Join us for a transformative retreat as we explore the intricacies of our unpredictable world and strive to nurture a life filled with authenticity and purpose. We will embark on a journey to discover our identities and the relationships that link us to one another and to our surroundings. Inspired by the insights of philosophers such as Krishnamurti, Buddha, and Aristotle, we will embark on a journey of self-awareness, acknowledging that understanding ourselves is essential for navigating the challenges we encounter. Drawing on the insights of Jungian psychologist James Hollis and the poetic wisdom of Rumi, we shall confront the challenges that impede our growth and discover how to embrace our authentic selves. Enhance your emotional intelligence and mindfulness as you apply valuable self-insights to your personal development journey in our fast-changing world and explore ways to enrich your life with purpose and vitality, even in the face of the challenges that we encounter.
{toggle}Shanil Haricharan possesses extensive expertise as an academic, activist, advisor, writer, and coach, bringing more than 35 years of experience in public policy, democratic governance, leadership, and institutional reform across Africa. He is presently employed at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town, where he engages in teaching and research focused on emotional intelligence, leadership, mindfulness, well-being, and organisational culture. He serves as a board member for three non-profit organisations dedicated to human rights and evidence-based policymaking. Shanil possesses a BSc in Medical/Life Sciences, an Advanced University Diploma in Adult Education, an MBA, and a PhD, concentrating on emotional intelligence, public leadership, and organisational culture. Additionally, he has completed the Gestalt International Organisation and Human Systems Development Programme.{/Toggle}
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.
William (Shogan) has been practising meditation for nearly 20 years, cultivating stillness and inquiry. He took precepts with Dae Chong, Osho at Poplar Grove and now leads morning and evening zazen at the BRC, weaving verses from the Dhammapada into meditation for reflection and insight. With a keen interest in how the Dharma might evolve in an AI-driven, multiplanetary future, William embraces both tradition and possibility. He also guides qigong in the mornings and offers tai chi in the afternoons, integrating movement into mindfulness. His practice is an invitation - to sit, to move, and to explore the ever-expanding nature of awareness.