Detailed List of Retreats

The Heart Sutra can be said to be the most essential point of the 84,000 sets of teachings that the Buddha gave. It is said that only an incredibly fortunate being can receive teachings on this Sutra. Taught during the second turning of the wheel at Rajgir, Vulture’s Peak, the conversation which became the Heart Sutra occurred between Avalokiteshvara and Shariputra whilst the Buddha was engaged in absorption meditation. The conversation addresses the emptiness of inherent existence of the five aggregates of a person and is thus a summary of all Buddha's wisdom teachings.Understanding and experiencing emptiness is necessary to alleviate gross and subtle misconceptions of mind. This leads us to the state beyond suffering, Nirvana.Chamtrul Rinpoche will explain the key points of the sutra, which are obscure to the ordinary mind, to help us deepen our insight into the true nature of existence. “Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Soha” (the essence meaning of the heart sutra condensed into mantra).

We are all born genius. That is to say we all begin with the full spectrum of intelligence - analytical, operational, emotional and creative. Yet, as our journey through life unfolds, we begin to adjust and conform to societal structures and norms, one of which is the manner in which we acquire the abundant knowledge, that is there for the taking. These standards and conformities ultimately produce a different thinking and behavioural mind from the one we started with, often to our detriment. Much of what we learn is beneficial. Equally, a great deal of our gained knowledge actually ends up getting in our way, limiting our thinking and reducing our experience of life; stunting our growth, defeating self-development and self-awareness. The Genius Programme helps identify those voices of judgement that have captured our thinking and created unproductive habits. It introduces new liberating tools that rebirth the intuitive and creative aspects of ourselves, and provides everyday practical exercises that connect us to the genius within.

This is an interactive retreat designed to help the “beginner” to understand and experience the basics of meditation practice. Meditation is a tool to transform the mind so that one’s life and experiences become more meaningful. This is achieved through simple, yet effective, Mindfulness techniques as well as analytical meditation practices. Different techniques will be experienced so that retreatants can take with them tools to assist the transformative process in daily-life. No prior knowledge of meditation is necessary. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of silence and contemplation.

Open to newcomers and seasoned meditators alike, this retreat gives participants a taste of the practice of Mindfulness: developing moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness. This powerful practice enables one to relate with equanimity to whatever is unfolding before us and makes it possible to work more creatively with the stresses and demands of daily living.  Based on the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, this retreat combines traditional eastern wisdom with modern science and psychology and aims to generate a greater sense of present-mindedness, less reactivity, and more relaxation, body awareness and self-compassion through mindful exercises, yoga, group discussion and reflection. This unique format enables one to integrate this practice into one’s daily life.

This 4-day retreat integrates meditation and the wisdom of Buddhist psychology and is held in a nurturing and containing atmosphere of contemplative (Noble) silence. We will focus on the cultivation of life-affirming qualities of heart and mind to support the development of courage and trust, necessary for growth and discovery. The Spring theme of new beginnings will help to inspire and encourage fearlessness in the face of change and uncertainty, so that we can embrace our lives with greater freedom, compassion and joy. In addition to offering short, individual sessions, Sue will offer daily sessions of chi kung movement meditation to enhance the integration of body, heart and mind. There will also be time for restorative rest and silent walks in the beautiful gardens of the BRC. See: www.suecooper.co.za

Enlightened healing methodologies tend to revert to ancient and traditional insights. These held that traumas - be they emotional and psychological or physical and organic - involve both the body and the mind. They avoid the drug regimes advocated in modern allopathic medicine which tend to divorce the mind from the body. Body Sensing is a Somatic (mind-body) healing therapy that uses the body’s innate wisdom to release tension and negative feelings and helps to rewire negative moods through centering and re-aligning our sense of being through movement and mindfulness. Mindfully integrating breath, mood and movement promotes a sense of harmony, balance and flow, which has proved to be particularly effective for people suffering from stress and anxiety and the resulting physical symptoms such as chronic back pain, migraine fibromyalgia and other autoimmune conditions. If moods and emotions influence body physiology, how do they influence the food choices we make and how can we learn to choose more wisely? Embodying mindfulness by eating with more awareness is a powerful way of developing both physical and emotional well-being.

