Wise, Wild, & Well
Unique events & retreats for the wise & wild woman inside you.
Join Jane Rourke & Jo Kitts for yoga, connection, & nature in a wonderfully supportive space...
About Us
Jo has practiced yoga for over two decades - this personal pursuit of yoga has taken her on many adventures across the world to numerous yoga retreats and to study with many renowned teachers. She has a particular passion for bringing ancient yogic philosophy to life, making it relevant to our everyday challenges, both on and off the mat. Jo has a warm and calming nature and her yoga sessions are friendly, open and accessible to all. Many students return to Jo’s classes again and again, due to her depth of knowledge and the sense of safety and trust she creates.
Jane loves to weave soothing, meditative and mindful movement throughout her classes, which serves to nourish and calm our so often overworked nervous systems. With a real emphasis on kindness and compassion, Jane aims to create a space for you to pause from the busyness of modern life, move inwards and listen to your own deep inner wisdom. Jane loves any excuse to be out in nature, whether it’s walking, gardening, camping, wild swimming or picnicking. Combining yoga and nature is her idea of a little slice of heaven:-)
NEW for 2024!
Wise, Wild & Well WORKSHOPS
As we move towards and through the menopause we encounter many physical and emotional challenges. This new series of workshops is tailored towards enabling us to continue to feel vibrant, healthy & happy as we age.
By popular demand our first two events will be focused on helping you with Anxiety & Mood Support, and Digestive Health.
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Anxiety & Mood Support
Who is it for?
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Women aged 40+
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Anyone interested in understanding how movement & meditation may be used to help regulate mood
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Both beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners.
What will you get from this workshop?
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An understanding of mental health from a yoga therapy perspective - specifically The Gunas.
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A straightforward approach to the science behind nervous system regulation.
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Kind & accessible movement practices to help you find equilibrium, including somatics, hatha & restorative.
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Quick fixes – easy body hacks to shift your mental state in the moment.
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An accessible approach to establishing a meditation practice.
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Videos to take home – cement your learning & apply it practically to your daily life.
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An enjoyable, recharging day with a bunch of lovely women.
Where & When?
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February 24th 2024
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10am - 4pm
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Doynton Village Hall, Toghill Lane, Nr Bath, BS30 5SY
Investment
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£60 Early Bird Price (book before Monday January 29th) £70 thereafter
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** Additional 10% off if booked at the same time as our Digestive Health workshop ** (£108 for both early bird price or £126 full price)
Don't worry if you don't have yoga kit - we can provide everything that you need. Tea and sweet treats will be offered on the day but please bring a packed lunch.
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Digestive Health
Who is it for?
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Women aged 40+
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Anyone interested in understanding how movement & meditation may be used to soothe & support digestive issues.
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Both beginners and seasoned yoga practitioners.
What will you get from this workshop?
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An understanding of digestive health from a yoga therapy perspective - a focus on the Doshas.
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Learn about the gut as our second brain, the basics of our nervous system & why the gut-brain axis is the root to our yoga practice supporting gut health.
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Kind, soothing & embodied movement practices to support long term healing, including somatics, hatha, & restorative.
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Breath practices - delve into diaphragmatic breathing and why is it so important in supporting digestive issues.
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Videos to take home – cement your learning & apply it practically to your daily life.
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An inspiring, informative & relaxing day with a lovely bunch of women.
Please note this workshop will focus on supporting digestive health with movement & meditation. We will not provide nutritional advice, which is outside of our area of expertise.
Where & When?
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March 23rd 2024
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10am - 4pm
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Doynton Village Hall, Toghill Lane, Nr Bath, BS30 5SY
Investment
-
£60 Early Bird Price (book before Monday January 29th) £70 thereafter
-
** Additional 10% off if booked at the same time as our Digestive Health workshop ** (£108 for both early bird price or £126 full price)
Don't worry if you don't have yoga kit - we can provide everything that you need. Tea and sweet treats will be offered on the day but please bring a packed lunch.
The bank holiday weekend at a glance...
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Three nights accommodation in a beautiful & cosy Devon farmhouse.
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Delicious plant based meals, unlimited tea, coffee, fruit, and homemade cake! (special dietary requirements catered for).
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Plenty of time to REST!, enjoy each other's company, read, journal, swim, walk ...
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Exclusive access to 700 acres of rolling Devon countryside, swimming pool & hot tub, green luscious meadow & magical woodland.
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Soothing massages & treatments available with the wonderful Maria of the Beauty Room.
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Nourishing and uplifting yoga and meditation sessions. All our yoga is kind and inclusive with plenty of options given to suit you, whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a first timer.
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The adventure unfolds...
Just 10 minutes from Junction 27 the M5, you will find yourself winding your way through tiny Devon hedge-lined lanes towards our home for the weekend, Middle Coombe Farm. Set in its own valley in the breathtaking Devon countryside the estate comprises of a Grade II listed farmhouse and over 700 acres of private grounds and woodland. Middle Coombe Farm is a real slice of West-country paradise, full of atmosphere, energy & character.
