The Voice of the Waves Call:
Retreat into the Sacredness of You on the Mystical Isle of Iona
Iona, Scotland
April 22 – May 1, 2025
We live in a culture of hustle and productivity. It can be draining and exhausting, leaving us with a feeling of never being able to keep up. The wise poet Wendell Berry said, “Make a place to sit down. Sit down. Be quiet…Breathe…” For centuries Iona has been bathed in prayers, energy and mystery creating a perfect place to do just this!
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Step away and into a mystical place where the air, water, stone and community will ignite the reconnection with the creative, intuitive and energetic part of you so that you can design your life anew: body, mind and spirit.
The isle of Iona is small, and mighty. It is 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. It is made from Lewisian Gneiss, noted as some of the oldest rock in the world. 3 billion years old! Iona is known as a “Thin Place,” where it is said that the veil between this world and the eternal world is thin. Iona has drawn pilgrims since the 7th century.
Come away, rest, restore and re-connect with your inner sanctuary, your authentic voice. You will explore how to return balance to life, consider what obstacles get in the way of staying centered and re-discover ancient practices to use to redesign the life you want.
In the Celtic tradition, redemption is a journey of being re-connected to the Light within. It is a journey home that takes us through what feels like an unknown land.
Tired at the end of the day? No extra energy to do what nurtures your soul? How would it feel to have energy for the things most important to you?
On this retreat, through solo time, large and small groups you will discover the aspects of life that drain your spirit’s vitality, and exchange them for what heals to your heart. Pause to experience a morning of expressive writing.
“…it is about a road which begins many miles before I could come on its traces and ends miles beyond where I had to stop.” ~Edward Thomas, (1913)
Run out of time at the end of the day with all the things you want to accomplish? What if you went to bed at night knowing your day aligned with your priorities?
While on the island through a series of nature-based activities like creating morning altars, where you will be able to create space for your priorities so that ‘your doing’ and ‘your being’ syncs together for a sense of energy and well-being.
Do you expect more out of yourself than you do from others? What if you were able to learn and practice skills that would ease self-expectations and open your creativity?
Together, we will discover practical skills like mindful meditation or Qigong on the beach to calm your busy mind and open you up to a new sense of wonder and to your creative spirit. You may try wild swimming or chanting in the Abbey!
Have you noticed internal shifts you keep to yourself because you are worried about what your friends and family would think if they knew?
What if you met a tribe of people on a similar journey with whom you could share doubts and questions without worry of what they might think?
While we are together, you will meet a community of people on a similar journey with whom you can share doubts and question, so that you do not feel alone on this path.
Do you worry about things and have a hard time relaxing into letting go? Can you imagine learning new skills that would allow you to let go of what no longer serves you and ease into life with more grace?
With others in your group you will learn new skills such as shame resilience to let go of worry and ease yourself through life with greater grace and self compassion.
With all the changes in life, ever wonder where life is taking you? Would you love to set aside time, just for you to get to explore the deeper parts of you and create a path forward full of what you love best?
On the island you will have lots time: both alone and in small and large groups, to explore you, so that you can return home with a renewed sense of your path and a tribe that has your back.
HERE ARE MORE DETAILS ~
We will be staying at the lovely Argyll Hotel on Iona.
If you would:
- Like to unwind in the wild and beautiful Western Hebrides.
- Like time to wander island paths and catch up with yourself.
- Want to discover the past, both yours and the islands.
Then this trip is for you! Contact: andrea@andreatatley.com
Itinerary
April 22 – Arrival in Glasgow, Scotland – Overnight
April 23 – 30 Depart Glasgow on the 23rd, Train, Ferry and Bus to Iona, Overnight on Iona. During these days we will hike through heather to Columba’s Bay, collect marble, climb the hill of Dun I for a spectacular view, meditate on the Northern Beach, experience the nearly 1500 year old Abbey, explore the ruins of the Nunnery and the Sheela-Na-Gig, perhaps attend (and dance!) at a cèilidh, check out the Well of Eternal Youth, watch amazing sunsets at the Bay at the Back of the Ocean, eat delicious food, meet incredible people, get to know ourselves more deeply and enjoy the presence of each other.
April 30 – Depart Iona for Glasgow, Overnight in Glasgow
May 1 – Fly home, or to parts yet unknown! Or hang out in Glasgow for a Maypole dance for May Day~
I am a writer, photographer, coach. For me, restoration includes practices such as travel, being outdoors, gardening and climbing around the boulders on the north shore of Lake Superior and the Hebridean islands. My work is focused on nature-based therapy as it integrates with spirituality and includes the sacred creative, mindfulness and their impact on lowering anxiety and stress while increasing resiliency. Join me for this life-changing trip to mystical isle of Iona.
Rest, Restore and Reclaim your Inner Sanctuary.
Come away, relax, Restore
What is included:
- Pre-Trip Preparation Call
- Rich and meaningful opening and closing group ceremony
- 2 daily sessions in large group with Andrea, daily sessions with mini tribe
- Glasgow hotel accommodations, and tips
- Boutique Accommodations on Iona, and tips
- Transportation from Glasgow Train station to Iona, R/T, via train and bus
- Delicious (and beautiful! )breakfast and dinner, including one dinner in Glasgow and those on Iona.
What is NOT included: (you are responsible)
- Transportation from your home to the Glasgow hotel (air, taxi, bus, airport transfers)
- A boat ride to the island of Staffa (optional) to see the puffins.
- Insurance to cover you, (personal) medical, dental, life or travelers insurance (recommended) Trip cancellation insurance is always a good thing!
- Daily Lunches
- Transportation to any sightseeing outside of the itinerary events.
- There is definitely great whisky in Scotland that you should try! It just isn’t included in the price.
- Other non-included items would include souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, extra spa services, taxis, laundry and bell staff.
Cost: $3099 Per Person. To Book, contact me at andrea@andreatatley.com
This is a small, intimate group size, so reserve your spot with a $500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit. *A payment schedule is available at no additional charge.
“Light is the secret presence of the divine.” ~ John R. Finch
Book Now. Contact Andrea: andrea@andreatatley.com
Andrea Tatley 