A NEW countryside initiative is giving busy men the chance to step away from their demanding lives for some much needed ‘me’ time.
The Rural Reset, in the Herefordshire countryside, was created for men who spend much of their lives balancing work, family and responsibility. However, these men do not always make the same time for themselves.
Business leaders, city traders and military veterans are among those who have experienced the four-day Reset, which runs from Wormsley Grange. There, groups of just 10 take part in kayaking, hiking and rural craft.
They can also try yoga, Tai Chi and cold-water immersion, while an onsite chef provides all meals.
While the activities give each day structure, founder Paddy Burtt believes the value comes from what happens naturally around them. For example, time outdoors, shared meals, conversations around the fire and simply having space to think are important.
Unlike many wellbeing retreats, The Rural Reset does not offer therapy, group counselling or spiritual workshops.
Paddy said: “Most men are very good at making time for work, family and everyone else. We’re not always quite as good at making time for ourselves.
“You don’t need to be struggling and you certainly don’t need fixing. Sometimes it’s simply good to step away from everyday life for a few days.”
Paddy, 54, created The Rural Reset after reaching a point in his own life when he realised things needed to change.
After many years working in recruitment in the City of London, his relationship with work and alcohol had become unhealthy.
Time spent working on a friend’s farm helped change direction. It also gave him a new appreciation for nature, practical activity and uninterrupted time to think.
That experience helped shape The Rural Reset and Duncan Slater, who attended the first Reset, described it as: “One of the most important things I have ever done for myself.”
And Natalie Montakhab, whose husband attended, said: “I honestly think it’s been life changing for him. It really was a reset. He just seems completely rejuvenated. I can’t quite believe the effect it’s had.”
The first group has continued to stay in touch. In fact, friendships and conversations have carried on long after the four days ended.
Two further Rural Resets take place from September 17 to 20 and October 1 to 4. Paddy said men do not need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit.
“You don’t need a problem to justify taking four days for yourself,” he said. “What has struck me most is how many men have said they hadn’t realised how much they needed the time away.”
Phones are put to one side during much of the experience, giving the group the rare opportunity for genuinely uninterrupted time together.
“At the first Reset the phones were handed over fairly reluctantly on day one,” Paddy said. “By day four, nobody seemed particularly bothered about getting them back. I think that probably says quite a lot.”
For more information, or to apply for a place on a Reset, visit https://theruralreset.com
