Resuscitating human connection
HeartGym was a unique exploration of the ways in which we can dissolve the divisions we've created between ourselves and nature. In 2019, we held two experimental retreats at The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and Hazel Hill Woodland in Gloucestershire. Over the space of 24 hours, we drew on the wisdom of indigenous tribal people to come to understand how we've become separated from nature - both inner and outer. Participants slept in comfort under the stars and were guided through practices and tools we can use to tune in and reconnect, whenever we need to.
Watch the video to find out more
HeartGym from Ben Shmulevitch on Vimeo.
What people said
My personal feeling was that I was in my head when I came. I’m quite a critical person and the beauty of the place and the experience here really bought me out of my head." Alistair, Education specialist
It’s the first time I’ve ever done that kind of thing and it was cathartic to let go of things I didn’t need and accept things for what they are." Lorna, Marketing executive
"It was synchronicity that led me to the retreat at Heligan Gardens, and that in turn led to a profound understanding of how it is possible to heal ourselves, away from the limitations of the orthodox medical profession. How? By connecting with and harnessing the vital energy in nature, both outer and inner." Jini, Author and adventurer
I come from a corporate city world where you're on the go all the time and stressed out - you just don't have time to stop and be in the moment. I feel there are so many people like me who really need this - they need something to wake them up." Lisa, Business executive
Exploring our roots
There’s no question we’re living through challenging times. From loneliness and mental health to social cohesion and the unsustainable human activities that are pushing our planet to the edge - many of the problems humanity faces today make sense in the context of where we have come from and how much we’ve changed.
It’s easy to forget that our species spent 95% of its existence living as hunter gatherers, deeply connected with the natural world and each other in order to survive. It was only during the last 5% of our evolution – some 10,000 years ago - when the discovery of agriculture transformed our way of life.This change began our separation from nature, both inside and out.
Today, we look out from our buildings and up from our phones and see ourselves as separate, both from the natural world and each other. We’ve become conditioned to live in our heads, focussed on science and technology and driven by rational thinking. As a result, we’re less connected with our bodies and natural instincts and more shut off from nature than ever before.
The few indigenous tribes that remain in the world today have not lost this powerful way of connecting, and that’s why they’re so important to us now. What can we learn from them before it’s too late? How might our separation from nature – both inner and outer - be connected with the challenges we face? And how can we resuscitate a way of feeling and connecting with the world that's so vital to to our health and wellbeing, our sense of purpose and belonging, our families and relationships, and our planet?
It’s easy to forget that our species spent 95% of its existence living as hunter gatherers, deeply connected with the natural world and each other in order to survive. It was only during the last 5% of our evolution – some 10,000 years ago - when the discovery of agriculture transformed our way of life.This change began our separation from nature, both inside and out.
Today, we look out from our buildings and up from our phones and see ourselves as separate, both from the natural world and each other. We’ve become conditioned to live in our heads, focussed on science and technology and driven by rational thinking. As a result, we’re less connected with our bodies and natural instincts and more shut off from nature than ever before.
The few indigenous tribes that remain in the world today have not lost this powerful way of connecting, and that’s why they’re so important to us now. What can we learn from them before it’s too late? How might our separation from nature – both inner and outer - be connected with the challenges we face? And how can we resuscitate a way of feeling and connecting with the world that's so vital to to our health and wellbeing, our sense of purpose and belonging, our families and relationships, and our planet?