FROM getting in touch with your inner child to exploring the spirits of plants, there are a dizzying array of alternative courses available in Stroud. If you fancy studying something a bit more unusual than DIY for beginners or holiday French, this is the town for you. We take a look at 10 courses for curious minds you will only find in Stroud.

1 The wisdom of trees - an opportunity to engage and learn through nature.

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Explore theories surrounding plant medicine and become connected to the heart of nature by learning from plants themselves.

2 Rediscover your inner child - a chance to let your inhibitions and tensions go and get in touch with your younger self through artistic expression.

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Ideal for anyone who has been overworked. Sessions focus on painting.

3 Embrace the heart - explore the 'true role of the heart'.

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'Bask and feast in the presence of one another' and 'explore each other root down with the essential part of our being'.

The course uses 'embodied spiritual therapy to embrace those needing support'.

4 Mindfulness and breath - learn how to make your breathing 'both conscious and satisfying'.

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Using exercises, students learn more about the 'physical, emotional and spiritual importance' of breathing.

Ideal for anyone interested in the balance between mind and body.

5 Bodywork with heart - focuses on how our bodies are 'defined and shaped by our emotions and beliefs'.

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Use 'deep listening and touch' to let go of unconscious tensions frozen into the body. Opens up more capacity for well being, creativity and 'an authentic relationship with life'.

6 Intuitive herbalism - explore the spirit of plants.

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Deepen your connection with the plants around you and learn how to listen more closely to your own body when it calls for healing.

Meditation, drum journeys, sound work and dreaming are all included in the weekend experience which will help students to connect with the soul of plants and 'open doorways into the natural world'.

7 Springtime dreaming for women - a chance for women to rediscover more about themselves through their dreams.

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Can help you to work towards conquering your fears or emotional dilemmas by recognising the theory behind dreaming and finding out what your subconscious is trying to tell you.

8 Allergy therapy and nutritional balancing - heal the gut by eliminating challenging foods. The course explores environmental and emotional factors and can show women how to change their diet to coincide with when they want to be at their most fertile.

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9 Mindful Easter retreat - a course which combines meditation and gentle movement in order to 'reconnect with yourself and find your natural peaceful state'.

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The course teaches relaxation exercises. It is an opportunity to understand ‘mindfulness’ and 'fully connect with the transition from winter into spring'.

An opportunity to become more awake in all aspects of life, the retreat welcomes everyone and promotes living a healthy lifestyle.

10 Sounding bowls - a course which has brought joy and healing to thousands. The sound of the bowls are relaxing, creating beautiful harmonies and rhythms which can bring meditation and life changing music into your life.

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