Power of Nature: Weekend EcoPsychology Retreat '24 - Yaegl Country, Northern NSW

Join us in community to explore the Power of Nature to inspire, heal, motivate and guide us in these uncertain times of great potential

In these times of increasing climate chaos and unpredictable social disruption, how do we support each other to navigate our way?

How do we care for ourselves and the people and places we cherish? How do we ensure that those marginalised do not get left behind? 

Our weekend immersion workshop in Yaegl Country - from Friday evening through to Sunday afternoon - will explore the Power of Nature to guide us:

• to inspire us, to bring us joy, help us metabolise our grief, and to heal us through reconnection with our ancient roots.
• to motivate us towards positive action, and to teach us about the nature of power.
• to draw us together in community, to decolonise our hearts and minds.

The weekend will be an exploration of what it means to decolonise our hearts, minds, and bodies. Inviting us to release old narratives and be guided by ecosomatic and cultural practices that reconnect us with our bodies, nature and with one another. Envisioning collective action together for a regenerative future.

Drawing on practises and experiential processes from ecopsychology, deep ecology and the ‘work that reconnects’, we will gather together in loving and supportive community in a magical hidden valley of regenerating rainforest. This trauma-informed immersive experience is brought to you by The Joyality Project.

Your Guides (from the Joyality Collective):

Aunty Glenda MacPhail - emerging Yaegl elder and healer, and facilitator of Wayapa (a First Nations based embodied relaxation practise connecting with earth, sky and all the elements).

Dr Eshana Bragg - pioneering ecopsychologist, deep ecology facilitator, passionate about the healing and restorative properties of nature connection and empowering positive collaborative action for social change.

Shamila Millard - nature educator, climate resilience facilitator, youth mentor, eco-somatic specialist, ecotherapist, dancer and bush flower therapist.

Kylie Hitchman - individual and systemic family therapist, counsellor, supervisor and clinical trainer, who now specialises in ecopsychology and focuses on supportive regenerative well-being practices. 


Venue: This deep and nourishing event will be held in the grassy glades and regenerating rainforests of Jagera EcoCommunity and Foresthaven, both in a hidden valley of Maclean Hill on Yaegl Country.  

Investment: A range of ticket prices are available between $400 and $1200. Please choose the price that you can afford for this precious experience. (If you are having trouble finding the money, please contact us to arrange a payment plan, or apply for a scholarship.) We rely on some participants selecting 'sponsor' tickets, which support the scholarships we can provide.

Food: Simple, delicious, nutritious, vegan and gluten free meals will be included in this retreat (with some extra dairy and eggs on the side). Bring your own snacks for something to munch on between meals. :D

Accommodation: simple bush camping at Foresthaven included in your ticket.  A list of other accommodation options walking distance from venue will be provided on registration.

What to bring:

• Sunhat, waterbottle, snacks
• Insect repellant, covered shoes, raincoat (if necessary), head-torch
• Yoga or camping mat; sarong or small blanket
• Journal or art paper; pens and art materials (eg., coloured pencils, crayons, or water colours)
• Swimmers to cool off in the waterhole
• An open mind and a loving heart

Where and when to meet? 5pm on Friday 15th at the entrance to Jagera EcoCommunity on Hoschkes Lane (look for the funky blue container building on the right hand side). Limited parking, so please car pool if you can (we can help organise that).

Any questions, call Shamila on 0438 713 888 or email team@joyality.org

Limited places. Bookings essential.

Suitable for people aged 16 and over.

What people are saying about the Power of Nature:

"The Power of Nature weekend immersion provided deep reflection and genuine growth in less than 2 days, but never felt rushed or regimented. This unique distillation and interpretation of The Work that Reconnects offers a wonderful introduction for newbies and fresh insight for those more steeped in this material." 

Charlie, 49, civil engineer

"What an incredible weekend. Wow. This retreat was so nourishing, relaxing and restorative. Deep connection to Mother Earth and to a beautiful community of people who love her and are passionate about looking after her. Time deliciously slowed down and I felt so held the entire weekend. I have so many little pieces of gold to bring back with me that will help me feel more deeply connected and nourished in my every day life. My cup is full! Thankyou!" 

Liga, 28, mother & therapist

"Over the weekend, I strengthen my commitment to go deeper into connection with Nature. The practices challenged me on all levels physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually to get true and real with what it means to be in reciprocity with Nature. It's big beautiful work." 

Belinda, 59, writer & womens ecovillage advocate

"I travelled 12 hours to get there from Sydney, I think it's worth the time and cost hahaha! Yea the venue is breath-taking, the people are heart-warming, and the activities really help nature-enthusiasts look after themselves and the environment. Everything is just wholesome really! I think nature and peace lovers should come, especially activists." 

Danielle, 19, student & activist

"The Power Of Nature workshop provided a safe place and nurturing space where I could speak freely from my heart and personal experience and listen unconditionally to others about our connections to nature. What nature brings to us; how we feel about the global impacts and changes that are occurring; and how we might face this together in an empowered way. It was a profoundly moving and beneficial time that has assisted me interacting in the world, and making positive changes." 

Peter, 67, sustainability consultant

"Delivered in a professional and refreshingly honest way, this retreat provoked us to explore the subconscious depths of our rawest feelings about the state of our world. Through supportive processes, sharing circles, ritual, nature immersion, deep rest, creativity and joy we were all able to safely express and release our anger, fear, overwhelm and sadness and allow insights for our best course forward in these tenuous times to arise." 

Wren, 49, ecologist