Sacred Circle Sisters Retreat Day at Marcassie Farm, Rafford offered by Tessa Brock of Empowered Life

Ten women are being invited to a day of relaxation, fun and self-care with a therapist - for free!

The ‘Sacred Circle Sisters Retreat Day’ at Marcassie Farm is for ladies from the Rafford, Edinkillie and Forres areas and has been organised by clinical licensed hypnotherapist, Tessa Brock, of Empowered Life.

The event is taking place on Saturday, September 28, and is being hosted thanks to a £1800 grant from the Berry Burn wind farm Community Fund.

Tessa said: “If you’re seeking a day of renewal, connection, and empowerment, this retreat is for you! We are especially looking for women from the Finderne and Dunphail areas, with a focus on those most in financial need.

“This is a unique opportunity to step away from daily stress and live for yourself for a day, to immerse yourself in nature and join a circle of supportive women.

“You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and more connected to yourself and others.”

The Sacred Circle Sisters retreat will begin with introductions followed by yoga, meditation and a guided nature walk where participants will collect natural objects such as pebbles, leaves and feathers.

After a catered lunch, attendees will create natural mandala art using the objects, together with paint and other materials.

The day will conclude with ‘verbal sharing’, allowing women to connect deeply and support one another, before they take home their works of art.

Tessa hopes to use the event as a springboard for future funding to support more women in the local area.

According to the 2022-2023 Police Scotland report, Moray had the highest percentage of recorded domestic abuse incidents involving a crime or offence compared to all Scottish local authorities.

Tessa also points out that the covid pandemic of 2020-2022 and the ongoing cost of living crisis has exacerbated mental health issues, particularly among women.

She is therefore even more grateful to Berry Burn for funding the “transformative experience” for local women.

She said: “The backing recognises the importance of mental health, community connection, and the unique challenges women face. This funding enables us to offer them a safe space to heal, connect, and empower themselves.

“The Sacred Circle Sisters project will foster resilience and wellbeing for these women during such challenging times.”

The grant ensures the retreat is accessible to women in the most financial need, covering venue rental, catering, materials for the mandala art session and charges for the facilitators.

Tessa is a certified and licensed Rapid Transformational Therapy hypnotherapist, and community development practitioner. Her therapeutic work started with her own struggles with mental health, further impacted by the pandemic when community projects were shut down, leading her to explore healing.

Tessa co-facilitates monthly women's circle Red Tent Moray plus holds arts and therapeutic events. She is also in her final year of Counselling studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Her business, Empowered Life supports women via retreats, hypnotherapy, and creative projects that promote wellbeing.

She said: “My goal is to build a nurturing community where women can heal, grow, and connect with themselves and each other.”

Tessa is is part of a network of female wellbeing practitioners so the Sacred Circle Sisters project will also involve dance and movement psychotherapist, and certified yoga instructor, Mhari Baxter, as well as environmental educator and ecologist, Eleanor Foster.

Tessa finished: “Whether you’re new to these practices or experienced, everyone is welcome, and every voice is valued.”

Places will be offered on fit to funding criteria i.e. based in Finderne or Dunpahil areas and financial need, followed by a first come first served basis. To apply, email tessa@empoweredlife.today.

Visit https://empoweredlife.today/ for more information.