We’ve known about Reel Recovery, a charity that teaches men with cancer to fly-fish, for a while. When we bumped into them at the British Fly Fair International last week, they asked if it was something we’d publicise to our clients. We are delighted to do so since we all know, so well, the meditative and relaxing benefits of a day by the water.
Here’s a little more about this great initiative:
Reel Recovery is an innovative non-profit organization, that uses free Fly-Fishing retreats to improve the lives of men with any life-threatening forms of cancer. Founded in the USA over 20 years ago, it has helped more than 4,500 men living with cancer. Last year the first retreat in the UK was held in Northumberland and this year we are expanding with an additional weekend retreat in Norfolk. The intention is to grow the programme to provide a network off retreats across the UK.
Reel Recovery’s mission is to help men in the recovery process by sharing with them the healing powers of fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences of cancer, with others who share their stories. Retreats are offered at no cost to the participants, they are led by experienced facilitators and each participant gets their own expert fly-fishing instructor (fishing buddy) for the weekend. Reel Recovery provides all meals, lodging and fly-fishing equipment – no previous fishing experience is required.
Fly fishing is basically meditation in motion. You are out there, immersed in nature, with the sound of the water flowing by, the rustling of the trees, no Wi-Fi, just calm concentration on what you are doing. The simple but mindful, rhythmic act of casting a fly line becomes a kind of moving meditation. Those of us who already fly-fish know that it is the perfect way to clear your mind, focus on the present and let go of whatever is troubling you. Plus, there’s something undeniably peaceful about standing in water, trying to outsmart a fish who has no idea it’s part of your therapy session.
Throughout the weekend we hold several ‘Courageous Conversations’ these are group conversations, led by an experienced facilitator, to help the participants explore how their experience with cancer had impacted their lives, their relationships with others and how they view their future. Men are notoriously reticent when it comes to recognising and talking about their problems and emotions but within a supportive group of men who understand what each other is going through, this can become a cathartic and immensely beneficial experience.
We encourage and foster communication between participants and fishing buddies after the retreat – often this results in new friendships and more supported fishing experiences – some participants become committed anglers. This year our developing partnership with the Cancer & Pisces Trust will provide free flyfishing venues each month, at several locations around the country, for Reel Recovery retreat participants.
Further details can be found HERE