Open The Heart And Still The Mind: Infusing Mindfulness With Metta And Compassionate Wisdom - A Silent Retreat
25-29 Mar or 25 Mar-1 Apr
This popular, Easter long-weekend Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion Retreat with clinical psychologist Sue Cooper, is held in Noble Silence and is offered either as a 4 night retreat or as an extended 7 night retreat. Inspired by wisdom teachings, mindfulness, metta & compassion practices of the Dharma and transformative insights from Buddhist and western psychology, we will establish a safe home within through calming the nervous system and integrating body, heart and mind. As we learn to listen and connect more compassionately with ourselves, we will discover that the containment of shared, nourishing silence allows us to find the courage to honour and embody our authentic, heartfelt presence with greater confidence, clarity and joy.
As we embrace the joys and the sorrows of life with a greater understanding of impermanence, we move beyond fear, shame and debilitating self-doubt. After establishing some stillness and calm in the mind and the heart, we will explore the Brahma viharas (the four divine abodes/ immeasurables) to cultivate greater kindness, courage and compassion for ourselves and others. These compassion practices bring more appreciative joy, equanimity and wisdom into our lives, strengthening our capacity for more open-hearted presence and healthier boundaries in our relationships. This silent retreat, suitable for beginners & experienced practitioners, includes inspiring teachings, guided & silent meditations, poetry, daily qigong and time to walk, rest and replenish. Short, individual sessions with Sue are offered to deepen our insight and sense of well-being. There will be relaxing massages and mindful movement available as optional extras (the cost of which to be confirmed), to support our embodied experience.
Please note: There is a teacher's fee for this retreat, which is offered on a sliding scale, with reductions and payment plans on request.
A 30-50 minute pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is required for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. This provides greater containment and enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The fee for this will be the 30-50 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if you are not on medical aid. Please contact Sue on to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA (or equivalent) registered professionals will be offered, with an annual admin fee tbc.


Join 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.
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.
Open The Heart And Still The Mind: Infusing Mindfulness With Metta And Compassionate Wisdom - A Silent Retreat
25-29 Mar or 25 Mar-1 Apr
This popular, Easter long-weekend Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion Retreat with clinical psychologist Sue Cooper, is held in Noble Silence and is offered either as a 4 night retreat or as an extended 7 night retreat. Inspired by wisdom teachings, mindfulness, metta & compassion practices of the Dharma and transformative insights from Buddhist and western psychology, we will establish a safe home within through calming the nervous system and integrating body, heart and mind. As we learn to listen and connect more compassionately with ourselves, we will discover that the containment of shared, nourishing silence allows us to find the courage to honour and embody our authentic, heartfelt presence with greater confidence, clarity and joy.
As we embrace the joys and the sorrows of life with a greater understanding of impermanence, we move beyond fear, shame and debilitating self-doubt. After establishing some stillness and calm in the mind and the heart, we will explore the Brahma viharas (the four divine abodes/ immeasurables) to cultivate greater kindness, courage and compassion for ourselves and others. These compassion practices bring more appreciative joy, equanimity and wisdom into our lives, strengthening our capacity for more open-hearted presence and healthier boundaries in our relationships. This silent retreat, suitable for beginners & experienced practitioners, includes inspiring teachings, guided & silent meditations, poetry, daily qigong and time to walk, rest and replenish. Short, individual sessions with Sue are offered to deepen our insight and sense of well-being. There will be relaxing massages and mindful movement available as optional extras (the cost of which to be confirmed), to support our embodied experience.
Please note: There is a teacher's fee for this retreat, which is offered on a sliding scale, with reductions and payment plans on request.
A 30-50 minute pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is required for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. This provides greater containment and enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The fee for this will be the 30-50 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if you are not on medical aid. Please contact Sue on to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA (or equivalent) registered professionals will be offered, with an annual admin fee tbc.


