Our creative well-being programmes offer you the perfect pairing between mindfulness and creativity. So they will afford you the opportunity to relax, unwind and spend time developing both your creativity and well-being.

We have a range of creative well-being programmes to choose from including: an introduction to creative mindfulness, mindful drawing and nature journalling. Furthermore, you will be fully supported in order to develop a full toolkit for future mindful practice.

Select a creative well-being programme to jump to the relevant sections on this page.

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An Introduction to Creative Mindfulness

A one-day course offering a full introduction to mindful practice with focus on creativity.

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Mindful Drawing

In this two-day art course, you will develop your skills in mindful drawing and reveal the therapeutic effects of this artform.

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Nature Journalling

In this 3 day retreat, you will explore the benefits of becoming immersed in nature and develop creative content for a nature journal.

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Join us for this wonderful one-day creative well-being programme. In summary, you will be offered tutored sessions in mindful meditation, mindful movement and creative mindfulness.

Significantly, it is well documented that undertaking mindfulness practice can promote a healthier lifestyle.

For example: by reducing stress, helping with anxiety and depression, lowering blood pressure and improving your sleep.

Furthermore, couple creativity with mindfulness practice and you have the perfect pairing for improved well-being.

A full creative well-being programme

Firstly, we will start the day with an introduction to mindfulness. We will explore a variety of strategies in order to develop a more mindful lifestyle.

Following this, we will undertake a photography walk in order to collect visual inspiration for creative mindfulness. Furthermore, this will be an opportunity to practise mindful walking by appreciating the beautiful surroundings via all of your senses.

Finally, you will undertake an art workshop in order to create unique and expressive artworks inspired by nature.

Please note:

This creative well-being programme is suitable for both novice and the more advanced practitioner. Great care will be given in order to offer tailored support to all attendees.

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SessionAn example itinerary of the one-day creative well-being programme:
Mindfulness TechniquesWe will start the day by developing practice in mindful meditation and mindful drawing techniques. Various approaches will be explored with practical workshops and further reading notes to take home. The aim is to develop a range of approaches to offer a good grounding in mindfulness practice.
Mindful photo walkThe second session will be an opportunity to explore the surrounding woodland, paddocks and orchards in a mindful photography walk. Furthermore, you will be encouraged to experience and appreciate nature through all of your senses as well as collect creative imagery to inspire your artworks.
Art workshopFinally, the afternoon session will focus on developing your creativity by exploring drawing and painting tasks. You will be fully guided in order to develop wonderful expressive imagery developed during practical workshops designed for all ability levels.
The day will conclude at 3:30pm.

An Introduction to Creative Mindfulness Course

  • A 1-day introduction to creative mindfulness.
  • Includes: sessions in mindful meditation, mindful drawing, a mindful photo walk, practical art sessions, refreshments and lunch for just £85.

Please note that accommodation is not included within this package. Please visit our accommodation page to explore places to stay within the area.

Accommodation

This creative well-being programme will develop your ability to create detailed and patterned mindful drawings.

Mindful drawing is widely used as a tool to develop relaxation. What’s more, the creation of intricate, free flowing patterns helps to release tensions and helps to focus the mind. So, by completing this course, you will develop strategies for improved stress levels, lower blood pressure and an improved state of mind.

In conclusion, this course will offer the opportunity to practise a full range of mindful drawing to promote improved well-being. Furthermore, you will also develop your creativity and drawing ability.

The course is suitable for all ability levels as full support and templates are provided.

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mindful drawing course example, well-being course

Overview of the mindful drawing course:

  • Introduction and practical workshops on creating effective patterns.
  • Tutorials and practical workshops in zentangle drawing.
  • Demonstration and practical workshops in mandala drawing and painting.
  • Full support including outline templates for more complex drawing tasks
  • All materials are included
DayAn example itinerary of the mindful drawing course:
Sat We will meet at Backbury Studio for morning refreshments at 10:30 am.
During this session, you will learn about the art of Zentangle drawing which involves creating intricate patterns. We will develop the technique further by experimenting with different forms, such as animals and flowers.
Please note that you can also opt for a Saturday Introductory Experience when booking.
SunWe will meet at Backbury Studio for 10:30am for refreshments.
Firstly, the session will start with an introduction to mandala art and the different approaches used in different cultures.
Following this, you will then complete practical and fun exercises in drawing mandalas and how to create intricate and detailed patterns using geometric techniques.
The course will conclude at 3:30pm on each day.

Mindful Drawing Course

  • A 2-day mindful drawing course for just £170.
  • Or choose the Saturday Introduction Experience for £85.
  • Professional tuition, refreshments and all course materials are provided and included.

Please note that accommodation is not included within this package. Please visit our accommodation page to explore places to stay within the area.

Accommodation
creative well-being retreats, nature journalling retreat

This creative well-being retreat will involve becoming fully immersed in nature and experience the benefits of this activity. It is suitable for all ability levels as great care will be taken in order to offer tailored support for all attendees.

We offer both a spring and autumn nature journalling experience in order to capture the diversity of the different seasons.

During the well-being retreats, you will undertake a nature walk where you will record observations about the beautiful surroundings by listening, looking and investigating. Furthermore, you will be encouraged to record your observations using sketches, creative writing, rubbings and collecting objects.

Afterwards, you will develop your personal nature journals with creative writing and sketches. You will explore techniques such as collage, printmaking and other crafting techniques.

During the Nature Journalling Retreat, you will:

  • Experience a nature walk within the picturesque surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Practical sessions exploring creative writing and expressive drawing techniques.
  • Tuition and practical workshops in printmaking and crafting techniques.
  • Evening social activities to relax and enjoy the company of like-minded creatives.
  • Individually, tailored support for all attendees from a fully-qualified teacher.
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DayAn example itinerary of the Nature Journalling Retreat:
FriArrival at Backbury House Studio at 12pm for welcome refreshments and introductions.
Firstly, we will experiment with a range of drawing and printmaking techniques in order to explore ideas.
EveningYou will be invited to attend a social meal and wine tasting at Backbury House.
Afterwards, guests will be free to adjourn to their hotels.
Sat Meeting at Backbury House at 10:30am we will then complete a nature walk to nearby nature reserves and woods. During our walk, we will take time to absorb our surroundings and develop our observational skills.
Back at the art studio, we will start to develop our nature journals and you will be guided in drawing and painting activity. The session will conclude at 3:30pm.
Evening You will be invited to accompany your host to a local hostelry where we will enjoy a sociable evening meal together.
Afterwards, guests will be free to adjourn to their hotels.
SunWe will meet at Backbury Studio for morning refreshments at 10:30am. Following on, we will spend the rest of the morning exploring a variety of crafting techniques in order to further develop the nature journals.
The retreat will conclude at 3:30pm.

The different booking options:

To offer flexibility, we are offering three different retreat booking options as follows:

Option 1: The full weekend retreat package which offers a fully inclusive experience. This includes all meals and two nights accommodation in a luxury hotel.

Option 2: This option is just for the 2-day course programme and does not include evening social activities or accommodation.

Option 3: Finally, you can opt for a Saturday Introductory Experience which offers a one-day introduction to the subject.


The Nature Journalling Retreat Prices

  • A 3-day nature journalling all inclusive retreat including meals and 2 nights luxury accommodation for just £605.
  • or choose the 2-day course option which includes professional tuition, refreshments and all course materials for just £170
  • Or choose the Saturday Introduction Experience which includes professional tuition, refreshments and all course materials for just £85.

Quick links to alternative weekend courses and retreats

Backbury House Retreats

Backbury House

Checkley

Hereford

HR1 4NA

[email protected]

07584 081970