while adapting to weather and very short notice change of venue!
You can get in touch with Fiona, who holds regular yoga classes in Saintfield by email fionasteele77@icloud.com or by phone 07714207098.
As well as teaching Yoga, Chair Yoga and Meditation, Fiona also specialises in a range of holistic therapies including Reflexology for the face, hands and feet, Swedish Body Massage, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, Tarot readings & Angel Card readings.
She can also runs workshops including a little of all of the above and teaching self care for personal development, floral work and floristry workshops for all seasons and much much more.
The final session of the day, was one I was very curious about, having never experienced it before – laughter yoga, and boy did it live up to it’s name!
Tové had us laughing until tears streamed down our faces... and perhaps a few other places that we'll politely gloss over, but it really was contagious once we got going!
Tové has the perfect mix of comedy, humour, warmth, story telling and the science behind laughter to leave you feeling like you have simultaneously learnt something, received months’ worth of therapy and just had a really great laugh with your bestie!
If you would like to get in touch with Tové about a laughter Yoga session, or her upcoming trainings, you'll find her on Instagram @tovekane or @laughteratwork, you can watch her on youtube or check out her website laughteratwork.com
We wound up the day with lots of hugs and best wishes for the women who now felt like extensions of ourselves having journeyed this very special day together. I know that connections were made that we didn’t know we needed at the beginning of the day.
That is why I love bringing groups like this together.
What one woman is currently navigating, another in the group has already walked through. She has the map, and is often more than willing to pass it on with a little love, encouragement and wisdom.
You can never predict exactly who will come...But somehow, it's always the right people. The people who need the day, and the people someone else needs too.
That's the magic. That's the secret sauce. That's why I do what I do.
I can’t wait for the next one!
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