Originally posted 23 September 2018.
Exactly two weeks ago, on Sunday 9th September, my girl, Tamu, hosted the first Three Sixty Day Retreat. Billed as a “day of carefully curated workshops…dedicated to caring for your mind, body and soul”, the sold-out event took care of each and every one of us who was privileged enough to be able to attend… 💛
As soon as Tamu mentioned that she was intending to put a retreat event together, I just knew I had to be there. And, although, yes, I absolutely wanted to support her in her venture, more selfishly, I knew that it would be an opportunity for me to take some time for me – something that I have told myself I will do more of now that I am a big, 40 year old woman 👵🏾
In a relatively short space of time, Tamu has introduced me and many others to the concept of everyday joy. Earlier this year, she launched her lifestyle brand, Three Sixty, which is aimed at those (in her own words) “busy women in their late 30’s and 40’s. Women who want to simplify their lives and create space for the everyday joy that comes from accepting ourselves fully in all our shades from light to dark, our entire 360 degrees. Working with ourselves rather than against, creating space to notice the beauty of things we overlook in the midst of busyness and the everyday joy that comes from doing the things that light us up. These things matter, they are the sweet spot of contentment that allow us to live fully.” So, yeah, that’s me…and, most likely, you too! 🙋🏾🙋🏼🙋🏿🙋🏻🙋🏽
If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember seeing me in that rainbow dress, you know, back when the sun was still shining 😥 That dress was a Tamu, or rather, a Three Sixty creation, taken from her Spring/Summer ’18 collection. There are literally hundreds of women currently poised, ready and waiting to receive the upcoming Winter collection *impatiently taps fingers on the kitchen table* Tamu is also set to add to her brand by launching an apothecary (those of us who attended the retreat took home a beautifully scented candle, blended with soy wax, bees wax, Rose and Frankincense absolut oils – both particularly nurturing and therapeutic for women – in our goodie bags 🙌🏾) and stationery to aid those who partake in journalling…*side eyes own self*
Anyway, back to the retreat. The venue, Clapton Laundry, located in, yep – you guessed it, Clapton, East London, is a beautifully styled with reclaimed and recycled items, open-plan, warehouse conversion, that had me mouth agape for at least the first 30 minutes post-arrival. The space is flooded with light due to the high ceiling and the massive sky lights. There is reclaimed wood and cascading plants EVERYWHERE, and, on the day, there was even a dragonfly hovering around at one point. It almost felt as though we were sitting outside, in some industrial, yet also very natural and peaceful cabin in the woods. I am NOT being dramatic. The space felt very much aligned with the whole #HeyitsMRBloom thing (remember that? 🤔) I arrived early *gasp*, so had a chance to chat to some of the other ladies who had realised that they too were in need of some assistance in creating space for that everyday joy. Some I knew or recognised. Others I didn’t. But, the atmosphere was so informal and relaxed that we immediately began to mingle and pick at the plant-based, breakfast goodies that had been prepared for us by The V Spot.
Tamu was her usual warm and welcoming self, cracking jokes, spitting pearls of wisdom, asking challenging questions and still making sure that everyone felt that they belonged in that space. And although the venue is a converted factory, it is also the family home of Ashlyn Gibson. The intimacy of the venue, meant that we could all either catch up or get to know each other very easily and in cosy comfort. We bonded over vegan carrot cake and chocolate and hazelnut protein balls, wearing slippers or furry socks. It was cosy AF 🤗
Let me paint more of a picture for you. Imagine, if you will, being invited to your good friend’s house to hang out for the day and, while you’re there, meeting a few of her other friends (Lisa Bent, qualified Counsellor and founder of Self Central and Nicola Rae Wickham, NLP practitioner, coach and founder of A Life More Inspired) who have also been invited, and talking, openly, about the process from self awareness to self love, understanding your purpose and becoming PowerFULL, giving and getting advice from some of her other friends – a real cross-section of women; some mothers, some not; some employed, some freelance, some SAHM; various backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and stages of life, and realising that you all have loads in common. Imagine having the time to truly reflect, to the point that you are finally able to address issues that you have buried due to the day-to-day pressures of your life. Imagine feeling safe enough to cry in front of strangers, without fear of judgement. Imagine that one of those invited friends (Anya Hayes founder of Mothers Wellness Toolkit) is a successful author and Pilates teacher, with a very soothing voice, who specialises in pregnancy, post-natal and pelvic floor health, and another (Mala Seecoomar founder of Feel Good Yoga) is a no-nonsense, yet empathic, nurturing and highly skilled Therapeutic Yoga teacher, with ALL the equipment you could dream of, and both offer to run a session for everyone. Oh, and another friend is an amazing, vegan chef who provides delicious food throughout the day 🌾🌿🥑🥦🥗 It felt like we had all been invited to a gathering – and Tamu was the ultimate host. If that sounds like a picture you could happily be a part of, then the Three Sixty Retreat is the place for you 💛
It was challenging, no doubt. We were put through our paces, but it didn’t ever feel truly uncomfortable. Everything we did had a purpose and we were even given some homework! ✍🏾✍🏽✍🏻✍🏿✍🏼
Oh, and I finally mastered my hand position for Downward Dog 🙌🏾 (although I am yet to look like an “upside-down V”, but, it’s about the process, rather than the aesthetic, right?) 🧘🏾
The next Everyday Joy Retreat is scheduled for February 2019. If you like what you’ve read above, you better subscribe to the Three Sixty newsletter AND follow Three Sixty on Instagram and Twitter to be the first to know! 💛
Cee x
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