It is difficult to make decisions about important issues in your life when you are immersed in them. You need some distance from them, physically and psychologically to see them clearly for what they are. Only then, can you gain a fresh perspective on them. So, if you feel you need a gentle, uncluttered space to tune into what lies ahead for you in 2025, this largely unstructured weekend will prove useful. Experience sunrise qigong, yoga and meditation with Di, Marrion and Brendon while Nolwazi Bandezi, a qualified therapist, will be offering healing therapies by appointment. The BRC provides an ideal opportunity to be in a sympathetic space to experience what it is like to "just be"..
Dianne Franklin is an Advocate in private practice. She has been studying Buddhism and Qigong for twenty years. She is a student of Max Weier, the Qigong Master from Switzerland. Her teachers include Rob Nairn, Geshe Pende and Ken Holmes.
Marrion Clarke found yoga at a crossroads in her life. Needing to make urgent lifestyle changes to heal, she completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2014, followed by her 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training 8 years later under the guidance of Cheryl Lancellas of Devahiti Yoga. Yoga engenders an intense responsibility to live in alignment with nature, and its transformative power keeps us grounded, focused and accountable on and off the mat. Marrion is passionate about sharing the asanas and philosophy of yoga and embracing our shared humanity.
Nolwazi Bandezi, a therapist and owner of Neno, a 100% women-owned business located in Morningside, Durban, will be offering treatments such as tension relief massage using a combination of different therapies (Swedish, Lomi Lomi, Myofascial, deep tissue therapy, lymphatic drainage massage) and incorporated is Thai stretch therapy, Reflexology and Ayurvedic Head massage.
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.