When she became a mother herself in 2018, Yoga Teacher and Birth Worker Jocie Cox began to feel a strong calling and desire to support women throughout all aspects of this rite of passage. She cares deeply about holding space for women through these transformative times and created Theta Retreats to provide mums and their children with a sanctuary: a space where children are cherished, mothers are goddesses and motherhood is sacred. On a Theta Retreat, you will find yourself in a beautiful location in nature, surrounded by supportive, like-minded mothers and families to lift, support and guide each other. Here Jocie talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind what she does, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I guess it’s two-fold. As a yoga teacher who was very accustomed to running retreats and enjoying the transformative benefits – not just within my guests but also on a personal level – I suddenly found that it was an experience that just felt completely out of my reach after having children. I really missed the opportunity to travel to these beautiful places and be immersed in nature whilst guiding women through healing, grounding practices. I would always witness such beautiful connections being formed between guests of all different background and life journeys. There really is a magic to the retreat container! It became very clear to me that there was a need for spaces like this that also welcomed mothers and families. Especially given that the immense life shift that occurs once you become a mother is often when you need these practices and community connection the most!
This speaks to a second, broader point about matrescence (the process of becoming a mother) and the lack of support and resources that exist within our culture around the postpartum period – and let’s remember – postpartum is not just the 6 weeks after birth, but a shift that impacts the years, even decades after our firstborn! This can leave women feeling vulnerable, lonely and in some cases completely overwhelmed while they navigate one of the biggest emotional, neurological and physical shifts of their life. I don’t believe there are enough spaces that offer women and families the chance to fully acknowledge and integrate these shifts. Mothers need tending to, they need rest and nutrition. They need sisterhood and chances to be seen and heard on their journey.
We have a Mothers Circle always on the 2nd night of retreat (babysitting included!) and the potency of women coming together to lift, support and guide each other is something I witness again and again. I believe it can truly revolutionise a woman’s experience of motherhood.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
We began with a small glamping retreat at a beautiful farm near Bath in the UK (now one of our signature retreats – Rewild with your Child!). I knew that the key things I wanted to offer were a connection to nature, time to reconnect to yourself and space to be present and reconnect to your child, away from the frenzy of the day to day. We organised a Forest School style childcare in the woods while the mums practised yoga in the beautiful shala before enjoying a massage, and then set up a range of afternoon activities from foraging to sheep herding to pizza making! The kids were in their element and it was so special to watch mums fully exhaaaale and remember themselves as a whole person again – who also deserves to be nurtured.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Understanding the importance of high-quality childcare is something that has naturally evolved with the retreats. When parents feel confident leaving their child with someone new – knowing they are going to have their creativity ignited – it enables them to drop fully into the experience. It’s vital for me that the activities are child-led, inspired by nature and guided with real compassion by my team.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This is a tough one! I have a small daughter of 2 and my son is 5 and just started school last September. I don’t have much childcare for my youngest (due mainly to the astronomical expense!), and with no family nearby, my work invariably gets squeezed into evenings and nap times. I do feel lucky that organising these retreats feels like a true passion – but it’s hard being away from my babies when I travel! The good thing is that sometimes my whole family can come with me on retreat, which feels like a luxury and something I am very grateful for.
