In this time of eco – awareness and challenges to our environment at so many levels, we take a moment in time to see the true benefit of plants all around us.  We will look at trees and plants as resources for physical, spiritual and psychological well-being.

This is both a reflective and experiential retreat. Michael will lead reflective practices linked to the healing power of nature both indoors and outdoors while Danielle will facilitate a day on plants, their benefits and how to grow and care for them.

Open to all.

This is a time to relax and bathe in the presence and energy of plants, to experience their importance to our very existence, our relationship to them and how they can be great metaphors for our lives.  This is a mixture of plant care workshop and a reflective spiritual retreat. Michael and Danielle will guide you through an experience of plants and trees that will touch you in so many different ways bringing together many of the benefits that plants offer as resources for wellness and wellbeing.

Blending reflection with hands-on experience, Michael will guide us through practices that explore the healing power of nature, both indoors and outdoors. Danielle will invite us to discover the benefits of plants and learn more about how to grow, nurture and care for them. Together, we will create space to slow down, deepen our connection with the natural world, and find inspiration in the living things all around us.

Danielle Stevenson – Botany Dip, Horticulture Dip, Gardening and Landscape Design Dip

Passionate, self-taught Horticulturist specialising in houseplants.

After spending 4 decades in the hospitality industry, Danielle began distance learning 3 years ago, gaining several diplomas in the discipline of Horticulture and is now an integral team member in the flagship Arboretum Home and Garden Centre in Leighlinbridge, Carlow.

Not only does Danielle oversee the extensive houseplant department, she has organised a unique and successful houseplant events and is a mentor to other team members in the Carlow and Dublin city outlet.

Danielle has a keen interest in nature and how it relates to our mental and physical health, as well as travelling to experience other cultures.

Michael Dillon, is the Director at Ballyvaloo, he is a psychotherapist by training with specialist training in Trauma work and is a certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist. In the past he has worked with the MEND programme (Domestic Violence Intervention Programme in the South East) for over 10 years, as a therapist with the HSE in Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) ,the Self Harm Intervention Programme (SHIP) and in counselling management.

He has a life long interest in spirituality and has a degree in theology.

(3 Nights)