Contemplative
Climbing Retreat
30 aug - 6 sep, La Drome
A curious exploration of fear
The invitation
This retreat offers you a unique chance to experience the joy and adventure of rock climbing and the richness of being together in wild nature, while deep diving into a somatic exploration of fear.
Held by the land, and supported by an intimate and like-hearted group, we’ll use the climbing rocks as our playground for self-inquiry.
The mountains are calling
Welcoming us for a week of vertical dances, and intimate rock explorations. Deepening the connection with our selves, the earth and eachother.
- For the curious and the daring who want to deepen their understanding of fear, not just from an intellectual point of view, but as a lived experience
- For those who would like to be more bold on the rocks – and in life
- For beginning climbers who want to step into the world of outdoor climbing
- For experienced climbers who want to explore a different relationship with rocks: less about reaching goals and more about deepening awareness (funny enough, this might actually help to reach your goals).
Prior climbing experience will be helpful, but is not necessary to participate fully in this retreat.
A curious exploration of fear
We can do this in our daily lives. We can read about it, talk about it, or work through it with a therapist. Or we can bring ourselves, quite intentionally, into a scary place, to meet fear, head on.
To feel what it does in our body.
To see how it changes the way we look at the world.
To watch how it influences our behavior.
This is the proposition.
To get up close to our fear. Uncomfortably close, and explore it, taste it, smell it. So that we may become well acquainted, and perhaps even start to change our relationship with it. From an “oh god not again”, to a “hey you, I know you”.
The dreaded fear may never disappear, but it may become our friend or ally, if we allow it.
Nourishment
for body, mind and soul
- Guided meditation and bodywork.
- Learn how to safely climb and belay, from a certified and experienced climbing guide
- Learn a somatic approach to curiously explore emotions and the body
- All the other good stuff: Sleeping outdoors, singing songs around the fire, swimming in the river, wandering the mountain.
The place
Rochebaudin, France
Surrounded by wild nature and rolling hills.
We will reside at a beautiful house, that sits at the foot of a mountain, and overlooks the valley below. From here we have easy access to our research facilities and playgrounds: The rocks 😉
Access: Easiest by car or train. We encourage ridesharing together. By train we recommend you go to Montelimar, one of us can pick you from there.
Where this comes from
This retreat has been several years in the dreaming. Coming from a deep love for climbing and community- and a curiosity for this mystery we call life.
A path of meditation and bodywork practices keeps inviting me to reconsider the things I thought I knew. From there one starts to wonder. Could we approach climbing from different eyes? Less about reaching goals, and more about deepening (body) awareness. Could we use this domain to research those feelings we generally try to avoid?
We started with a first experiment, and it was a success! More then we could have wished for. And so it is with a big joy and curiosity to be carrying this adventure onwards.
Friend, we are looking forward to meet you where you are at, and go on this unique exploration together.
Ludo, organizer & facilitator
Dancer, climber, wildling
- 10+ years of outdoor climbing experience
- Somatic bodyworker
I grew up spending my summers in this area, and it’s probably my most favorite place on earth. It’s where I first discovered mountains, wild nature and climbing. These places of wild, unspoiled nature, surrounded by rocks and mountains are where I feel most myself.
Over the last years I’ve been deep diving into the world of the body, studying massage, craniosacral therapy, contact improvisation and somatics.
This week brings all of these things together. I am excited to explore climbing, our bodies and emotions from new perspectives with you. We will learn so much together!
Tom, friend and local climbing guide
Climbing master, handpan enchanter
- Certified climbing guide
- 15+ years of experience teaching outdoor climbing
Tom will be providing the material and experience to get on the rocks safely. He has many years of experience as a certified climbing and canyoning guide in the area. He is part of a team that builds climbing gyms around the world, and also made a small bouldering gym at his house. If we’re lucky he might play some wonderful music with his handpan.
His teaching style is rooted in trust, and this trust tends to be contagious to those around.
Fresh meals, fresh bodies
Good and simple
We will be cooking vegetarian meals for dinner. We plan to cook with as much as possible local and organic products. There will be a simple breakfast with oats and fruits. Lunch at the rocks might be bread, spreads, cheeses and some veg and fruits. Prepared meals for dinner.
Cooking & cleaning together
In the name of community living, we ask that all participants help out in the kitchen a few times, either by cooking or cleaning. We’ll be working together as a team ;).
Investment
690 – lower
802 – middle
969 – higher
How does it sound?
Are you up for an adventure?
~ There is space for 10 people, first come first serve ~
Some words from earlier participants
The retreat was such an inspiring and connecting experience for me. The combination of nature, physical activity, loving facilitation and togetherness works wonders.
Michiel
It was a full and enriching experience, awesome place and people. The mindfulness in combination with climbing taught me a great deal about myself while having a fun, intense and relaxing time.
Emiel
I enjoyed it, learned so much, felt so cared for, had so much fun, loved being able to challenge myself like this, loved all of your support. I feel very happy and grateful that I did this. Thank you all very very much.
Bella
This retreat was unlike any other I’ve experienced. It never felt like something organised for the sake of being a retreat or for financial gain, but rather like people sharing something they truly love — a place, an activity, and an intention. That authenticity made all the difference.
It brought together people from many different backgrounds, which made the experience even richer. I learned so much, gained new perspectives, and left with friendships I hadn’t expected to find.
Using climbing as a way to explore fear was powerful. It was practical and tangible, yet it opened the door to deeper questions: where do I feel fear in my body, how do I express fear in my behaviour, are my fears really mine, or do they come from somewhere/someone else? The climbing guide’s experience and presence made me feel safe at all times, so I could step into those edges with trust.
There was also something special about returning to simple instincts, like walking barefoot through nature, climbing trees and reconnecting with a more primal way of being.
What stayed with me most was the sense of community. Cooking together, caring for one another, practicing meditation and yoga side by side. It created a feeling of belonging that was both grounding and inspiring. Something to think about in the sometimes hectic, isolation of the world we live in today.
The setting itself was breathtaking. The beauty of the landscape created a magical and inspirational setting for self exploration, and even the practical details (eg. bed and facilities) were cared for in a way that made the whole experience seamless and comfortable.
On the final day we reflected on our fears and then turned to our dreams... it was amazing to use the acceptance of fear as the very seeds from which new dreams could grow.
I left feeling deeply grateful: for the place, the people, and the way this retreat became a catalyst for discovery, connection, and change! <3
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