Embracing the Light: Outdoor Qigong & Forest Bathing with Tansy Dowman

Midsummer is here.

The Earth is alive with colour, warmth and movement.
The trees are full, the days stretch long into evening, and Nature invites us to step fully into the light.

But in a world that moves so quickly, it’s easy to miss this season entirely.

To rush past the beauty.
To override our energy.
To stay disconnected from ourselves, even while everything around us is in bloom.

This morning is an invitation to pause long enough to truly receive the season.

☀️ What is Embracing the Light?

A half-day retreat in the beautiful grounds of Claridge House, inspired by the energy and symbolism of Midsummer and the Summer Solstice, a time traditionally associated with vitality, expansion, illumination and life force energy.

This experience blends:

• Gentle, heart-opening Qigong to awaken and balance your energy
• Grounding forest bathing practices to calm the nervous system and deepen presence.
• A firepit ritual to close and honour the inner fire within.

Together, we’ll explore what it means to embrace the light, not just externally in the season around us, but within ourselves too.

This is not about forcing positivity or becoming “more”.

It’s about softening enough to notice where your energy naturally wants to flow, reconnecting with your inner fire, and allowing yourself to feel fully alive in the present moment.

We’ll begin with a warm welcome and gentle Qigong practice on the lawn (weather permitting), before wandering slowly through the peaceful grounds, using simple nature connection invitations to awaken the senses and restore a sense of spaciousness within.

This is for you if you’re craving:

A chance to slow down and truly savour the season

Space to reconnect with yourself away from everyday demands

Gentle movement and nervous system nourishment

More presence, clarity and aliveness

A grounded, nature-led way to honour the energy of summer

No experience with Qigong or forest bathing is needed.
Just come as you are.

The Details

When:
Tuesday 7th July 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm

Where:
Claridge House Retreat Centre
Lingfield, Surrey

What to bring:

Comfortable layers + weather-appropriate clothing

A yoga mat or cushion for optional seated practices

Water and anything else that helps you feel comfortable outdoors

A gentle reminder…

Summer isn’t only about doing more.

Nature teaches us that fullness can also be deeply still.
Joy can be quiet.
Light can be soft.

This morning is an invitation to step out of the noise, reconnect with your natural rhythm, and remember what it feels like to simply be here — awake, grounded and fully alive.

Limited spaces available.🌿

Welcome to join us for a delicious 2 course vegetarian lunch for additional £15.00 (with notice please)

Maximise your time and stay at Claridge House pre- and/or post workshop – contact office for info

Meet Tansy — Tansy in the Wild