The rentrée* is not always an easy time, with the holidays behind and the days shortening into winter. But there ways to maintain your summer glow and stay healthy until the year begins to turn back up towards the light. Here are some things you can do:

1. Stock your kitchen with healthy food and get rid of your junk food. If you do't want to throw it away have a party and invite your friends to help you eat it! If you are not sure what healthy food is I know a man who does…

2. Exercise regularly. If you don't already exercise this is the time to join a class, or learn to be a self exerciser. It does not need to take long to stay fit and healthy, especially when you know how. It's good to mix vigorous and relaxed activities. There are plenty of options out there as well as Kungfu and Tai Chi classes, or take a course to learn How to BE an exerciser.

3. Focus on what you love about the rentrée. Make a list of friends you can get to see, places you can pass through or visit, activities that you'd like to take part in.Know youtr treats. How are you going to reward yourself this year. Keep yourself motivated by having simple things that you give you pleasure available for when you've done good.

4. Get rid of what you've had enough – or too much of. Free up your time and energy and say no to the offers and demands that you realise are draining and no lo longer sustain you. Now is the perfect time before the year's rhythm establishes itself. Need help with setting your boundaries then get some coaching.

5. Connect. Take a moment to recognise the person in front of you, whether in the boulangerie, the metro, the street or your work. Even if they don't notice the world will be a better place for it. Give the blank anonymity of the big city a kick in the teeth (or a relaxing massage if you prefer that as a metaphor deepen and enrich your relations at the Intimacy Experience.

*the rentrée is a Fench cultural event. France pretty much closes down in August, and is already crawling along at the end of July. Then come September it's back to work with extra bisous (kisses)for colleagues,  ritual holiday stories, school starts again and people enrol in courses for the year.

Join me in the woods for a long weekend of fitness, meditation and martial arts August 13-15th

This is for you if:

• you want to get away from the city 
  
• You want to develop your body, balance and coordination 
  
• you need reflection time 
  
• you enjoy intelligent company that goes beyond superficial social trivia
  

We will stay on a green, wooded property which we share with deer, foxes, wild boar, rabbits, hare owls and many other animals.

Each day we will practise:

• Meditation – seated or standing 
  
• Qigong – for health and body conditioning 
  
• Bagua circular and linear forms 
  
• Partner exercises – to understand angle, distance and application of power and sparring
  
• Natural movement – awaken your animal vitality 
  
• Sensory awareness exercises – clean your city blunted senses 
  

and have time to just enjoy the woods. None of these activities is obligatory – if you need to simply rest, or concentrate one one of these areas you have that option.

You can come for just one day, or for all three days: The price for a single day is €70, and for €180 for all three.

Accomodation: 
There is a large house with a number of bedrooms on the property. I will sleep in the woods, and people are welcome to join me (if you are not used to camping I have some spare equipment and can help you set up).

Food: 
We will eat simply. Cooking and cleaning will be communal. Some cooking will be in the kitchen, but we will also use a campfire. I will supply vegetarian food. If you have special dietary requirements please let me know, you are welcome to bring your own food and treats too (in moderation). Remember this is a retreat so this is not about luxurious food, or alcohol

There will also be some good wild foraging, and ripening fruit on the trees in August.

You responsibilities: 
This will take place in a private property. While we are there it is our job to look after it and clean up after ourselves.

Getting there: 
The property is near the village of Betz in Picardie about one hour from Paris. The closest train station is Crepy-en-valois, from which you can take a taxi. there are regular trains to Crepy-en-valois from gare du nord. Train tickets cost about €40 return, and taxi is about €20. We can arrange taxi sharing if you arrive at the same time. I can send a map in case you want to come by car.

You can arrive on Thursday 12th, set up and settle in so that we can start on Friday morning.

If you have any questions you can call me 06 80 28 86 39.  Call or e-mail to book your place.

I will be in the woods before and after the retreat, so I may not be contactable by e-mail.

I recently started a new class just for women in Paris who want to get fitter, more toned, learn some martial principles and have fun.  We train at the Palais Royale, a picturesque  setting in the centre of Paris. 

You can work as hard as you need/want, you do not need to punch each other in the head, and I can supply gloves.

You can find the next session here.