Art of Relating Mini Festival in Nature
Five days of Transformational Connection in community, in the wild beauty of the Semois Valley in southern Belgium. We slow down, practice deep and honest human connection, and let Nature support and resource us.
Mornings by the river.
Workshops rooted in presence and relational practices.
Space to stay with what happens between us.
Evenings around the fire.
A space where we explore aliveness in our bodies and nourishment through connection – with each other and with the living land around us.
This is not a conventional retreat. It is a gathering: a temporary community in which participation matters. Meeting each other is not just a concept; it is something we practice in the ordinary moments: in how we listen, cook, swim, speak, and rest together.
A gentle structure holds the days, while leaving room to move at your own pace. You are invited to trust your experience, to notice what feels true, and to remember that you are not separate from Nature, but part of it.
What we do:
At the heart of this gathering are relational practices that take us to the inside of human connection. The focus is not on trying to get somewhere, but on discovering the essence of what is already here. We hold whatever arises with curiosity, and meet it with a sense of innocence and wonder. This often cultivates a nourishing and far-reaching growth.
This practice can be confronting. It may reveal deep-seated relational patterns or struggles – the very places where connection feels difficult or blocked. It can also feel incredibly peaceful, like coming home to yourself and to others.
What tends to unfold:
– A shift from being in the head to feeling more present in the body
– A greater capacity to stay with your experience
– Clearer boundaries that arise naturally
– Discomfort reveals what stands in the way of connection
– Old relational habits softening through real-time contact
– Moments of warmth, aliveness, and genuine meeting
– A sense of feeling more yourself
– A renewed clarity about what truly matters and how you want to relate
Program
Each day follows a gentle rhythm:
Morning: two workshop options
Afternoon: two workshop options
Evening: gathering around the fire
Workshops are optional. There is time to swim, walk, rest, or sit by the river. The festival is guided by experienced facilitators rooted in transformational connection, circling, and surrendered leadership. Sessions may also include movement, music, constellation work, contact improvisation, breathwork and other forms of embodied exploration.
Practical
Dates: July 22 (Wednesday noon) to July 26 (Sunday afternoon)
Location: Wild camping site in the Semois valley, South of Belgium. Exact details shared after registration.
Accommodation: Off-grid camping. Bring your own tent or camper. Limited indoor sleeping spots available.
Shared responsibility: Meals are included and prepared together with a cook. Each participant contributes with two kitchen shifts and shared care for the land.
Experience level: No prior experience required. Introductory workshops offered for those new to relational practice.
Children: Welcome. Childcare available during workshop slots.
Price:
Sliding scale: €525 / €590 / €650 (early bird until 22/5/26). Choose the amount that feels right for you. If finances are a barrier, reach out. If you feel able to support others, supportive tickets are available.
Included: camping on site (Wednesday to Sunday), access to all workshops, opening and closing gatherings, evening fire sessions, all communal meals, childcare during workshop slots.
Not included: camping equipment, individual healing or bodywork sessions (optional).
Meet the facilitators
Related Practices
Testimonials
A precious and memorable experience. Ben and Pieter carry such beautiful energy. Their genuine care and tenderness created a safe space for us to explore our true selves in relation to others and to nature. They are truly beautiful human beings, and their gatherings have supported my growth in meaningful ways.
Wenwei
–
The workshop gave me a unique opportunity to deeply connect with people I didn’t know, sharing what was truly alive for us in the moment. Ben and Pieter bring a unique energy to the space. From the start, there is a sense of safety and no judgment, combined with a deep sensitivity to what is happening in the group. Circling feels like a rare pause in busy life – a chance to truly focus on the humans around us and on ourselves. For me, it was a transformative experience.
Eliel Benaroch
–
Ben and Pieter brought their love for nature and connection into a beautiful weekend experience that felt like going back to the roots. The connection to the earth, the water, the trees, the fire and each other was facilitated through ritual, practice and presence.
Irina Turcu
Testimonials
A precious and memorable experience. Ben and Pieter carry such beautiful energy. Their genuine care and tenderness created a safe space for us to explore our true selves in relation to others and to nature. They are truly beautiful human beings, and their gatherings have supported my growth in meaningful ways.
Wenwei
–
The workshop gave me a unique opportunity to deeply connect with people I didn’t know, sharing what was truly alive for us in the moment. Ben and Pieter bring a unique energy to the space. From the start, there is a sense of safety and no judgment, combined with a deep sensitivity to what is happening in the group. Circling feels like a rare pause in busy life – a chance to truly focus on the humans around us and on ourselves. For me, it was a transformative experience.
Eliel Benaroch
–
Ben and Pieter brought their love for nature and connection into a beautiful weekend experience that felt like going back to the roots. The connection to the earth, the water, the trees, the fire and each other was facilitated through ritual, practice and presence.
Irina Turcu