Happiness Retreats
Treat yourself to a break that nurtures mind, body and spirit. A retreat is a wonderful way to take some space and reset. A happiness retreat draws on positive psychology to help you discover what makes you happy, reflect on your source of meaning and purpose, build your wellbeing and plan for a positive future.
We partner with Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking near Stroud in the Cotswolds. We also welcome approaches from other retreat centres.
The How of Happiness: New Year Retreat
Friday 17 to Sunday 19 January 2025
Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking, GL6 7QW
An uplifting and inspiring journey into the science of happiness and what it takes to feel good, function well and flourish. You will come away with your own personal toolbox of happiness boosters.
Across the weekend we explore some of the key elements in the science of happiness with a mix of input, discussion and practical activities in the beautiful surroundings of Hawkwood. Plus the most delicious, freshly-prepared food using produce from the kitchen garden and orchards.
Sessions on:
What is Happiness – discovering the pathways to greater wellbeing- Flow: The state of being fully absorbed aka ‘in the zone’
- Positive Emotions and Positivity practices such as gratitude and savouring
- Strengths: You at your best and your greatest potential for growth
- Positive Relationships: The number one source of wellbeing
- Meaning & Purpose: What gives your life meaning and fulfilment
- Optimism: Developing the glass half full
- Positive Directions: Planning a way forward
What Is Included: Both residential and non-residential places are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments but exclude B&B.
Prices, including early-bird discounts, are on the Hawkwood website.
What you will gain:
- An understanding of the pathways to happiness
- Experience of trying out wellbeing practices
- Reflection on what gives your life meaning and purpose
- Connection with kindred spirits
- Time in nature in the peaceful surrounds of the Cotswolds
- Great food!
New Year Retreat: Friday 17 January – Sunday 19 January 2025
Where: Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking, Painswick Old Rd, Stroud GL6 7QW
Booking details via this Hawkwood link.
Feedback from previous retreats
“I took a week-long ‘how to be happy’ course with Miriam. The course was inspiring with plenty of thought-provoking yet fun interaction. I found myself really able to connect with my strengths, something I’ve been unable to do previously.”
Miriam is a fantastic facilitator and I ended the week with a solid yet surprising resolve. Since returning I’ve found new vigour and purpose, somehow things that might have stressed me, no longer do. I’d recommend her courses for anyone and everyone….just bring an open mind, a desire to be happy and a playfulness” Ingrid
New Year Retreat, January 2023
“Miriam’s course at Hawkwood came at exactly the right time for me. When the new year approaches, it always encourages reflection and re-evaluation and the course offered a supportive environment in which to do this. I’ve studied positive psychology in the past and this weekend reignited my passion for it and gave me valuable insights into myself and what is important. Being around nature and like-minded, interesting people just added to the experience and the food was amazing! Miriam’s delivery was engaging and inspiring: she offered her own experiences and was authentic. It was clear to see that positive psychology has changed her life as she radiates happiness and gratitude. I’d quite happily attend this course every weekend! Thank you.” Mel, Jan 2023
“Miriam provides a safe space in which we can discover who we truly are. There is no judgment or criticism, just understanding. Attending Miriam’s retreat at Hawkwood on The How of Happiness has had such a positive effect on the way I live my life and the tools she gives you are easy to carry and implement on a daily basis. Thank you Miriam for helping me to discover and be comfortable with my place in this world.” Gloria, Jan 2023
“First of all, Hawkwood is a very special place; the only place where I’ve really felt that possibly spiritual feeling and I feel able to switch off from the outside world. Perched high up on the hills, the views are amazing and the cosiness of the library, hospitality and warmth of the Hawkwood team, make this a perfect venue for the How of Happiness. This retreat gave me the time, space and encouragement to focus on myself positively. It has helped me understand characteristics that I thought were my weaknesses, are actually strengths and tools to use them to best effect. Miriam has a wealth of knowledge and is an expert in acknowledging the positivity and reflecting that back to the group. She uses a variety of techniques to make learning about the science of happiness and how to implement it, very interesting. This retreat has helped me to focus on what I enjoy, realise what my strengths are, and what steps I can take next, so it has given me direction, clarity, understanding of myself, and loads of encouragement, not just from Miriam but from the wonderful people in our small group. There’s a great deal of thought and reflection needed, so no quick fix and no one telling you what you “should” do, but in my view this investment in myself will help me for many years to come.” Julia, Jan 2023
The How of Happiness, Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking in the Cotswolds
“Hi Miriam, thank you for a great course. A 
nice group and I found much to ponder and think about in a positive way of course! We were so blessed to have been able to have it in such a wonderful place with the added bonus of beautiful weather.”
“Marvellous and inspirational. Tremendous.”… “Excellent. Very good course, well presented.”… “Plenty to inwardly digest. Well thought out and presented.” “Lovely grounds, lovely food, friendly and approachable tutor, friendly and welcoming staff.”
“Found a woodblock wall plaque with the following inscription: “BE AWAKE to the songs of singing birds, the warmth of the sun and the small joys that have no words”. Sounds like gratitude & savouring to me! It’s now on my wall as a reminder. Thanks again for a great weekend. See you for the How of Happiness 3.”
How to be Happy, La Roane, France
An uplifting, fun and practical exploration of the how of happiness at La Roane in the Dordogne.
“I attended the ‘How to be happy’ retreat at La Roane and I can honestly say it was the best week of my life! The nature of the course meant that it was very easy to form close relationships with other members of the group and engage in deep and meaningful conversation. The work on strengths enabled us to really get in touch with what we are good at and how best to channel these abilities; it was also interesting to get to know the strengths of others and to see those in action. I was most nervous about the ‘meaning and purpose’ aspect of the course but it really forced us to tap into who we are, our values and what we want from life and has had a long-lasting impact. Overall, the course delivered on its aim – I feel like I went away with a range of strategies to use in my day-to-day life in order to maintain my happiness, well-being and foster resilience for when times are hard. Thank you Miriam!”