Join 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.
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.
Open The Heart And Still The Mind: Infusing Mindfulness With Metta And Compassionate Wisdom - A Silent Retreat
25-29 Mar or 25 Mar-1 Apr
This popular, Easter long-weekend Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion Retreat with clinical psychologist Sue Cooper, is held in Noble Silence and is offered either as a 4 night retreat or as an extended 7 night retreat. Inspired by wisdom teachings, mindfulness, metta & compassion practices of the Dharma and transformative insights from Buddhist and western psychology, we will establish a safe home within through calming the nervous system and integrating body, heart and mind. As we learn to listen and connect more compassionately with ourselves, we will discover that the containment of shared, nourishing silence allows us to find the courage to honour and embody our authentic, heartfelt presence with greater confidence, clarity and joy.
As we embrace the joys and the sorrows of life with a greater understanding of impermanence, we move beyond fear, shame and debilitating self-doubt. After establishing some stillness and calm in the mind and the heart, we will explore the Brahma viharas (the four divine abodes/ immeasurables) to cultivate greater kindness, courage and compassion for ourselves and others. These compassion practices bring more appreciative joy, equanimity and wisdom into our lives, strengthening our capacity for more open-hearted presence and healthier boundaries in our relationships. This silent retreat, suitable for beginners & experienced practitioners, includes inspiring teachings, guided & silent meditations, poetry, daily qigong and time to walk, rest and replenish. Short, individual sessions with Sue are offered to deepen our insight and sense of well-being. There will be relaxing massages and mindful movement available as optional extras (the cost of which to be confirmed), to support our embodied experience.
Please note: There is a teacher's fee for this retreat, which is offered on a sliding scale, with reductions and payment plans on request.
A 30-50 minute pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is required for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. This provides greater containment and enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The fee for this will be the 30-50 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if you are not on medical aid. Please contact Sue on to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA (or equivalent) registered professionals will be offered, with an annual admin fee tbc.


Join 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.
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.
Open The Heart And Still The Mind: Infusing Mindfulness With Metta And Compassionate Wisdom - A Silent Retreat
25-29 Mar or 25 Mar-1 Apr
This popular, Easter long-weekend Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion Retreat with clinical psychologist Sue Cooper, is held in Noble Silence and is offered either as a 4 night retreat or as an extended 7 night retreat. Inspired by wisdom teachings, mindfulness, metta & compassion practices of the Dharma and transformative insights from Buddhist and western psychology, we will establish a safe home within through calming the nervous system and integrating body, heart and mind. As we learn to listen and connect more compassionately with ourselves, we will discover that the containment of shared, nourishing silence allows us to find the courage to honour and embody our authentic, heartfelt presence with greater confidence, clarity and joy.
As we embrace the joys and the sorrows of life with a greater understanding of impermanence, we move beyond fear, shame and debilitating self-doubt. After establishing some stillness and calm in the mind and the heart, we will explore the Brahma viharas (the four divine abodes/ immeasurables) to cultivate greater kindness, courage and compassion for ourselves and others. These compassion practices bring more appreciative joy, equanimity and wisdom into our lives, strengthening our capacity for more open-hearted presence and healthier boundaries in our relationships. This silent retreat, suitable for beginners & experienced practitioners, includes inspiring teachings, guided & silent meditations, poetry, daily qigong and time to walk, rest and replenish. Short, individual sessions with Sue are offered to deepen our insight and sense of well-being. There will be relaxing massages and mindful movement available as optional extras (the cost of which to be confirmed), to support our embodied experience.
Please note: There is a teacher's fee for this retreat, which is offered on a sliding scale, with reductions and payment plans on request.
A 30-50 minute pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is required for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. This provides greater containment and enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The fee for this will be the 30-50 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if you are not on medical aid. Please contact Sue on to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA (or equivalent) registered professionals will be offered, with an annual admin fee tbc.


Join 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.
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.


The Invitation:
Before the roles and the expectations and the hustle. Before survival mode took over and attachments defined your boundaries... there was YOU.
Raw. Divine. Whole. Full of play, wonder, and wholeheartedly worth celebrating.
Underneath every layer of routine and obligation, that original, brilliant self never left. It’s simply been waiting for you to slow down, explore, and whisper: “Ohh, there you are!”
The Experience
Guided by three dedicated practitioners, this retreat is a space to strip away the noise and invite you back home to yourself. Through a blend of group and individual work, nature immersion, play and spiritual alignment, we step out of survival mode and back into joy.
What we will explore, play and reclaim:
Unmasking: Shedding societal expectations and hustle culture.
Play and joy: Re-igniting lightness, laughter, and spontaneous expression.
Exploration: Using nature and self-inquiry to rediscover your authentic essence.
Wholeness: Returning to deep self-love, self-approval, and inner peace.
What You Will Take Home:
A restored sense of play, lightness, and inner quiet.
Renewed self-love and radical self-approval.
Practical ways to protect your peace and live from your true self.
You don't need to become anyone new. You simply need to play, explore, and remember who you were before you forgot. Come as you are - weary, curious, or ready - and leave restored and deeply celebrated.
Pierre Buckley is a coach, facilitator and spiritual companion who is passionate about helping people navigate life's crossroads with greater clarity, purpose and compassion. Drawing on his experience in coaching, leadership and spiritual formation, he creates reflective spaces that nurture the integration of mind, body, heart and spirit. He invites participants into meaningful conversation and mindful awareness while offering practical tools that support lasting growth and well-being beyond the retreat.
Rudy Cupido facilitates the retreat's morning and evening meditation sessions and guides participants through gentle Tai Chi and mindful movement practices. With a deep appreciation for nature, presence and creative expression, he invites people to reconnect with themselves through the wisdom of the body, the natural world and, when the skies allow, evenings of quiet stargazing.


