Coming Home to Stillness -
7 Day Mindfulness Retreat
Mission Beach, Queensland
24th - 30th Sept 2023
Retreats are essential for our progress within meditation. As the word suggests, retreats are an opportunity to withdraw from all the constant bombardment of external stimulus, making space for that momentum of mind to gradually fade into stillness. Yet most meditation retreats tend to be too harsh, too foreign and too disconnected from modern life for the practitioner to benefit from.
Coming Home to Stillness was developed to bridge that gap. From the fundamentals into its depths, the retreat will be systematically unravelling the mysteries and obstacles the mindfulness practitioner faces through a blend of science, humour, story and analogy to meet and placate the modern mind. Each day can be seen as experiment of self and mind with each key meditative concept given an abundance of opportunity to be experienced and embodied. The day starts with gentle movements to soften the body and reduce the emotional load it carries. The following session will be part discussion and part experimentation to set the fundamentals in place for the subsequent sessions to explore through deep practice. Numerous meditation positions will be available with no shortage of props and guidance in order to bring comfort to the body.
One on one check-ins will be available to help address any individual needs or obstacles encountered during the retreat. That along with the variety of positions and the systematic approach to meditation allows this retreat to benefit practitioners of all levels. Beginners can start to build familiarity with the foundations while advanced practitioners get to deepen into each element. The retreat finishes by helping each practitioner develop a home practice of their own in order to sustain all the benefits from retreat into daily life.
Coming Home to Stillness was developed to bridge that gap. From the fundamentals into its depths, the retreat will be systematically unravelling the mysteries and obstacles the mindfulness practitioner faces through a blend of science, humour, story and analogy to meet and placate the modern mind. Each day can be seen as experiment of self and mind with each key meditative concept given an abundance of opportunity to be experienced and embodied. The day starts with gentle movements to soften the body and reduce the emotional load it carries. The following session will be part discussion and part experimentation to set the fundamentals in place for the subsequent sessions to explore through deep practice. Numerous meditation positions will be available with no shortage of props and guidance in order to bring comfort to the body.
One on one check-ins will be available to help address any individual needs or obstacles encountered during the retreat. That along with the variety of positions and the systematic approach to meditation allows this retreat to benefit practitioners of all levels. Beginners can start to build familiarity with the foundations while advanced practitioners get to deepen into each element. The retreat finishes by helping each practitioner develop a home practice of their own in order to sustain all the benefits from retreat into daily life.
Retreat Schedule
6.30am: Wake up
7.00am - 8.00am: Gentle Yoga
8.00am – 9.00am: Breakfast (silent meal – mindful eating)
9.00am – 11.00am: Discussion and Practice Exploration
11.00am – 12.00nn: Free time / Individual Questions
12.00nn – 2.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm – 3.00pm: 1st Meditation Session
3.15pm – 4.15pm: 2nd Meditation Session
4.30pm – 5.30pm: Walking Meditation
5.30pm – 6.30pm: Free time / Individual Questions
6.30pm – 7.30pm: Dinner
7.30pm – 9.00pm: 3rd Meditation Session / Daily debrief
9.30pm: Sleep
7.00am - 8.00am: Gentle Yoga
8.00am – 9.00am: Breakfast (silent meal – mindful eating)
9.00am – 11.00am: Discussion and Practice Exploration
11.00am – 12.00nn: Free time / Individual Questions
12.00nn – 2.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm – 3.00pm: 1st Meditation Session
3.15pm – 4.15pm: 2nd Meditation Session
4.30pm – 5.30pm: Walking Meditation
5.30pm – 6.30pm: Free time / Individual Questions
6.30pm – 7.30pm: Dinner
7.30pm – 9.00pm: 3rd Meditation Session / Daily debrief
9.30pm: Sleep
Retreat Pricing
Full Price
Twin share Rainforest Hut with alfresco = $2090
Single Rainforest Hut with alfresco = $2460
Twin share Deluxe Cabin = $2300
Single Deluxe Cabin = $2840
Twin share is only available when there are 2 people coming and booking together
Twin share Rainforest Hut with alfresco = $2090
Single Rainforest Hut with alfresco = $2460
Twin share Deluxe Cabin = $2300
Single Deluxe Cabin = $2840
Twin share is only available when there are 2 people coming and booking together
Accommodation Options
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Rainforest Huts:
