Retreats & Workshops
"I'm still trying to find words sufficient to describe the retreat' For Love'. A fundamental shift has taken place in me and I have a greater sense of well being. I am holding my body differently, with less tension in multiple areas. People I have known for a while have said I look different since returning. I feel more relaxed, my nervous system calmer, even in the face of everyday life stressors.
Joanna fosters deep trust and safety in the groups she facilitates. This ability of hers is essential in laying a foundation for vulnerable work. I would absolutely recommend a retreat or workshop with her if you are eager to dive deep into yourself with the warm support of good company." R.A-M, London
****
In Person Workshops
The Ocean and the Wave – On Relating
(co-facilitated with Brad Richecoeur)February 21st-22nd 2026
Caddaford Barns Studio, near Buckfastleigh, Devon.
Cost £190
Timings Friday evening 7-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Directions
The workshop is for everyone, whether in a couple relationship or not.
Please email Penny to reserve a place or if you have any questions.
In this workshop we offer time to bathe in the vast ocean of being, deeply re-sourcing ourselves in our essential nature whilst also remembering the unique wave that we each are.
Resting in the sense of being ‘already connected’ we will explore the freedom and ease possible in relating with ourself, each other and the world.
Through a mixture of sitting, movement, spoken enquiry and heart dialogue, we can recognise the ways that we have learnt to adapt and resist being here as we actually are, noticing how this keeps us isolated and feeling separate from our source nature, our authentic sense of self and our meetings with others.
We will find out what’s it actually like, beyond our ideas, beliefs and concerns, to stay close with ourselves whilst meeting another, and how it is to contribute our individuality into the collective field.
This is a radical and deceptively simple exploration: the effects are immediate and yet they can’t be held on to. And it is not about self-improvement.
This workshop is open to people who have worked with either Brad or Joanna before, as well as a good introduction to this work for newcomers.
Online Groups & Workshops
Guest House Thursdays - the first Thursday of each month, 7- 8pm Free to Attend but do register on link below
The Guest House Thursdays end in 2026, after 5 years.
remaining dates:
Jan 1st, Feb 5th, March 5th 2026
ehealthlearning.tv/portfolio-2/guest-house-thursdays/
podcast introducing the Guest House ehealthlearning.tv/podcasts/
These monthly live classes offer an hour in the good company of others to welcome our experience in the present moment, and reconnect with what is most precious : our source nature, our essence. I will guide a meditation and then offer a simple enquiry into “this being human” to be shared in breakout spaces, with some time to reflect together afterwards.
No particular previous experience necessary. Come with a curious heart and an open mind.
Translated by Coleman Barks
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
There is no obligation to come to every session - drop in when it suits you, but ideally come punctually (as we usually start with a meditation). One regular attendee kindly wrote this, and is happy for me to share it as a testimonial:
"I just wanted to thank you again for these wonderful opportunities in the Guest House.
Recently i said yes to 2 very scary (for me) things, that even 6 months ago I would have run a mile from. Even though I would have wanted to do them, because they help something I believe in, it would have felt too exposed.
Yet, I said yes, and have done the scariest one already, and survived! And I think the Guest House has been a generous part of that change in me.
It's not that I'm braver, it's just that I care less about the backlash of thoughts and feelings that are inevitable afterwards (oh, cringe, cringe, I made a complete berk of myself). Something like knowing those feelings are going to come, and being OK with it. Knowing that I will not be consumed by them, but I now know they will be a small part of my day, mixed up with so many other feelings and sensations that will be the majority. Not quite at the stage of welcoming them with laughter yet, maybe with a wry grin, but that's great progress!
And also hearing other people's insecurities and self-doubt has helped me to see possible unforeseeable consequences that could be for the good - say someone saw me and thought 'wow, she didn't do that very well, but she's clearly wetting her pants with fear, and she's doing it anyway - maybe I could find a way to do that thing that I'm scared of doing...?'
I'm so appreciative of your offering the Guest House, I just wanted you to know that they are rippling out into the world in so many ways you will never know!"
Anyone who is interested in attending can subscribe via the eHealth Learning website page :
https://ehealthlearning.tv/portfolio-2/guest-house-thursdays/
(Fill in the details to register on this form and submit it and then they will be subscribed to the emails which are sent out before the event with the Zoom link included to attend the next scheduled session.
If anyone experiences problems ask them to contact us for help on [email protected])
***
Strength and Sensitivity - an ongoing closed group enquiring into including both ends of any polarity
We tend to split reality into "either this or that"
(Left or Right, Strong or Sensitive, Bad or Good, Spirit or Matter etc)
In this ongoing group we will explore holding both ends of any polarity at the same time, not either/or but both.
When we do this, it has a radical impact on our lives, inviting compassion and flexibility.
We will explore this through movement, meditation and enquiry.
(currently full until January 2026).
***
Welcome Reality - a fortnightly group based in Totnes on Tuesdays 2-4pm -
FULL - please email me if you'd like to be on a waiting list
Starting again on Jan 20th 2026
The Ocean and the Wave – On Relating
(co-facilitated with Brad Richecoeur)February 21st-22nd 2026
Caddaford Barns Studio, near Buckfastleigh, Devon.
Cost £190
Timings Friday evening 7-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.
Directions
The workshop is for everyone, whether in a couple relationship or not.
Please email Penny to reserve a place or if you have any questions.
In this workshop we offer time to bathe in the vast ocean of being, deeply re-sourcing ourselves in our essential nature whilst also remembering the unique wave that we each are.
Resting in the sense of being ‘already connected’ we will explore the freedom and ease possible in relating with ourself, each other and the world.