If you often feel that you are exhausted, overwhelmed, need to calm down, want to start eating healthily but… This retreat will explore a new way of living through simple, yet profound practices of mindfulness. It will help you to relieve stress and pain, restore energy and vitality, reshape your body and mind, teach you to make wiser choices and live life with more purpose. We will explore body-centred mindfulness to shift habits through mood and food. You will learn an integrated approach to wellness, which will not only enliven your body and mind during your stay, but you will be left with tools to live life better.For more information and course fee, contact Nicholas:contact Nicholas: retreat@ifeelcalm.com / 0824379776.

Looking at your image in a clear stream,
you answer the question by your very presence

In this workshop we explore the connection between writing and meditation. We write and meditate on the many changes and transformations we experience as we journey along the river of our lives.  We consider how creativity steadies the boat and how writing helps us dip the oars into dark water so we may navigate the river safely.

Some record only what has happened to them; but others record how they happened to the universe. Henry David Thoreau

The word ‘journal’ comes from Old French ‘day’. So it is our daily encounter with ourselves through the mirror, lens and window of words and silence. ‘Journal’ echoes the word journey, as we travel through inner and outer landscapes. In this retreat we write with the ear, eye and heart.

Learn why Nia is a lifestyle practice that has a vitalising impact on your nervous system and strengthens your ability to sustain body-centred awareness. Feel how every cell in your body can vibrate in joy and how you are connected to everything that surrounds you. It is more than a cardio dance fitness class.

Drumming and music-making are ancient ways of transcending one’s routine lifestyle, opening ourselves to spiritual realms of healing and creativity, which is experienced as liberating and rejuvenating. The whole universe is a continuous flux of pulsating rhythms. Drumming connects us to these rhythms, facilitating a change in consciousness that leads to a sense of unity and well-being, which promotes deep relaxation and healing. In this retreat we will be learning basic drumming techniques and exploring rhythmic creativity which will be combined with meditation practice and contemplation.

As a practice, mindful eating can bring us awareness of our habits and thoughts around food and our bodies. This workshop is based on a combination of Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness and Intuitive Eating Principles. The focus is on creating a healthy relationship with food, using a non-judgemental and compassionate approach to re-learning internal physical and emotional cues to guide us when, what and how much we eat. The workshop covers how to deal with cravings and urges through the development of mindfulness skills. It also draws on techniques from cognitive behaviour therapy that enables us to become aware of, and manage, our sometimes destructive patterns and habits around food, eating and our bodies. We will also look at emotional triggers that can lead to overeating and binge eating, and how these may be effectively understood and dealt with.

To awaken is to be intimate with all life   Dogen

In this experiential retreat we explore what it means - as women - to pay radical attention to all our relationships: with ourselves, others, the world.  We will enquire into the question: what does it take to engage life fully and open-heartedly; to cultivate what C. G. Jung called a “kinship with all life”?  We will spend time in silence, walking in nature, meditating, story-telling and reading poetry, alone and in conversation, dancing and creating, through which we will cultivate an attitude of befriending our experiences - whatever these happen to be.  Inspiration and guidance are drawn from Buddhist wisdom and meditation practices, psychology (particularly Jungian) and images of the archetypal feminine, to cultivate loving-kindness to ourselves and others, and to be truly present, and awake in our lives.

Chi kung is an art that combines aerobic conditioning, meditation and relaxation without the extremes of physical exertion, making it the ideal practice for people of every age and of all levels of fitness. Learn the gentle rhythmic dance of the shamans, increase your healing life force by dissolving blockages in your body and restoring the natural flow of Chi. A programme of twenty easy-to-learn chi kung movements, practised on a regular basis, will prove to be   invigorating and life-changing.

‘Each day is a journey; the journey itself is home’ wrote Basho, the famous seventeenth century Japanese poet and travel writer. Yet how often do we find ourselves dwelling on the past or, alternatively, travelling through life with our attention firmly projected into the future, ignoring or avoiding the present moment? Supported by a programme of sitting and walking meditation, come on a journey knowing exactly where you are, moment to moment, and thus discover your true home. There will also be time to enjoy the beautiful grounds and surroundings of the Centre. Please note that apart from an introductory talk and a discussion period, the retreat will be held in Noble Silence.

My beloved is the mountains, the solitary wooded valleys…the tranquil night, at the approaches of dawn, the silent music, the murmuring solitude… St. John of the Cross

This will be a simple no-frills, “bare-bones” Zen-style retreat consisting of sitting and walking meditation, including a morning and evening dharma reading, as well as time to experience the beautiful grounds and surroundings of the centre and a chance to listen to silent music. The retreat presents an ideal opportunity to extend and deepen your meditation practice. Please note that the retreat will be held in Noble Silence, apart from an opening talk and a discussion/feedback session at the end.

