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Sunday 13 September 2026
  • Always Already: An Exploration of Mindfulness Without Effort

    Teacher: Dr Simon Whitesman
    Cost: 4 days accommodation + R400 surcharge
    Dates:

    simon whitesmanFor many of us who have been on the path of self-discovery and awakening, the paradox of this process reveals itself sooner or later: on the one hand, the steady, developmental, aspirational path that leads towards liberation at some indefinable future and on the other, the growing realisation that this liberative possibility is always and already available, right where we are. The subtle shift that begins to happen is an increasing curiosity and enquiry into the quality and sense of Awareness itself, rather than what Awareness is aware of i.e. the objects of awareness or contents of consciousness. This transition is a subtle one. It invites momentary glimpses, a non-conceptual recognition, of the sense of Awareness that is always available – the prior condition - irrespective of our present experience. This retreat will be an exploration for those who sense their practice is transitioning at this inflection point. A regular contemplative practice is usually necessary as the ground from which to enquire and explore these glimpses. This foundation allows us to be aware of, and be able to work with the tendency to be identified with the thinking mind. We will explore meditation, softening into effortlessness, alongside enquiry as way to sense our way into this simple, subtle quality of the Awareness that is always already whole, in the spirit of curiosity, communal support and care. This will be less about getting somewhere, going ‘deeper’ or changing our state, but rather seeing what is already available right where we are, however we are. There will also be ample space and time for rest, being in nature, connecting or dropping into silence.

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    Dr Simon Whitesman MBChB PhD is a Cape Town based integrative medical doctor, psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of medicine, psychotherapy and contemplative practice. He has a medical degree from the University of Cape Town and PhD from Stellenbosch University, holds a diploma in psychodynamic psychotherapy and is an accredited teacher of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). He is the founder of the Institute for Mindfulness South Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting training and community access to context-relevant and trauma sensitive mindfulness practice. In 2012 he developed and co-taught a 2-year professional training in Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) in collaboration with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. More recently he created a shorter, accessible 3-month online course, designed to equip professionals with brief, trauma-sensitive practices relevant to their work settings. His contemplative journey began in 1992 and incorporates both universal Dharma (contemporary mindfulness) and Buddhadharma, Advaita Vedanta, with increasing orientation towards non-dual awareness teachings. His root teachers include Jon Kabat-Zinn, Kittisaro and Thanissara, Martin Ayelward, Adyashanti and Mingyur Rinpoche.

  • A Personal Retreat : Rest, Reflect, and Restore – 10% discount mid-week

    Teacher: Robyn Aitken, Keelan Naidoo, Dirk Lamprecht
    Cost: Number of days accommodation
    Dates: 08:00am - 05:00pm 

    robynkeelandirk lamprechtJoin us for a personal retreat mid-week and some optional gentle yoga and meditation.  Enjoy the tranquillity of the space and embrace the art of doing nothing – seriously. This time out offers a slower rhythm, allowing you to step back from the busyness of life and find peace within.

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    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.