Join 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.
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.


The Invitation:
Before the roles and the expectations and the hustle. Before survival mode took over and attachments defined your boundaries... there was YOU.
Raw. Divine. Whole. Full of play, wonder, and wholeheartedly worth celebrating.
Underneath every layer of routine and obligation, that original, brilliant self never left. It’s simply been waiting for you to slow down, explore, and whisper: “Ohh, there you are!”
The Experience
Guided by three dedicated practitioners, this retreat is a space to strip away the noise and invite you back home to yourself. Through a blend of group and individual work, nature immersion, play and spiritual alignment, we step out of survival mode and back into joy.
What we will explore, play and reclaim:
Unmasking: Shedding societal expectations and hustle culture.
Play and joy: Re-igniting lightness, laughter, and spontaneous expression.
Exploration: Using nature and self-inquiry to rediscover your authentic essence.
Wholeness: Returning to deep self-love, self-approval, and inner peace.
What You Will Take Home:
A restored sense of play, lightness, and inner quiet.
Renewed self-love and radical self-approval.
Practical ways to protect your peace and live from your true self.
You don't need to become anyone new. You simply need to play, explore, and remember who you were before you forgot. Come as you are - weary, curious, or ready - and leave restored and deeply celebrated.
Pierre Buckley is a coach, facilitator and spiritual companion who is passionate about helping people navigate life's crossroads with greater clarity, purpose and compassion. Drawing on his experience in coaching, leadership and spiritual formation, he creates reflective spaces that nurture the integration of mind, body, heart and spirit. He invites participants into meaningful conversation and mindful awareness while offering practical tools that support lasting growth and well-being beyond the retreat.
Rudy Cupido facilitates the retreat's morning and evening meditation sessions and guides participants through gentle Tai Chi and mindful movement practices. With a deep appreciation for nature, presence and creative expression, he invites people to reconnect with themselves through the wisdom of the body, the natural world and, when the skies allow, evenings of quiet stargazing.


Join 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.
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.


The Invitation:
Before the roles and the expectations and the hustle. Before survival mode took over and attachments defined your boundaries... there was YOU.
Raw. Divine. Whole. Full of play, wonder, and wholeheartedly worth celebrating.
Underneath every layer of routine and obligation, that original, brilliant self never left. It’s simply been waiting for you to slow down, explore, and whisper: “Ohh, there you are!”
The Experience
Guided by three dedicated practitioners, this retreat is a space to strip away the noise and invite you back home to yourself. Through a blend of group and individual work, nature immersion, play and spiritual alignment, we step out of survival mode and back into joy.
What we will explore, play and reclaim:
Unmasking: Shedding societal expectations and hustle culture.
Play and joy: Re-igniting lightness, laughter, and spontaneous expression.
Exploration: Using nature and self-inquiry to rediscover your authentic essence.
Wholeness: Returning to deep self-love, self-approval, and inner peace.
What You Will Take Home:
A restored sense of play, lightness, and inner quiet.
Renewed self-love and radical self-approval.
Practical ways to protect your peace and live from your true self.
You don't need to become anyone new. You simply need to play, explore, and remember who you were before you forgot. Come as you are - weary, curious, or ready - and leave restored and deeply celebrated.
Pierre Buckley is a coach, facilitator and spiritual companion who is passionate about helping people navigate life's crossroads with greater clarity, purpose and compassion. Drawing on his experience in coaching, leadership and spiritual formation, he creates reflective spaces that nurture the integration of mind, body, heart and spirit. He invites participants into meaningful conversation and mindful awareness while offering practical tools that support lasting growth and well-being beyond the retreat.
Rudy Cupido facilitates the retreat's morning and evening meditation sessions and guides participants through gentle Tai Chi and mindful movement practices. With a deep appreciation for nature, presence and creative expression, he invites people to reconnect with themselves through the wisdom of the body, the natural world and, when the skies allow, evenings of quiet stargazing.


Join 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.
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.