Winter Drum Crafting Retreat

I decided to run a Drum Crafting Retreat after one of the beautiful women from my 2 day drum crafting weekend said how wonderful it would have been to all stay together and connected through the whole experience, to stay in the moment and the delicious creative space rather than returning home and coming back the next day. This sounded so beautiful to me and set the wheels in motion for this Retreat to happen.

Over the full moon weekend in June two beautiful women heard the call to birth their drum and trusted me to hold them through this deeply moving and insightful process. I wanted this weekend to be deeply nourishing and filled with opportunities to explore creativity and connection. When women gather to dive deeply and really open themselves to this experience I knew it was essential to provide amazing nourishing food and offer space to tend to their physical bodies too.

Sharon from Mama Blooming blew us all away with her abundant soul nourishing food and massage to care for each woman.

Over the weekend Brooke + Lisa birthed their drum + beater, wove a raffia basket, eco dyed a scarf and made a leather talisman pouch - we sat in ceremony, shared our stories and a few tears, we laughed and cared for each other!

The amazing Sharon from Mama Blooming and her delicious food

Here is a little glimpse into our heartfelt weekend

Rather than sharing words from my perspective I’ll share the words of the women who gathered.

Brooke

Thank you for the most nourishing weekend Bron. It was much more than expected. The days and nights were so full of mindful + creative activities but somehow the time still felt so spacious. You share so much knowledge + wisdom with us and held us so beautifully. Thank you Sister from my heart and soul to yours.

Lisa

Why I chose to do this retreat:

The dates of the retreat coincided with my birthday, and as I was born on my mother’s birthday and this year would be the first birthday without my mother after her passing late 2022, I decided that I wanted to do something that was sacred and ceremonial, and in a space where I would be held in a supportive environment of like-minded women. I was also very interested in making my own drum, and I thought doing this retreat would keep me occupied so that my emotions were not too overwhelming.

The retreat was quite a big investment, financially, and I questioned whether I should spend this money on myself (why do we feel guilty for spoiling ourselves?), but I decided I really needed to do something amazing this year, and I deserve to spoil myself sometimes. The price included accommodation, all meals, and craft materials, so I thought it was really good value.

Review:

Whilst I did have some expectations prior to attending, I would have to say that the experience exceeded my expectations on so many levels!

Firstly, I would just like to mention Sharon from Mama Blooming, who prepared all meals. The food was incredible, so yummy! There was so much beautiful food all weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful. There was always more than enough, it was amazing! She worked so hard, slaving away in the kitchen, and still had time to give each of us a massage. The massage I had was also amazing, and after she finished I had a huge release of emotions. Sharon held me while I balled my eyes out on her shoulder. She was so kind and nurturing.

Now, about Kindred Alchemy.
Bron is someone who really knows how to ‘hold space’ for others. It is obvious that she has spent the time to learn and really understand what it means to hold space. We started with an opening ritual by sitting in circle on the Friday night. This was so special. Bron allowed us time and space to share our thoughts, always feeling honoured and supported as women of worth. The whole experience of birthing our drum felt so sacred, honouring the animal whose essence lives on through the skin of our drum. Bron was a patient facilitator, giving us plenty of one on one help throughout the whole drum crafting experience. It was also great to have a few other crafts to work on, keeping us busy creating all weekend.
On the Saturday night after my massage, when I was overwhelmed with emotion, Bron ran me a bath after a nice warm hug, and allowed me that space to release the emotions. I felt so valued, comforted and nurtured, without judgement. For the entire stay at the retreat, I felt safe to express my feelings and share my thoughts. I am grateful for being allowed to just be my authentic self, in all my layers. After the retreat, I could feel a huge positive effect emotionally, like something had shifted for me and a deep healing had taken place. I am grateful for the experience and would recommend this to others.

I’m so grateful for Lisa and Brooke for attending my very first retreat and beyond grateful for Sharon - she was the glue that held us all together!

Excited to say there are plans for another Drum Crafting retreat for October 2024 - this will be a mid week 5 day retreat expanding on this one - if you’re interested in stay up to date with this you can add your details to this expression of interest form here