Chi kung is an ancient Chinese practice that boosts one’s health and longevity. Through gentle, slow and flowing movements, it integrates and harmonises one’s bodily functions and states of mind by eliminating static and toxic energy patterns. Chi kung strengthens the internal organs and skeletal structure and encourages good posture. In this retreat, Paul will teach the Healing Sounds Short Form - a set of gentle exercises that also uses sounds to cleanse and heal our major organs, and which is fun to practise. He will also teach the ancient Taoist Brain Cleansing healing meditation.

In this retreat, we will combine Yoga asanas and Zen meditation. This combined practice wakes us up from the dream of who we imagine we are, and what we think we need. This awakens our innate human qualities of empathy and compassion, releases the energy to act, develops clarity and brings a sense of purpose and commitment to our lives. We then become the person the world needs right now.
The ultimate source of happiness is simply a healthy body and a warm heart - The Dalai Lama

I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection  Leonardo da Vinci

Feeling overwhelmed by stress, change and disappointments at home or at work? This is a very practical retreat. Each participant has the option to compile a short questionnaire designed by psychologists, Drs Allen Zimbler and Caryn Solomon, and to receive a confidential assessment of what they personally need to do to cope better with change and adversity. We will explore what you need to develop in order to rise to the challenges that change presents and, to be comfortable with and stay in control during the process of change - based on findings from neuroscience, psychology and Buddhism. This will enable you to find your purpose, positivity and adaptability through the joy of self-discovery and connect with others who have also battled with change and adversity, resulting in an experience of relief and contentment by finding that, although we may be bombarded with change from all quarters, there are simple antidotes to prevent us from succumbing. You will have fun in the process and will leave inspired, possessing a new inner strength and practical, proven ways of ‘bouncing forward’. Each participant will take away a booklet of new insights, encouragement and exercises - so that you can continue to work with whatever arrived for you during the retreat.

Ukuphosa itshe esivivaneni –
Make a personal contribution to a great and worthy task

The earth is in a sorry state ecologically, socially, economically, politically and spiritually. It is fraught with tensions, discontent, dis-ease, divisiveness and unethical behaviour. Scientists maintain that ‘humans are eating away their own life-support systems at a rate unseen in the last 10,000 years’. This mid-week retreat is for those who wish to develop ethical, compassionate, forward-looking, collaborative and effective leadership, and for those who feel unconfident about being able to make a real difference, but who really want to contribute to a better world. If “a flea can bite the bottom of the Pope in Rome” (Les Miserables:  Little People) then we each can make an impact. You will experience and learn a model that is simple, practical and profound, and is comprised of deeper mindfulness, future orientation, more effective decision-making and organic behaviour change.  Experiential and interactive, the learning will be through enjoyable exercises.  We will develop a perspective whereby the serious remains serious, but is approached in a relaxed manner, and that 'activism' isn't necessarily confrontational. The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better. Oppositional energy only creates more of the same - Richard Rohr

We might think we listen to ourselves and others, but subliminal chatter impacts our lives profoundly. Ungrounded fears and ‘stories’ we tell ourselves can trap us in unsatisfying ‘comfort’ zones. Meditation and journalling are two ways to reach the source of inner freedom and choice. Memoir is a great medium for exploring our story. Then there are in-the-body mindfulness practices we can use to become unstuck and create shifts. In this silent retreat, expect to explore and play with insights, practices and journalling around sensuality, eating and living - the purpose being to give participants some new ways and tools to live more fully and with pleasure in the world. Bring a pen, a notebook, curiosity and a sense of humour.

This retreat introduces the meditation guidelines of Insight Dialogue and offers an opportunity to explore the possibilities of a fully engaged co-meditation practice. We will explore the origins of suffering as well as the great potential of cultivating together the factors of awakening, including mindfulness, concentration, equanimity, loving-kindness and compassion. We will investigate Speaking and Listening as meditative practices, held and nourished by the deep foundation of silent practice. There will be periods of silent practice, alternating with meditating together in dyads, triads and small groups. The Buddha described spiritual friendship as the ‘whole of holy life’. In this retreat we will contemplate the qualities and power of our fundamental human relationality and investigate our capacity for cultivating spiritual friendship in the service of awakening, together, on the Noble Eightfold Path. Insight Dialogue is an interpersonal meditation practice. It brings the mindfulness and tranquillity of silent meditation directly into our experience with other people. As humans we are relational beings. As we begin to wake up, clarity and freedom can illuminate our relationship with others and we can touch the release of suffering together. Insight Dialogue rests on the foundation of silent practice and includes speaking and listening as part of meditation practice.