Through a mixture of sitting, movement, spoken enquiry and heart dialogue, we can recognise the ways that we have learnt to adapt and resist being here as we actually are, noticing how this keeps us isolated and feeling separate from our source nature, our authentic sense of self and our meetings with others.
We will find out what’s it actually like, beyond our ideas, beliefs and concerns, to stay close with ourselves whilst meeting another, and how it is to contribute our individuality into the collective field.
This is a radical and deceptively simple exploration: the effects are immediate and yet they can’t be held on to. And it is not about self-improvement.
This workshop is open to people who have worked with either Brad or Joanna before, as well as a good introduction to this work for newcomers.
Online Groups & Workshops
Guest House Thursdays - the first Thursday of each month, 7- 8pm Free to Attend but do register on link below
The Guest House Thursdays end in 2026, after 5 years.
remaining dates:
Jan 1st, Feb 5th, March 5th 2026
ehealthlearning.tv/portfolio-2/guest-house-thursdays/
podcast introducing the Guest House ehealthlearning.tv/podcasts/
These monthly live classes offer an hour in the good company of others to welcome our experience in the present moment, and reconnect with what is most precious : our source nature, our essence. I will guide a meditation and then offer a simple enquiry into “this being human” to be shared in breakout spaces, with some time to reflect together afterwards.
No particular previous experience necessary. Come with a curious heart and an open mind.
Translated by Coleman Barks
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
There is no obligation to come to every session - drop in when it suits you, but ideally come punctually (as we usually start with a meditation). One regular attendee kindly wrote this, and is happy for me to share it as a testimonial:
"I just wanted to thank you again for these wonderful opportunities in the Guest House.
Recently i said yes to 2 very scary (for me) things, that even 6 months ago I would have run a mile from. Even though I would have wanted to do them, because they help something I believe in, it would have felt too exposed.
Yet, I said yes, and have done the scariest one already, and survived! And I think the Guest House has been a generous part of that change in me.
It's not that I'm braver, it's just that I care less about the backlash of thoughts and feelings that are inevitable afterwards (oh, cringe, cringe, I made a complete berk of myself). Something like knowing those feelings are going to come, and being OK with it. Knowing that I will not be consumed by them, but I now know they will be a small part of my day, mixed up with so many other feelings and sensations that will be the majority. Not quite at the stage of welcoming them with laughter yet, maybe with a wry grin, but that's great progress!
And also hearing other people's insecurities and self-doubt has helped me to see possible unforeseeable consequences that could be for the good - say someone saw me and thought 'wow, she didn't do that very well, but she's clearly wetting her pants with fear, and she's doing it anyway - maybe I could find a way to do that thing that I'm scared of doing...?'
I'm so appreciative of your offering the Guest House, I just wanted you to know that they are rippling out into the world in so many ways you will never know!"
Anyone who is interested in attending can subscribe via the eHealth Learning website page :
https://ehealthlearning.tv/portfolio-2/guest-house-thursdays/
(Fill in the details to register on this form and submit it and then they will be subscribed to the emails which are sent out before the event with the Zoom link included to attend the next scheduled session.
If anyone experiences problems ask them to contact us for help on [email protected])
***
Strength and Sensitivity - an ongoing closed group enquiring into including both ends of any polarity
We tend to split reality into "either this or that"
(Left or Right, Strong or Sensitive, Bad or Good, Spirit or Matter etc)
In this ongoing group we will explore holding both ends of any polarity at the same time, not either/or but both.
When we do this, it has a radical impact on our lives, inviting compassion and flexibility.
We will explore this through movement, meditation and enquiry.
(currently full until January 2026).
***
Welcome Reality - a fortnightly group based in Totnes on Tuesdays 2-4pm -
FULL - please email me if you'd like to be on a waiting list
Starting again on Jan 20th 2026
COLLABORATION : IN PERSON : OPEN HOUSE
A group of us who teach in this stream of Embodied Awakening are holding a monthly
Open House evening drop-in.
This will take place at Droridge Barn (Dartington, Devon) on the 3rd Sunday of each month, at 7 - 8:30pm,
One of us will hold the space for a meditation and some enquiry and/or movement
By donation
This is a drop in - all are welcome
A group of us who teach in this stream of Embodied Awakening are holding a monthly
Open House evening drop-in.
This will take place at Droridge Barn (Dartington, Devon) on the 3rd Sunday of each month, at 7 - 8:30pm,
One of us will hold the space for a meditation and some enquiry and/or movement
By donation
This is a drop in - all are welcome
FOR FAMILIES with young children :
Nurture in Nature group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Fridays 9:30 - 11:30. For parents and babies/toddlers up to 3 yrs old.
Growing Families group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Wednesdays 11am - 2pm. This group is for parents and children 3+.
These groups are supported by Lottery Funding and Sustainable Families and are hosted by me and Eliza Christopherson, with play workers Robert Hopwood and Rozi Hilton in the morning group. We draw on Parenting by Connection, Permaculture and Forest School principles. FFI WhatsApp message Eliza on 0749164408
We are taking a Winter after Christmas - with both groups starting again in the first week of March 2026
Nurture in Nature group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Fridays 9:30 - 11:30. For parents and babies/toddlers up to 3 yrs old.
Growing Families group at Nutwells, Buckland in the Moor, alternate Wednesdays 11am - 2pm. This group is for parents and children 3+.
These groups are supported by Lottery Funding and Sustainable Families and are hosted by me and Eliza Christopherson, with play workers Robert Hopwood and Rozi Hilton in the morning group. We draw on Parenting by Connection, Permaculture and Forest School principles. FFI WhatsApp message Eliza on 0749164408
We are taking a Winter after Christmas - with both groups starting again in the first week of March 2026