Tai Chi, or to give it its full name, Tai Chi Chuan, has often been regarded as a dynamic form of Qigong, or ‘the cultivation of energy’ to help regulate one’s system and prevent disease, thereby leading to the development and maintenance of good health and well-being. Most people associate Tai Chi with flowing, graceful movements. Yet there is much more to the practice of this ancient Chinese art. The great Yang Tai Chi Master T.T. Liang (1900-2002), stated that there are four categories into which the principles of Tai Chi fall, namely health, self-defence, mental accomplishment and the road to immortality. In this retreat, Paul will demystify Tai Chi using the Yang style, which can be traced back to Ch’en Wang Ting (1597-1664). In this 2 or 5-day retreat, Paul’s intention is to inspire retreatants to further investigate Tai Chi and to find a teacher near their home.

This retreat is an invitation to integrate Ayurveda into your daily lives in simple ways that have a profound healing effect on your health and well-being.

There is a concept in Ayurveda called Dinacharya which comes from the root words 'Dina,' meaning 'day' and 'Charya,' which means 'guidelines' or 'to be founded in.' Thus meaning 'to be founded in the day' or as in Sanscrit defined as "the daily routine". According to Ayurveda one should follow Dinacharya in order to lead a healthy and disease free life. Ayurveda gives more emphasis on prevention of diseases than treating a disease. The wisdom of wellness in daily life in Ayurveda really provides a map for health and longevity. The small habits that we cultivate regularly actually have deep long-term benefits for yourselves and your families.

Our daily retreat rhythm will include gentle somatic and therapeutic yoga practices, pranayama, restorative yoga nidra, walking meditation, visualisations, guidelines, notes and talks around Ayurveda and living an Ayurvedic lifestyle. All within a contemplative framework of silence to allow us to deepen our connection with our Prakriti -  essential nature. No previous experience is required and this retreat is suitable for all levels and ages.

Find meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat.  One can do as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills and indigenous forests. Savour our delicious vegetarian food prepared with love by our wonderful cooks; or browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens and walk the labyrinth. Massage treatments, guided walks, qigong and meditation are offered by resident staff, Krishia and William mid week. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself.