Midlife Reimagined: Finding the next path

“I found the experience challenging and liberating in equal measure. I felt I grew as a person and was enlivened by the process. It made me think about how change is always possible. In re-experiencing my past in a playful way, I was able to form a new relationship to past events. I love the way the process builds a sense of community and connection through listening to others, being listened to, and recognising shared themes. I am not exaggerating when I say, for me, this week has been life-changing.” Participant

Midlife Reimagined is an invitation to step into change and growth. Mid-life provides us with an opportunity to be our more authentic selves; to find out who we are now and what really matters.

Are you finding yourself in mid-life feeling a little lost? You may be contemplating a career change, or retirement; perhaps navigating children leaving home or other relationship changes; you might be adapting to health challenges or the ageing process. You may simply be asking yourself, what next?

The Retreat

In June 2025 we are offering a residential life story retreat in a beautiful Devon setting for a group of 12 people. Over 5 days, we will guide the group through a process of compassionate mid-life review.

You will be invited to consider your personal & professional journey so far: identifying joys and achievements, reflecting on challenges and disappointments that have been overcome and being curious about the wisdom and growth that followed. Every life has its ups and downs and regret can be a great teacher. We will explore what we need to let go of at this midpoint in our lives, and how we want to be in the world, moving forward.

Sharpham Trust by the River Dart, Devon.

What we offer:

  • A structured programme of midlife review led by expert facilitators. Reflective exercises, writing prompts and small group discussion will invite you to explore your personal and professional journey up till this point

  • An environment of supportive challenge that enables you to reflect on big questions: Who am I? What really matters to me at this stage of my life? How do I want to show up in the world? What changes might I want to make? What do I need?

  • A roadmap for the future, which enables you to move into the next chapter of your life with confidence and ease

  • Optional sessions sharing tools and practices on self-compassion, polyvagal theory and the nervous system, breathwork and relaxation

  • A comfortable ensuite single bedroom and full board delicious home-grown food

  • A chance to stay at an internationally recognised centre for mindfulness retreats and nature connection, with 40 years’ experience of hosting in a beautiful 550-acre estate in South Devon (with an outdoor swimming pool for those who like a dip!)

Requirements

There is no chronological age restriction. The retreat is for people who consider themselves to be in mid-life, and in a time of transition, who want to reflect, go deep and emerge with a new sense of purpose and agency. While this is not a therapy group, reflecting on life experiences in a group setting can bring up strong feelings. We ask you to consider whether this is the right time for you, and if you currently feel emotionally resilient enough to engage in reflective groupwork.

Facilitators

Karin Diamond and Alison O’Connor are highly experienced facilitators and trainers. In 2006, they co-founded Re-Live, a life story arts organisation. Together, they have been privileged to work with (and learn from) hundreds of people from all walks of life, helping them to reflect on their experiences and find a greater sense of meaning and purpose.

They are both Churchill Fellows (2010 and 2016). In 2025, their book, Creating Life Story Theatre, co-authored with Clark Baim, will be published by Methuen Drama. Karin is an Atlantic Fellow at the Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, a writer, actor and life story facilitator. Alison is a therapist, trainer and group facilitator with 25 years’ experience. Karin and Alison have been best friends for 35 years. Their approach is hopeful, motivating and compassionate.

Dates: June 9-13 2025 (arrive 3pm Monday June 9th , depart lunchtime Friday June 13th)

Venue: The Coach House, Sharpham Trust, Devon, UK

Cost: £995 (payable in 3 instalments)

To book a place, contact Alison here. As spaces are limited to 12, we recommend early booking.