Capturing the cool, green light of the rainforest, accommodation is in secluded forest huts nestled in the rainforest canopy. A minimalist design maximises the sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest whilst giving some personal space to those creatures you may prefer not to sleep with. Rainforest huts come with alfresco bathrooms which include outdoor toilet, cold water shower and basin for the full rainforest experience! |
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Deluxe Cabins:
Of solid wooden construction, with ample, screened glass windows, the canopy cabins offer maximum protection from the elements, while still offering a close connection to the sights and sounds of the forest. Larger than the rainforest huts, these cabins are stylishly appointed with polished wooden floors, handmade natural timber furniture and spectacular glass-walled bathrooms looking out high in the trees |
Inclusions and Exclusions
Pricing Includes:
Pricing Excludes:
- 6 nights of accommodation
- Sumptuous vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All day access to tea, coffee (bag), and fruit
- All retreat sessions and content
Pricing Excludes:
- Transportation to and from Mission Beach
- Barista coffee, additional beverages, and desserts
Terms and Conditions
Financial:
Pre-Retreat requirements:
During retreat:
- A non refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your booking
- The remainder of the fee must be paid before the 31st of July
- Cancellations must be given in writing prior to the 31st of July, otherwise all fees will be forfeited
- Cancellations made before the 31st of July 2023 will be eligible for full payment refund, less deposit amount.
- The retreat requires a minimum number to run. Should this minimum not be reached, the retreat will be cancelled and all payment, including the deposit, will be fully refunded
- Home of Equanimity reserves the right to cancel the retreat where all payment, including the deposit, will be fully refunded
Pre-Retreat requirements:
- All bookings must be made with a health and personal questionnaire filled out
- Participants are responsible for their own wellbeing and assert upon booking that they are medically fit for general exercise and will take caution not to strain or injure themselves while participating in the retreat
During retreat:
- Coming hOMe to Stillness is a drug and alcohol free retreat
- Photos taken may be used as promotional material
Logistics
- Check in starts from 2.00pm on the 24th Sept. The first Session of the retreat is at 4.00pm.
- Check out is 10.00am on the 30th Sept.
- Cairns is the closest airport to Mission Beach
- Car pooling from Cairns might be possible closer to the time of the retreat
- Parking at Sanctuary retreat is 800m away from the actual retreat space. Call reception for pick up from the car park
- Follow this link to their website for more travel information: https://sanctuaryretreat.com.au/getting-here/
- Linen and towels will be provided but you may prefer to bring your own
- Yoga/meditation mats and an assortment of props will be provided but you may prefer to bring your own
- Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat and torch lights will be useful
- There is a communal fridge for personal supplies if needed
- Find out more about what to expect on retreat here: https://sanctuaryretreat.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/yogaretreatinfo.pdf
Testimonials
"Dearest Han,
Thank you for all the kind words and for such an awesome week. The time spent learning from you and from all the wonderful peeps at the retreat has resonated deeply within me and been life changing. It was all awesome"
Thanks heaps
Michelle
"I went on retreat to get away from the world for seven days. I've returned to that same world equipped with a toolkit of serenity and loving kindness, a regular practice of morning yoga and meditation, and a much kinder self-talk. Han's approach is carefully crafted for each individual, systematic and patient, streaked with contagious laughter and a humour that'll leave you in stitches. Great value for money. Feeling hOMe again. "
Shadi
Thank you for all the kind words and for such an awesome week. The time spent learning from you and from all the wonderful peeps at the retreat has resonated deeply within me and been life changing. It was all awesome"
Thanks heaps
Michelle
"I went on retreat to get away from the world for seven days. I've returned to that same world equipped with a toolkit of serenity and loving kindness, a regular practice of morning yoga and meditation, and a much kinder self-talk. Han's approach is carefully crafted for each individual, systematic and patient, streaked with contagious laughter and a humour that'll leave you in stitches. Great value for money. Feeling hOMe again. "
Shadi