Pause – A self-care day by the sea
Set against the picturesque backdrop of beach huts at Southcliff, Walton-on-the-Naze, this event is designed to help you explore various self-care activities. Choose from a range of self-care activities that you can participate in.
Imagine a day by the sea with space to breathe, create, reflect and reconnect. Join us at the Southcliff Beach Huts, Walton-on-the-Naze, for a unique self-care experience where you can explore a range of activities designed to help you slow down, restore your energy and discover simple practices that support your wellbeing.
Whether you’re looking for calm, connection, creativity or simply a little time for yourself, you’ll find something here. No experience is needed. Just come as you are.
What to Expect
Throughout the day you can move between a variety of beach huts and outdoor spaces, each offering a different self-care experience. At the heart of the day is our Self-Care Intentions Wall, where you’ll be invited to reflect on what you need and choose one small self-care practice to take forward into everyday life. You can:
🌊 Try mindfulness and self-compassion practices
🎨 Explore creative expression through painting and pastels
✍️ Reflect through journalling and postcard writing
🧵 Slow down with mindful making and crafting
🚶 Enjoy mindful walks and beach-based activities
❄️ Experience an optional cold-water dip
🍵 Relax with refreshments and connect with others
Hut 1: The Pause Hut
Noticing: An Introduction to Mindfulness
A gentle introduction to mindfulness using the sights, sounds and sensations of the seaside. Learn how paying attention to the present moment can help calm a busy mind and reduce overwhelm. You’ll take away A simple noticing practice you can use anywhere.
Finding Calm in the Storm
A gentle self-compassion practice for stressful moments. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this session you’ll learn a simple practice that can help you slow down, steady yourself, and respond with greater kindness when things feel difficult. Leave with a practical tool you can use whenever life feels stormy.
Taking in the Good
We often notice what’s wrong before we notice what’s right. This practice helps you intentionally savour positive experiences and moments of joy so they stay with you for longer. You’ll take away: A practical way to build emotional resilience and wellbeing.
Hut 2: Creative Expression Hut
An Ocean of Colours
Sometimes feelings are easier to express through colour than words. In this playful watercolour workshop, we’ll explore the changing moods and colours of the sea as inspiration for our own creative and emotional exploration. You’ll take away: A completed piece of artwork and a new way to express and explore emotions.
Pastel Landscapes
Connect with memories, imagination and the natural world through pastel drawing inspired by the beach and sea. This gentle workshop focuses on creativity, reflection and the calming power of nature. You’ll take away: A pastel artwork and a mindful creative practice to continue at home.
Hut 3: Reflection & Journalling Hut
Dip into Journalling
A gentle introduction to journalling using simple prompts designed to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.No writing experience required. You’ll take away: Easy journalling techniques you can use whenever life feels overwhelming.
A Postcard to Your Future Self
Pause and reflect on what matters most right now. Write a postcard to the future you, capturing your hopes, intentions and reminders for the months ahead. You’ll take away: A meaningful keepsake and a deeper connection to what you need.
Hut 4: Mindful Making Hut
Craft Your Calm
Drop in throughout the day and explore mindful making through: Stone painting, Shell and pebble art and Slow stitching.
These gentle, hands-on activities encourage you to slow down, focus on the present moment and enjoy the simple pleasure of creating something with your hands. You’ll take away: A handmade keepsake and practical ways to bring calm into everyday life.
Hut 5: Refreshments & Connection Hut
Healthy refreshments will be available throughout the day. Take time to sit, chat, meet new people and enjoy being part of a supportive community.
Beach Activities
Shell & Pebble Collecting Walk
Slow down and explore the shoreline through a mindful collecting walk. Notice colours, textures and treasures washed up by the sea. Happening all day.
Mindful Cold Water Dip
An optional, supported cold-water experience for those who would like to reconnect with their bodies and experience the invigorating benefits of cold water. Kit will be provided. Suitable for beginners. You’ll take away: a boost of confidence and resilience building.
Mindful Beach Walk
A guided walk designed to help you reconnect with nature, your senses and the present moment.
Breathwork by the Sea
Experience simple breathing practices against the calming backdrop of the coastline.
Qi Gong on the Beach
Gentle movement and breath practices to help you feel grounded, energised and present.
