“When you are busy judging people, you have no time to love them.” Marshall Rosenberg
Learn the life-enhancing practices of mindful awareness and non-violent communication with Felicity Joan Hart.
When interacting with others, we often find ourselves triggered and then communicate in ways that hurt or harm - ourselves, the other, or the relationship between. Our conditioned ideas of what it means to communicate, especially during times of conflict, frequently results in a loss of connection. Judgement and defence, as well as the strategies of criticism, insults, blame, or put-downs are commonly used in our attempt to be heard or to meet our need to be “right,” “good” or “winning.” Despite our best efforts and intentions, we habitually become “violent” with our words and then feel the pain of disconnection.

What to expect.

This retreat explores the principles and practices of mindfulness and non-violent communication (NVC), to foster connection and minimize the suffering of outmoded ways of engaging. You will practise both intra-personal and inter-personal mindfulness to cultivate skills of empathy, compassion, and a better understanding of yourself and others. Together, these practices will help you communicate more consciously so that you learn to be aware of your feelings and needs, make requests to meet these needs and stay open to the feelings and needs of others.

You can expect daily mindful meditation practice to support the empowering and enriching teachings of NVC and some down time for rest and relaxation.

Do you find it hard to stay present when you relate with others? Do you tend to lose yourself in your relationships? This retreat will provide the opportunity for a depth of enquiry into the practice of Presence, or Mindfulness, in our relationships. We will explore the space that opens, when we are able to give ourselves quality attention in the relating and listening process. We will look at the unconscious patterns and obstacles that hold us back from being fully present in our relationships.

• We will slow down and allow space to clearly see, feel and sense what is happening in the present moment.
• We will connect with the direct experience of the feelings, sensations and thoughts in our bodies.
• We will practise staying connected with ourselves as we relate with others.
• Through meditation, movement, sharing, and small group enquiry there will be support to stay present as we encounter different layers of our experience.
• In between sessions the retreat will be held in silence.

This retreat can open the possibility of a deeper and more intimate way of relating with ourselves, others and the world.

Find meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does 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, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.