As you drive into the valley and take in the undulating Devon hills, you will be struck by the tranquillity and calmness of the farm. You can leave the busyness and stresses of your world behind you for three whole nights - there really is no better way to spend your bank holiday weekend. Take some time ’just for you’ to pause, nourish and to connect to yourself & to nature. Yoga, meditation, dips in the pool or hot tub, country walks, cosy farmhouse living, soothing massages, plant-based delicious food, chat, laughter & more.
Spring Bank Holiday Retreat 2024
The bank holiday weekend at a glance...
-
Three nights accommodation in a beautiful & cosy Devon farmhouse.
-
Delicious plant based meals, unlimited tea, coffee, fruit, and homemade cake! (special dietary requirements catered for).
-
Plenty of time to REST!, enjoy each other's company, read, journal, swim, walk ...
-
Exclusive access to 700 acres of rolling Devon countryside, swimming pool & hot tub, green luscious meadow & magical woodland.
-
Soothing massages & treatments available with the wonderful Maria of the Beauty Room.
-
Nourishing and uplifting yoga and meditation sessions. All our yoga is kind and inclusive with plenty of options given to suit you, whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a first timer.
The adventure unfolds...
Just 10 minutes from Junction 27 the M5, you will find yourself winding your way through tiny Devon hedge-lined lanes towards our home for the weekend, Middle Coombe Farm. Set in its own valley in the breathtaking Devon countryside the estate comprises of a Grade II listed farmhouse and over 700 acres of private grounds and woodland. Middle Coombe Farm is a real slice of West-country paradise, full of atmosphere, energy & character.
As you drive into the valley and take in the undulating Devon hills, you will be struck by the tranquillity and calmness of the farm. You can leave the busyness and stresses of your world behind you for three whole nights - there really is no better way to spend your bank holiday weekend. Take some time ’just for you’ to pause, nourish and to connect to yourself & to nature. Yoga, meditation, dips in the pool or hot tub, country walks, cosy farmhouse living, soothing massages, plant-based delicious food, chat, laughter & more.
You will be staying in either the main farmhouse or the adjacent Allensdown barn. Both combine country cosy with a little luxury. Beautiful bedrooms & bathrooms; a country kitchen with a huge farmhouse table where we can gather as one for delicious meals; a cosy drawing room with an open fire & a wonderfully calming library with an array of interesting books to choose from. There are a selection of bedrooms to suit all budgets, some ensuite, some single, some sharing.
Outside, there is a secluded cobbled courtyard with an open fire, perfect for Al Fresco dining; a private hedged swimming pool & hot tub area; a beautifully kept meadow area to sit and contemplate the world around us with a calming meditation circle to gather, plus 700 acres of woodland with a maze of footpaths to meander through whilst taking in the textures and tones of the forest and listening to wildlife. At the top of the woodland you’ll find a very special old oak tree, surrounded by carved wooden seating - wedding ceremonies are held here and it’s easy to see why - it feels ancient & spiritual - there is no better place to pause, breathe & reflect.
As Wise Wild & Well women we strive to practice outside in nature, whenever we can. Middle Coombe Farm has the ideal solution for when the weather isn’t on our side. The beautifully restored Cider Barn with underfloor heating ensures we will be warm and cosy, but the large doors opening onto the meadow brings the natural surroundings in, as we practice.
Friday
You are welcome to arrive anytime from 2pm on Friday afternoon and then settle in and explore your surroundings. Shake off the journey with a walk in the stunning hillside woodland; a dip in the inviting solar heated swimming pool or plunge into the outdoor hot tub. Alternatively, curl up with a book somewhere in the beautiful & peaceful grounds or if the weather isn’t on our side, in the cosy drawing room or calming library. Drink tea, eat home baked cakes and chat to others, as everyone arrives.
Once everyone has arrived we will come together for a shared walk through the grounds ending at the ancient Oak Tree. Here, in this magical spot, we shall pause for an evening meditation circle to welcome in the weekend.
Following the meditation we shall share a delicious vegetarian dinner in the courtyard or alternatively in the cosy farmhouse kitchen. After dinner, we can gather together and listen to the sounds of the fire crackling and the Devon countryside or you can find a quiet nook to curl up with a book. Or if you’d prefer, you can take yourself off to your beautiful bedroom, whenever you choose, for a sound night’s sleep.