Shibuie is the ancient Japanese concept of Accidental Beauty in which the artist is just one ingredient in a number of dynamic interacting natural processes, the outcome of which is delightfully unpredictable, but strangely beautiful - beauty that is not ego-driven or deliberate. Louis will teach participants the classical Japanese brush painting techniques (Sumie) as these are applied to traditional subjects, such as landscape, bamboo and flower studies, while Ingrid will introduce contemporary subjects. We will use the genuine materials: solid pine-soot ink, a hollowed-out slate to liquefy it, a deer-hair bamboo-stemmed brush and absorbent mulberry paper. Tools will be provided, but sets can be purchased (R800) from the BRC. Each retreatant will receive a bisque tea bowl to sumie-decorate and glaze. Natasha will then fire up the kiln after which we will watch the magic as the pots emerge from their ordeal of having been subjected to 1000ºC heat, smothered in sawdust and immersed in cold water. We will admire the pots as they emerge triumphantly from the scorching heat, and are used in a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony on the final evening.

This workshop introduces participants to the ancient tradition of tai chi and chi kung practices, which generate a profound sense of composure and balance through slow, gentle body movements. These are designed to release our Life Force - Chi - which is visualised as a current of energy that can be made to circulate, without obstruction, through our bodies and minds, bringing with it a deep sense of well-being, vigour and health. These movements have been fine-tuned over many centuries. They are performed in a relaxed, meditative manner and are elegant and exact, simple and flowing. They can be learnt by anybody, with any level of fitness.

Life consists of things coming and going, births and deaths, decay and renewal, stops and starts. We try to juggle these as well as we can, liking some of it, avoiding the ones we don’t.  But there is a deeper wisdom behind all this - one that asks us not to be so choosy and opinionated about what should and should not be happening to us. This requires us to live on the edge of the only thing that is truly real: the ever-fleeting, ungraspable moment. In these two retreats we will discover how we forget to live in the here and now when we focus too much on what is past and fret about what may or may not happen in the future. This is a good time of the year to take stock and contemplate our moment to moment, here-now reality in all its fullness; bid farewell to 2017 and welcome the New Year with a renewed willingness to take life on the chin and make whatever comes along workable. We will celebrate Christmas with a Buddhist slant and conduct a Japanese tea ceremony. Apart from the discussion periods and ceremonies, there will be periods of meditative Noble Silence.

Life consists of things coming and going, births and deaths, decay and renewal, stops and starts.  We try to juggle these as well as we can, liking some of it, avoiding the ones we don’t. But there is a deeper wisdom behind all this - one that asks us not to be so choosy and opinionated about what should and should not be happening to us.  This requires us to live on the edge of the only thing that is truly real: the ever-fleeting, ungraspable moment. In these two retreats we will discover how we forget to live in the here and now when we focus too much on what is past and fret about what may or may not happen in the future. This is a good time of the year to take stock and contemplate our moment to moment, here-now reality in all its fullness; bid farewell to 2017 and welcome the New Year with a renewed willingness to take life on the chin and make whatever comes along workable.  We will welcome the New Year with a lantern-lit perambulation around the Buddha, chanting and  ringing out the old year with an ancient Chinese temple gong, and welcoming the new year with a Tibetan bell. Apart from the discussion periods and ceremonies, there will be periods of meditative Noble Silence.

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 like you need a gentle, uncluttered space to tune into what lies ahead in 2018, this largely unstructured weekend will prove useful. Experience sunrise chi kung or yoga, followed by meditation, after which the centre is yours to enjoy, walking or birdwatching in three hundred acres of rolling hills and indigenous forests. Circumambulate the labyrinth, meditate in the Zen garden or Buddha Boma, and spend solitary time in the deer park and at the dam, stalking the light, listenening to the windchimes and gazing at clouds. The BRC provides an ideal opportunity to be in a sympathetic space to reflect on the things that crowd one’s life: to just be…

There’s even science to back this up - an explosion of new research, complete with colourful MRI scans, demonstrating that meditation can essentially rewire your brain  Dan Harris -  10% Happier

