Lucy is inquisitive, active, chatty and fun-seeking. She guides yoga and rewilding through classes, events and retreats in order to help people find a deeper connection with themself, nature and the people around them.

What inspired you to set up Make+Move?

Lucy: I spent several years questioning everything, wondering whether there was more to life (no big deal) and feeling like something was a bit "off" or missing. I met Mark (my partner), who lived a very different lifestyle to my central-london-work-work-work life. This gave me the courage to make a change. I moved away from London and steady employment, which gave me the space to explore and try things away from the pressure of mainstream society and family.

After a while, the concept of Make+Move became clear as I realised it was what I had needed: a way to get to know myself, work out what was really important to me, simplify. The more I chatted to people, the more this resonated. I saw similar desires in so many: they were busy but not fulfilled. They also felt that something was missing. Make+Move is an answer to this, a space to tap in, be supported, meet like-minded souls and have fun. Life can be so serious; I want to remind people that joy is always available.

What have you seen unfold when women come together around water, whether in a sauna, a cold dip, or a swim?

Lucy: There is this sense of support and commonality. It's like something ancient is rekindled. Any competition ceases, and barriers are dropped. Like the water has cast a spell or rather, we're able to see each other more clearly. It's like a tonic. Bonds have formed that can't easily be explained; they go beyond job roles or life stages. There's a deeper knowing, an understanding.

What is your own relationship with water, and how has it shaped your life or your work?

Lucy: I'm a life-long water lover. It's where I feel most at home - being in water or near it. My move from London to the coast of NW Wales was a turning point in my life, a real fork in the road. When I look back, everything before feels slightly out of focus, like I was never quite myself. I think that being in and around the sea so much gave me the mental space - and fewer distractions - to get to know myself. I realised key "knowings" at this time and dedicate a lot of this to the water. When we moved to a new area, it wasn't until I discovered a nearby waterfall that I had confidence in the move, such was the depth of my relationship with water. Now, it's an integral part of my life. I shape things around it - travelling, socialising, downtime. I need to be in water regularly, otherwise I feel off. It's where I go for fun, for calm, to make sense of things and to feel connected.

In your experience, how can water support women in rewilding and reconnecting with what feels most essential within themselves?

Lucy: Rewilding is finding your true nature - the you beneath it all. I see water as the conduit connecting us all. There's no hierarchy here, status has no value, wealth is irrelevant, so it's a real leveller. It's both a way to bring us into the present moment and a vehicle to dream. Being in sub-10 degree water will focus the mind in the body like nothing else, whilst floating on your back in a sun-kissed pool can transport you to a dream-state. Both of these are so useful in reconnecting with self. There are very few places in modern life that offer these: to be so present in your body that you can feel the veins on your arm constrict - and on the opposite end to feel so held by the water that you can safely dream. The resilience and connection that's built is profound. To know that you stepped into cold water and held yourself gives an inner-confidence. And dreams are often how we make sense of things or grasp new possibilities. I've seen women realise how much more capable they are and the shared experience creates bonds that further support their rewilding.

Tell us more about your RISE women’s retreat in Morocco next year!

Lucy: Oh it's just magical!!! Morocco was the place of my first international retreat and we return year on year as it just gets better and better. The RISE Women's Retreat is a celebration of women. It's a week for you to have genuine space - from everyday life, from responsibilities - to come back to yourself.

The retreat is held at the tail-end of winter and the name RISE is two-fold: rising up from winter, from the cold and darkness into the light, preparing for the season ahead. It also references what happens when women gather. A rising. Be it connections, spirits, confidence, or laughter, the energy builds. It's indescribable and deeply, deeply nourishing.

During the week, we move daily: yoga, walks, splashing in water, share delicious meals, sit together in quietness, and also have fun. SO MUCH FUN. Dancing, silliness, wandering around markets. This year, there's also the option for surf lessons. So even more watery fun!

Our villa is the perfect combination of style and comfort. We've got the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a mountain backdrop behind us, as well as our own pool and cold plunge, so it's all here!

Something I love about it is that it attracts so many different women: those in different life stages, from different places and with different things going on. Through it all, this thread is woven, and during the year, I find myself coming back to it and just knowing that these women exist gives me comfort. I can't wait.

An interview with Lucy Wright of Make+move

Lucy’s Upcoming Events:

An interview with Lucy Wright of Make+move

Lucy’s Upcoming Events:

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