Here’s a taste of the day from our host for the day, Dave Mountjoy from Being with Cows Retreats…

“Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees Audoises near Chalabre, Being with Cows is a project of the Heart. The Casta and Galloway cattle that we are privileged to call friends and family, are the heartbeat of all that happens on the 100 hectares of forest and meadow and streams. Free to come and go as they please without fear of exploitation, they transmit an incredible sense of stillness and natural well being. They are what might be called a therapy herd. Their anchored presence facilitates a subtle yet profound sense of calm, a sudden stopping of the restlessness that underpins all aspects of our hurried modern lives.

Time spent in their company can be deeply beneficial, particularly to those who aren't looking for specific guidance or a teaching or technique to cling onto. What they naturally offer is the opportunity to simply be, without thought, and that is the most precious thing of all.

Both breeds are habituated to the presence of groups of curious humans coming into their midst and therefore continue as normal during such occasions. Although cow-cuddling isn't officially offered as part of the experience, it is often the case that towards the end of what we call a cowfulness session, some of the calves and young ones approach for a scratch or just to say hello.

A typical day on Retreat here at Being with Cows looks something like this:

- A greet-the-day quietness session to bring awareness to the importance of remembering that deep calm and acceptance that all of us carry within;

- After breakfast, guests are invited to a guided quietness walk, an opportunity to be inspired by all that the beautiful landscape has to offer - meandering paths through woodland and meadows and an opportunity to perhaps encounter or glimpse some of the original residents - roe and red deer, foxes, wild boar and an incredibly rich and diverse birdlife. The emphasis, as always, is on remaining aware of your natural sense of calm and stillness.

- Following on from lunch and a generous siesta time, we visit the cows for a daily dose of cowfulness, letting ourselves fall under their spell and forget the busyness and tension that may characterise our daily lives.

Day Retreats follow the same timetable, minus the breakfast and with guests bringing their own packed lunch. Sorry folks but the generous siesta time is also shortened to allow adequate time for a healthy dose of cowfulness!”

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