Yes, mindfulness will rewire your brain. It is the perfect gift. Why? Because it is available, everywhere without limits, and is completely free. The question is how to realise this gift. The answer was provided by the Buddha, the supreme teacher of meditation, more than 2600 years ago. He taught the method of Vipassana meditation as a way to cultivate mindfulness. This retreat is an invitation for beginner and experienced meditators to practise Vipassana, or Insight, using the traditional Buddhist method of Mahasi Sayadaw and Achan Tong. For beginners it is a good technique to deepen an ancient Buddhist meditation technique and for experienced meditators, a way to deepen their Insight. Mindfulness is developed by regular walking and sitting practice, and by maintaining awareness during normal activities, such as eating, showering, dressing etc, and by daily interviews with a teacher. Sustain awareness at every moment in every posture, whether standing, walking, sitting or lying down. This is the way to establish mindfulness in the heart- Ajahn Chah

Lucy has been running New Year Intentions retreats for many years, in which participants take the opportunity to reflect on the year gone by, and set intentions for the future. Intention-setting does not need to be difficult. We can simply connect with what brings us joy, makes us feel energetic and alive, and commit to focusing on these activities over the year. The retreat is inspired by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu’s book The Book of Joy. We will explore what it means to lead a life of joy, where anything is possible, and contemplate the Buddhist ‘Four Thoughts’ of precious human birth, impermanence, karma and samsara, and find out how to create a meaningful life within whatever shifting circumstances we find ourselves. We will integrate our body, heart and mind in a gentle, unfolding process of yoga and mindfulness, providing the opportunity to reflect on what inspires and energises us. By trusting our ability to tap into our own talents, we can lead our lives in a  way that also brings benefit to others. Yoga and mindfulness  practices will tune us into both our supportive and sabotaging patterns, while compassion practices will provide us with skilful ways to accept ourselves just as we are, in order to create the conditions for transformation to take place. Please bring a yoga mat, a journal and pen or pencil, as well as stretchy, comfortable clothes for both yin and yang yoga practices.

Ayurveda - the knowledge of life - is  a  5000 year old healing/health system that offers integrated, balanced living and preventative medicine. This ancient wisdom  helps us to maintain health from deep within our systems, of which yoga and meditation are a part. In this retreat we will look at the fundamental guiding principles of Ayurveda. The daily rhythm includes a talk, followed by a  class combining chi kung and simple, gentle, dynamic yoga for all levels of fitness, walking meditation, guided visualization, yoga nidra and breathing practices (pranayama). No previous experience is needed.

Join Crystelle and Chris for an enjoyable weekend of identifying some of the BRC’s 160 species of birds (including the summer residents, the rare Blue Swallow, Knysna Turaco and Emerald Cuckoo) and getting to know the indigenous trees and many of the wild flowers that grow there. You will also have a chance to be part of the indigenous forest by planting your own tree. The weekend includes learning how to identify the most common trees in KwaZulu Natal, how to dig and plant a tree, how to maintain it, and what butterflies and birds are attracted to these trees for nectar or fruit. Walk the verdant hills and meadows among the wild flowers, close to where the Blue Swallows nest, and enjoy the rare orchids, tree ferns and yellowwoods.  Included will be talks, chi kung, meditation and some quiet time communing with nature. Bring your binoculars and a sunhat.

Medicinal plants have been used in African Sangoma culture for hundreds of years - to cleanse and help people to connect to their true nature. This is reflected in conscious dreaming and in a more aware wakeful state. The Sangoma healing culture is one of the most ancient and misunderstood healing systems in the world. Yet up until the 1980’s, more than 80% of South Africans consulted traditional healers and Sangomas. Participants in this retreat will learn about medicinal plants and their uses and the role of ancestors and dreams.  Sangomas are spiritual doctors. They work with plants in a different way to herbalists. A Sangoma connects to the spirit of a plant and calls this spirit forth to help heal people. Often these are plants which the sangoma has dreams about. John will work with 3 plants that he has dreams  about, and discuss this ancient culture with participants and demonstrate how they can develop an intimate relationship with the plant world.  He will also discuss how plants are harvested, prepared and sold in South Africa today, forming an intricate triangle of relationships from the rural areas to urban towns and cities. The story of plants is the story of traditional South African culture. He will demonstrate the Sangoma version of meditative absorption through drumming, chanting and dancing. Every morning there will be a “dream circle” in which dreams will be interpreted.  Please bring a plastic basin which will be used  for  medicinal foot healing, and a dream journal, pen and paper to take notes.