Saturday
Wake to the sounds of the spring all around you and join us around the pool for an early morning Quigong style practice & invigorating pool dip. Warm yourself up after the pool, with chai tea & breakfast muffins. Or you can choose to start the day at your own pace, skip the morning dip or practice & just go for the breakfast :-)
Our mid-morning practice will gently awaken & energise you for the rest of the day. Weaving together myth, meditation and everyday revelation, this insightful practice will offer the opportunity to connect to your inner motivations and aspirations. After our practice, we will share a delicious vegetarian lunch, before having the afternoon to simply be. Relax in the meadow, explore the woodland, lounge around the pool, have a nap, read, journal or treat yourself to a relaxing massage with Maria from the Beauty Room, Neston (at own cost) - do whatever nourishes you - there is no need to be anywhere or do anything!
We will come together in the early evening for a slower, nurturing & explorative practice using somatics & meditative movement to welcome the evening. Following our practice a delicious vegetarian dinner will be served, with chocolate, drinks (optional bring your own alcohol) and chatter into the night. Another deep and restful night’s sleep in the cosy farmhouse awaits!
Sunday
Choose to join us for a silent meditation & another energising early morning dip or alternately choose a gentle (& warmer!) start to the day, with a quiet lie-in.
Warm tea, coffee & a light breakfast will be served before our mid-morning Sunday practice. This practice will be gentle & reflective, so as to foster & support curiosity and self-enquiry. Following our physical practice you will be invited & guided to journal, bringing together our thoughts & contemplations of the weekend.
Another nourishing plant-based lunch will be served after our practice and Sunday afternoon provides yet more time for you to simply be - no expectations, just time for you to deeply relax and rest. The extra day the bank holiday weekend provides, gives us additional time to properly slow down and pause, a bonus to the average 2 day weekend retreat.
We will come together on Sunday evening for the ultimate restorative practice. Supportive and deeply nourishing this practice will include a full yoga nidra (yogic sleep meditation).
A last evening plant-based dinner will be served, to allow us to enjoy our final night of connection together. Continue the chat into the night or take advantage of an early night for a truly restful sleep after all the relaxation of the weekend:-)
Monday
Start the day with a final pause - a closing meditation to reflect on the wonderful weekend. An early breakfast will be served (with takeaway options provided) as we need to leave Coombe Farm by 9am.
Head off deeply rested, nourished, re-connected and ready to face the world.
Where: Middle Coombe Farm, Tiverton, North Devon, EX16 7QQ
When: Bank Holiday Weekend Friday May 3rd - 6th, 2024
Investment: From £495. Bring a friend or travel alone (if you wish to share a room we will pair you with another fabulous female).
Two Installments
Secure your space with a £200 deposit on booking. The final balance will be due on March 1st 2024.
The deposit is non-refundable.
Please take the time to read our cancellation policy below.
A little more about Wise, Wild, & Well...
Wise, Wild, and Well arose from a close friendship between myself & Jo Kitts of Jo Kitts Yoga & was born during the many long walks and chats that kept us sane during lockdown. As the world started to open up, we hoped to be able to bring like-minded women together to enjoy yoga, nature, and connection in a supportive and nurturing community.
Our values are demonstrated in our name:
Wise: to show our deep trust in feminine intuition and wisdom
Wild: to indicate our passion for nature and the environment
Well: to support our health through yoga and meditation
As we build our community locally, and recognise how privileged we are, our thoughts go to empowering girls and women who are not as fortunate. Every year 5% of WWW profits will be donated to a charity which supports women around the world. This year’s donation goes to The Momma’s on Fire Beekeeping Project.
Our Cancellation Policy
Once you book your place, we stop trying to sell that place (and may even turn others away). We start investing our time in the event and you - sorting out all the paperwork, planning and prepping the wonderful plant based food, thinking about: the theme of the event; the timings; the yoga; even whether we need to invest in more props; and also the little details to make the event as special as we can for you. We have also likely invested substantially in the venue hire. This is why, if you cancel, we are unable to provide a refund except as below:
If you choose to cancel 90 days or more before the start date, we will be more than happy to refund your payment. At this stage we still have time to try and fill the space. At less than 90 days before the event, payments are non-refundable, for any reason at all, unless the place can be filled via a waiting list or alternatively you can transfer the place to a friend.
Regrettably and rarely, there may be unforeseen circumstances (including Covid) that hinder, delay, or lead to cancellation of the event. This includes but is not limited to, severe weather, acts of terrorism, disease epidemics/pandemics, government actions, natural disasters, war, strikes, and failure of 3rd parties such as venues/caterers to provide their services. In such circumstances we will seek to offer you an alternative date, but a refund will not be given. We will also not be responsible for any other costs or damages you may incur as a consequence of the cancellation, such as travel costs. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance, which for a weekend in the UK is under £10.
As you are aware Covid has hit so many small businesses hard. Yoga teachers are no exception and whilst we are sympathetic to Covid illness and isolation, we also need to make sure our little business survives. As such, the terms above apply equally to Covid restrictions and isolation, as to all circumstances.
If necessary, we reserve the right to send a substitute teacher if either Jo or Jane are prevented from teaching, due to unavoidable circumstances.