Dr Jason Ross is a practising psychologist with a PhD in Philosophy and Psychoanalysis from the Global Centre of Advanced Studies. He takes a critical stance towards conventional psychology and its ideas of what it means to be supposedly normal. He proposes a move away from its impoverished language of diagnosing individual experience and a return to a more embodied, socially embedded, poetic and philosophical engagement with our struggles. He campaigns for a psychology that is more interested in providing a therapeutic experience than attempting to explain our problems away. He is particularly sceptical of Psychology’s more recent incorporation of “mindfulness” into its methodology, viewing this as a contradiction of the Buddhist philosophy from which “mindfulness” originally emerged. His work, therefore, attempts to do justice to the existential philosophical thread that runs through most Buddhist teachings, merging this with an existential psychoanalytic method. Jason was first introduced to Buddhism through the teachings of Rob Nairn and Louis Van Loon in the 90’s, and his hope is to pay tribute to the legacy of these teachings. He is currently most influenced by the work of Stephen Batchelor and David Loy.

Robyn Aitkin is a level-3 (300-hour) instructor with a Yoga Alliance International (YAI) certification in Transformational Hatha Yoga, which is a powerful system of yogic techniques (poses, breathing, meditation) that helps keep us naturally happy and healthy, physically and mentally strong and emotionally stable. She is also a Mindful Coach, Sound Bath Guide, WFPB (whole food plant-based) Nutrition Coach. Robyn is resolute in living a life in line with Ahimsa (non-violence) and with kindness towards all sentient beings.

Keelan Naidoo did his 200-hour Sivananda yoga teacher training certificate in Kerala, India. He offers a gentle yoga class that is accessible to all, including beginners. He also offers guided meditation sessions ideal for those who are new to meditation and mindfulness practice focusing on the present moment experience, on gratitude and acceptance. Keelan’s calm presence is best for those who are looking to relax, connect and ground themselves.

Dirk Lamprecht guides retreatants in meditation and mindfulness practice by utilising the Himalayan singing bowl with its sound vibrations to align energy centres and to restore mind and body harmony. Dirk’s personal philosophy embraces the core Buddhist practice of Metta (Loving-Kindness): May all beings be healthy, may all beings be happy, may all beings be free from suffering, may all beings be free from the causes of suffering.