I’ve always been attracted to the experience of immersion. I like the feeling of being held yet open to something greater than myself. Maybe it was being bought up next to the Pacific Ocean. It influenced my love for being fully immersed in something vast. The ocean was a safe haven. I could let go of everyday stresses and relax into being held and refreshed. That love of full immersion ostensibly led to my future career. We organise retreats and events where people get away from their everyday routines. Retreats allow people to decompress, slow down and recover.
Places of Retreat
‘Alaya Verde’ – our 42-acre forest property in the Noosa hinterland is also, I suppose, something of an immersion. It has been designed as a natural getaway for people looking for time in nature. When we created the Body Harmony One Month Retreat in the year 2000 with the founder of Body Harmony that was also designed to be a real immersion into the principles and practices of Body Harmony. This article has allowed me to see how much of my activity is directed to creating space and time for others. It’s quality time away from their regular lives that allows change to occur from within.
I usually work on organising about five retreats a year here in Australia and overseas. I’m pleased that COVID lockdowns are a thing of the past. Now it is possible for us to gather once again in beautiful environments that provide all the elements to interact and unwind.
Meaningful Benefits
There are many benefits to a retreat type experience. Some of those benefits include:
o The sense of renewal (that can be life changing).
o A different relationship to time
o The development of new and more supportive behaviours
o Developing friendships with likeminded people
o Time for self-reflection (without environmental pressures).
o The time to deepen and embody mindfulness practices
Actually, as I write this I am at the start of a one-month getaway for myself. I am snuggled up on my dear friends 100-acre private property engulfed in pristine Australian forest. The emphasis is on relaxation, taking space to unwind the deep muscular tensions in my spine and rib cage. I’m taking time to reflect on what are the life changes I need to support myself better. This is an opportunity to live some of the medicine I like to offer to others.
At present, we have organised a summer retreat in Europe in collaboration with our business partner and friend Barbara Van Stek. Together we have organised a two-week Body Harmony Retreat in Provence, France. The intention here again is immersion. Those sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a beautiful French countryside blending with the liberating aspects of Body Harmony. Even though this event is fully enrolled future retreat options will become available. You can reply to this blog to register your interest and I will add your address to the list of first notifications.
The BHA International Event
Looking ahead the Body Harmony Association Inc. will be organising the first post COVID International Conference in May 2024 in Nerja, Spain.
I am hoping you will allow yourself to take advantage of the benefits of physical, emotional and psychological withdrawal from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Give yourself some time to soften and deepen your connection. Typically is allows you to direct your life from a deeper, stronger and more self-centred place.
If You Have Limited Time
If you can’t take a significant time away remember that even a small amount of sanctuary time
and experience can give you that perception shift to redirect your thinking. Perhaps a warm bath with some essential oils and relaxing breaths can do the job. Maybe a spot in your house that is a little haven where you can curl up in some warm sunlight and take a nap.
Retreat. Falling back from the front lines of your life can be fantastically beneficial in both small and significant ways. To add yourself to our retreats list click here and send a message to me.