Retreat program
Feel better. Enjoy nature, art, gentle yoga, yourself. Just chill.
Learn more. Healthy living… the good life.
The program is fluid. Everything that happens at a residential retreat is programmed: the planned, the unplanned, the organised and unorganised, the tangible and intangible, measureable and unmeasurable, informal as well as formal. This is because all aspects of our inner and outer experiences (elements, forms, emotions, thoughts, sciences, arts, discourses, discussions etc.) are an expression of the interplay and potential of archetypical forces, and are different expressions of wisdom.
At our themed retreats you could expect some or all of this, depending upon the length of your stay:
A sample day...
With a variety of activities to choose from, your days can be as full or quiet as you desire.
Day of arrival
- Orientation and Introduction upon arrival.
- A combination of quiet serenity with pranayama (yoga breathing) and mindful meditation instruction available for both new and experienced facilitated by Shanti Gowans.
- Meet and dine with new like-minded people
Dawn
- Each morning begins with a hot infusion of lemon and ginger water and fresh aloe vera
- Wake, stretch and enjoy a walk up the hill for your morning constitutional
- Spend some quiet time in a daily group meditation session with Shantiji
- Daily inspirational presentation that fits both our location and theme facilitated by Shanti Gowans. These include talks on wellness, Yoga and Ayurveda, which cover: Healthy body, healthy mind; Restoring balance and wholeness; Revitalising yourself; Self esteem, Self worth, Self love and Belief in yourself; Respectful, loving relationships; Reducing anxiety, restlessness and depression; Coping strategies for health and contentment in everyday life etc.
Midmorning
- Shanti Yoga gentle stretching
- Enjoy some sacred mandala art lessons with our art teacher Christine
- Get invigorated with dancing, fitness and fun with Bollywood and/or Zumba
- Or opt to detox in the infra-red inch-loss treatment
- Walk and talk. Chose from: orientation walk, buddha walk, herbal walk, spring walk, rainforest circuit. Visiting the near-by forests and waterfalls is always a favorite activity with stunning views and exhilarating wildlife.
Afternoon
- Sit in on a health lecture on Ayurveda which could include nutrition, mindful eating, self-care, life integration
- Enjoy a restful deep relaxation session, fully guided
- Free time to indulge in optional treatments, which include Ayurvedic and Thai massages, herbal treatments, medicines and purifying steam that brings new life to tired muscles, bones and tendons.
- personal time to sink into the rhythm of the rainforest and explore nature, read a book from the extensive library or relax in the hammock
Twilight
- Enjoy a singalong, some sacred chants, or a gentle yoga stretching class
- Chat with new and old friends while enjoying a light supper
- Attend a spiritual movie, or an entertaining movie, then head off to bed
