Reflect, Restore, Reconnect: A Day of Reflective Practice in Nature for Busy Professionals
A rejuvenating and nourishing reflective day retreat for busy professionals at the beautifully tranquil Dr Neil's Garden in Edinburgh, on the side of Duddingston Loch.
Are you a business owner, leader or coaching professional who is constantly “on”? Someone who knows the value of reflection and thinking time, yet struggles to make the time - or give yourself the permission - to step away from the 'doing'?
Do you love the feeling of being in nature? Are you interested in experiencing a reflective practice based in beautiful natural surroundings to boost your thinking and energy?
This is a day for a refreshing retreat, using the power of nature to consider your work practice and more. Enjoy being around like-minded professionals and welcome in the natural world to support and deepen your thinking and provide new wisdom.
Our chosen location for the day
Dr Neil's Garden, Duddingston Loch in Edinburgh. This garden is a very special place and quite a hidden secret. It is the result of the imagination, dedication, and sheer hard work of two local GPs, Doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil who began creating the garden in 1963. Many people find this place more than just a mere garden to see beautiful plants and trees. It is a place to take time out to relax and connect with nature. There are lots of different spaces and hidden nooks and crannies plus a gorgeous view out over the Loch and up to Arthur's Seat. It is a total oasis where you can really lose yourself in the natural surroundings for hours.
Practicalities – The maximum group size for this retreat will be 7 people. Early Bird price until 30th June 2026. Please see separate FAQ's for other essential information you will need to plan for your day with us.
This is an opportunity for you to:
- Find clarity in complexity
- Increase your reflective capacity
- Be more intentional in your thinking, doing and being
- Have time and space in the inspiring outdoors
- Reflect purposefully on your work and yourself
- Make new connections with like-minded people
- Build on your resilience and resourcefulness
- Deepen your personal connection with nature
- Reset your parasympathetic nervous system
Who is this day for?
All professionals - coaches, leaders, therapists, mentors and others - everyone is welcome who wants a supported and friendly space for reflection. You may have worked in and with nature before or not experienced this yet and want to see how it feels. Or maybe you want the confidence to start using nature more in your work and/or your reflective practice.
It could be this is a time of transition, maybe you’re seeking greater clarity about your work or life, or you’ve got stuck in a rut and need some new perspective to move you forward. You may want to experience working in nature and see what it can add. Or you simply feel the desire for a day for you - to replenish and restore yourself so you can take a renewed energy to your work and life. This one-day retreat is a chance to breathe and find your path and yourself, with nature as a guide and dynamic co-facilitator.
Late Summer Reflective Retreat in Edinburgh Friday 11th September 2026
Late Summer is a time of abundance and slowing down.
We will use nature to support us in our reflections and see what emerges as we learn from its wisdom.
This is a Re-Treat – these days are planned as a treat for you – come and have an enjoyable, relaxed day full of guided reflection, learning and laughter in a natural environment that asks nothing of you, except to simply be.
Sample Agenda
10:00 - 10.30 Arrival and refreshments
Arriving, grabbing a cuppa and settling in.
10:30 Welcome
Welcome by Christina and introductions
10:35 - 10:50 Community Agreement
Health & Safety, working in nature, belonging and reflection on our personal outcomes for the day
10:50 - 12:30 Connecting with Nature
A mix of grounding, connecting and reflection practices to help us deepen and align our connection with self, our work and nature and walking around the garden spaces.
12:30 - 13:15 Lunch
You can bring your own lunch or pick something up at the cafe.
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
13:15 - 15:30 Reflection in partner with nature
Working with nature as we walk, sit and explore our inner and outer landscapes, with an offer of practices that will engage us individually, in pairs and as a group. Creative crafting exercise with a late summer theme.
15:30 – 16:00 Cuppa & treats, reflections and connection
Developing our learnings and sharing our insights and what we are taking away from our day
16:00 Close - leaving with a renewed energy and connection to yourself and nature


