Guest Blog: How magic was made at The Freedom Retreat
Sophie Campbell
As soon as I arrived at the Freedom Retreat house nestled in the beautiful countryside of Pitlochry, it was plain to see that everything had been curated with so much thoughtful energy and attention to detail.
Over the blissful days we spent amongst birds chirping and hot tubs bubbling, there was a generous mix of sessions on offer.
These included:
- 1:1 coaching sessions with our wonderful host, Jo
- Journaling, tarot and moon magic with Fiona Thomas
- A group reiki session and guided visualisation with Jade Mordente
- Mini personal branding photoshoots and some impromptu yoga with Elle Lorean
From the snack stations positioned around the house, to arranging mindfulness activities for people to choose from, to getting special request snacks and drinks for each person, Jo created such a cosy, welcoming space. She brought together a wonderful group of people who want to live and work with freedom. And throughout our time there, she gave us nothing but freedom.
Come as you are, take what you need
Even with the activities Jo prepared, there was no pressure to get involved in any of them. And I don’t mean that in the ‘no pressure but, yeah, there is an unspoken obligation’ sort of way.
There was no strict schedule or jam-packed, anxiety-inducing agenda. Nothing but genuine, come as you are, march to the beat of your own drum, take what you need, gentle vibes.
You could sit in your room and read, go for a walk and wander the hills of Pitlochry or meditate in the garden. Or you could get some work done, lie on the couch listening to music, strike up conversations, get involved in the activities or do nothing at all – without so much as a whiff of judgement.
Making magic
What was felt at the retreat, which we often described as a big Scottish sleepover, was an air of magic.
There was an unwavering sense of calm, dreamy deep breaths and sighs you could feel in your bones. There were deep conversations and contagious laughing fits.
It was an experience filled with ease, comfort, space, warmth, connection, atmospheric music and incense always burning.
(There was also a lot of crisps, cheese, chocolate and the occasional howl at the moon. What more could you want, right?)
Joining a retreat as a new freelancer
I joined the retreat with a business that wasn’t even a month old.
I had never gone to a retreat before and I didn’t know what to expect. While I was a little nervous about meeting and staying with people I’d never met before, I was excited and buzzing with energy. From following Jo and seeing her content and online community, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be at the exact right time.
In our 1:1 session, I talked with Jo about being a brand new freelancer and the challenges that come with it, and she made me feel completely understood. She gave me practical, actionable advice on how to continue building up my business. She gave me the pep talk and confidence boost I needed to get excited and progress despite fear.
I walked away from our conversation with clarity, calm and a refreshed outlook. I walked away from the retreat with new friends that I immediately felt I could be myself with.
Retreat yourself
No matter what stage you’re at in your business, Jo’s retreats are a true breath of fresh air that you can take so much away from. You’ll experience things you didn’t realise you needed. You’ll have meaningful conversations that stick with you. You’ll also have SO much fun.
You know that feeling when you have sore muscles after a long, long day and you finally sink into a hot bath? That’s what Jo’s retreats feel like. A warm, bubble bath with flower petals, scented candles and crystals; a deep soak for your mind, body and soul.
