A place to be well - La Roane

24/06/2026

Wednesday Wellbeing -

Taking time to see.

How often do we actually stop and observe the natural world around us?

Do you like observing insects, flowers and other details of the natural world that surrounds you?

Small children are often seen looking closely at details. They can focus on the smallest things.

That action means they are in the present moment. And that is soothing for their nervous system.

It’s a calming activity to take the time to look closely. To really observe.

I loved looking closely at stuff when I was young. And I still do. But I sometimes, when life is busy, I have to remind myself to take the time to do that.

There is so much to see. We might miss it if we don’t stop!

We recently had a retreat of circle dancers. The retreat leader’s husband is a professional nature photographer who had a good time capturing the many butterflies that flutter around our place.

He kindly shared his photos with me and here are a few for you to also see!

If you look closely, as his camera lens did, you can even see the details of their compound eyes.

Breathe deeply, look, and feel the calming effect on your nervous system.

Which butterfly to you like the best?

Thank you Mike Driscoll for these amazing shots!

Be well, sweet people. Take care of yourself and those you love.

17/06/2026

Wednesday Wellbeing -

Dancing

Dancer; bailar; dansa; tanzen... all cultures dance, right?

I’ve heard that it’s one of the best activities to keep you healthy in older age. And I believe it! 🕺 💃

Learning new dances is even better for you, because you have to engage your brain fully with body coordination, memory and even sometimes counting steps.

Who doesn’t feel good while dancing?

A few years ago, Bill and I took Cuban Salsa classes with friends. So much fun! We progressed fast, laughed a lot, and I learned to follow the lead (not my strongest suit 😅).

Then came group Rueda—dancing in a circle with others. Less goofy freedom, more focus, but still amazing.

At our last retreat, I discovered Circle Dancing with Barbara, one of the world’s best circle dancing choreographers. Her meditative dances, stunning music, and sense of community moved me to tears. Letting go of perfection, I found the flow—and pure joy.

Circle Dancing feels like meditation in motion, with history woven into every step. We danced to French, Baltic, medieval, and even Sami Swedish music.

One dance honored the Cathars, a persecuted medieval group—captivating and deeply moving.

We’ll host more Circle Dancing retreats here soon! ⭕✨

What’s your favorite dance? Share below! ⬇️

16/06/2026

Barbara Driscoll brought a lovely group of talented and fun Circle Dancers. It was our largest retreat. It was also the first Circle Dancing retreat.

I got to dance. I couldn't stop smiling! So fun!! And so meditative. I hope we can welcome them back very soon. Now this place feels empty.

We will be getting ready for the next retreat...Art and Writing!! Yay!!!!🌻💞I can't wait to see them again. My friends are returning 🙏🏻🥰

14/06/2026

Reserve your spot☀️

13/06/2026

10/06/2026

Wednesday Wellbeing -

Quiet 🤫

Taking the time to sit in silence is a treat. But it’s not easy for a lot of people.

I don’t know about you, but I used to take it for granted that most people enjoy silence.

But it’s not so.

It seems that many people need to have sounds around them. Why is that? And has that increased since the invention of the internet, I wonder?

Many people need constant entertainment, constant noise. I find it very draining.

Obviously, we’re all different. And that’s wonderful. 💫

When I interview helpers who want to come and work at our retreat center, which is situated in the middle of nowhere, where often all we hear are the sounds of nature, I ask them that they have to be ok with being alone sometimes, and they must be ok with silence.

Nature isn’t silent, but the sounds are different.

We realised that not everyone is ok with that. Many of the younger people these days need to have access to internet, be surrounded by sounds or people in order to feel ok. Otherwise they may get anxious.

We did experience that with one helper who decided that it was not for her, all this alone time. Alone with nature. Especially if the wifi wasn’t accessible all the time.🍀 🌳 🌿 🌼

That was a lesson for me.

And so I now make sure to ask those questions when interviewing.

One of these days, I’d like to go on a silent retreat. That would be interesting! Not that I think it would be easy for me just because I like silence, no! I think it would be a challenge I’d like to take on.

How do you feel about silence? 🪷

Be well, sweet people, take care of yourself and those you love 🌺

08/06/2026

The yurt had to go.
The new tent went up...and got decorated.
Ready for the first guests!!

04/06/2026

Hey there,

A newsletter just zipped on over to those who receive them 📧📬🧐

If you’re curious...here’s the link too. Check it out, maybe you are the one who could help?!

https://mailchi.mp/aplacetobewell.com/a-villa-in-bali-a-london-flat-and

Dear One, this is not a marketing email this time. Nope. Instead, it’s a personal, familial request. And you might be the one who can help, who knows?

03/06/2026

Wednesday Wellbeing -

Creativity 🌿

Is everyone creative? I think so. The word encompasses so much. ✨

When I was younger I thought that I wasn’t very creative because I didn’t sing or didn’t really play any instrument (apart from the recorder I had to learn), nor was I very artistic. But I liked writing stories. When I became an adult, I practiced jewellery making, sewed clothes and took painting classes.

Nowadays, I continue to write, I love gardening, and I love taking photos. There are so many ways of being creative, right?

I’ve always admired those who can sing and play instruments. 🎶 🥁

During our last retreat, there were so many creative people visiting us! 🍀

We had the pleasure of having two very talented singers. What a treat! Others, it became obvious, had other creative talents, like writing, story telling, cooking, and even clowning! 🎼 w ✍ 📚 🥘 🤡

If you have a creative side to you, you would know that while you are focused on your art, you are truly in the moment. 🧘‍♂️

That’s a way to feel at ease. 🍃

Spending uninterrupted time doing something creative can truly give us a way to calm our nervous system.

And that’s why I think creativity is good for our wellbeing! 💕 🫶

These photos are of some of the dishes that our talented chefs made (yes, that is very creative) as well as some shots by a professional photographer who came to take photos of our retreat center. And the group photo on the edge of the local canyon contains a few very creative people (as well as two well known musicians) 😉 🎶

What is your creative streak? 🎸 🎨 🍪 🤸‍♀️ Let me know!