Joy of Life - One Day Retreat in the Countryside
When was the last time you focused on your joy?
When's the last time you let yourself feel all the emotions you're actually feeling? Say exactly what you mean? Do what you actually want to do?
At Joy of Life, we create space and stillness to open up, so we can get back in touch with the feelings we're too busy to feel. Dreams that feel too big to dream. Memories that feel too painful to remember. We welcome it all.
Because there's no light without darkness. We can't feel full joy until we let ourselves feel sadness, anger, and frustration. Embracing it all is what gives us the joy of being alive.
So for one full day, we give ourselves permission. We ask the questions we usually don't have time for.
🌟 Full details and sign up: https://joei-chan.com/joy-of-life-retreat/
What to expect:
Expect depth and delight. There'll be moments that move you and moments that make you laugh out loud. You might get paint on your hands and tears in your eyes. You come as strangers in the morning, and you leave as kindred spirits by candlelight.
Meet us at the Lavender House in Amilly
We spend the day at Lavender House, one hour by train from Paris. It's a home full of art and colour, with big sofas to write on, a long table for lunch, and gardens planted with lavender. There's a pool and a sauna too.
☁️ Flow of the day
MORNING
Permission to feel
We start in stillness, then writing, movement, and honest questions. We look at the masks we've been wearing so long we forgot they were masks.
LUNCH
Permission to savour
A long lunch around one big table. Good, vibrant, comforting food, made with love and shared slowly. We feed body and soul.
AFTERNOON
Permission to create
Paint and paper. No skills needed. Get out of your head and into your hands.
LATE AFTERNOON
Permission to express
Storytelling. We uncover the stories we've been telling ourselves, tell new ones, and help each other find the next chapter.
EVENING
Permission to play
Closing party. Candles, cacao, and a celebration with strangers who become best friends.
💡 Please register through this link: https://joei-chan.com/joy-of-life-retreat/
About your hosts 🪄
Bénédicte “Anu” (photographer, holistic retreat host)
A photographer for 30 years, named one of the world's top 10 wedding photographers by Wedding Style Magazine. A SIAF Holistic Counselor, she has led silent retreats and workshops across India, Europe, and the United States for over two decades. Now hosts retreats at Lavender House, her home.
Katharina (art therapist)
A trained art therapist and art educator who studied at the Royal Academy of Art. Runs art therapy sessions and workshops in Paris that blend expressive arts, mindfulness, and nature.
Joei (magical storyteller)
Former brand director who spent 12 years helping billion-dollar tech companies tell their story. Now a TEDx speaking coach and host of magical storytelling circles and retreats, helping people express their magic.
We’re hosting our first retreat together, and it feels like magic.✨🥹
Please register here: https://joei-chan.com/joy-of-life-retreat/
For any questions, email retreat@joei-chan.com