Everybody experiences tranquillity from time to time, because this open quality of mind is natural to all. Yet, often our bodies and minds tighten and freeze to life’s challenges and stresses, even though creative solutions and expansive ideas are most likely to arise from a relaxed state. “Healing relaxation” -  designed by the late Akong Tulku Rinpoche, a deeply wise Tibetan Buddhist healer and a team of western healing professionals -  is a simple, highly practical, yet profound programme which helps people repair the strains and tensions resulting from the conditions of modern life, and prevents them from developing in the first place. Relaxation and awareness practices can enhance our ability to access calm, expansive states of mind intentionally throughout our day. In this workshop, we will explore the benefits of developing such calmer states of mind, and learn specific relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques.

The five elements provide a very dynamic system of understanding life. They make up the world around us and are in all living organisms, only the proportions differ.When the elements are in balance there is balance and harmony, when they are out of balance there is disharmony and dis-ease.The balance is constantly changing within and around us. To help us learn how to work with this ever-changing balance of the elements in a positive way, we have to first get to know them. In this retreat we will use the Tibetan schemata of the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and space. We will explore and get to know them in a practical way. We will examine and become familiar with the characteristics and qualities of each, and observe their interaction. At the same time we learn to observe our mind/body states in relation to the elements. The retreat will include guided relations, gentle stretching and creative work around each element, including painting and working with clay. Please wear loose comfortable clothing.

Enjoy the restful and rejuvenating effects of restorative yoga sessions over this retreat. Restorative yoga offers us a nurturing space where we can heal and balance our physical, mental and emotional selves more effectively. With the use of props, we are able to hold postures longer, giving us the benefits of deep relaxation. Through asana (posture), and pranayama (breathing), we learn to become more mindful in daily living. Restorative yoga offers overall support and healing to the nervous, lymphatic, hormonal, endocrine, cardio thoracic, digestive and immune systems in the body, which brings you back into harmony with your body’s natural rhythms. You will also  learn the art of preparing a dosha balancing meal, that will take you from the hot days of summer into the transition of autumn. Be your own healer by learning how to incorporate the therapeutic properties of food, herbs and spices into your daily routine. Explore simple, yet effective Ayurvedic remedies for common complaints, using ingredients from your kitchen.

Chi kung is an art that combines aerobic conditioning, meditation and relaxation without the extremes of physical exertion, making it the ideal practice for people of every age and of all levels of fitness. Learn the gentle rhythmic dance of the shamans, increase your healing life force by dissolving blockages in your body and restoring the natural flow of Chi. A programme of twenty easy-to-learn chi kung movements, practised on a regular basis, will prove to be invigorating and life-changing.

In a series of talks and Mindfulness meditation sessions, we will explore the chemistry which mediates the effects of mind states on the body: psychoneuroimmunology or PNI. The talks and demonstrations will show that we can attain optimal wellness and performance by getting to know our temperament and personality traits; by being more present-minded; and through sensible, informed ways of living and behaving.

Yin Yoga is the balance to our Yang lifestyle. In today’s busy world we are inundated with the pressure to do more, take on yet more and push ourselves even more. This retreat provides a balance to our often frenetic, stressful lives and will restore harmony, health and calmness. In relaxing our muscles and surrendering into our yoga postures, we are able to work deeply into the joints, ligaments, fascia and bones of the body - releasing tension and detoxifying normally inaccessible parts of our bodies. This retreat is centred around releasing, relaxing and restoring our bodies, our minds and our energy and is suitable for everyone. Please bring your own yoga mats. 

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and energy practice and has long been regarded as important for health, well-being and longevity. Western medicine has come to recognize the beneficial effect of regular tai chi practice. It leads to increased vigour and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and to a strengthening of muscles and joints. Tai chi is a profoundly relaxing activity physically, psychologically and emotionally because of its ability to bring the mind to rest through slow, graceful movements of the body. Tai chi with ease offers a balm to the stresses that arise from work, family life, relationships and living in a complex society. This workshop will teach you simple, meditative tai chi sequences that you can practise at home or in the office, to bring some balance into your life. A manual and DVD for self-study will be provided.

Explore this ancient Chinese practice that boosts one’s health and vitality.  Participants will learn the key techniques of how to master chi kung and incorporate it into their daily lives, effortlessly. These techniques are easy to learn, are useful and powerful. The healing power of chi kung works on both the physical and spiritual level - if it is done correctly. These techniques include breathing, timing, warm ups, postures, movement and mind projection. Dr. Hu will also introduce some Chinese medicine for detoxing, lowering cholesterol, decreasing body fat and relieving water retention. This retreat is designed to suit beginners, as well as those who have practised chi kung previously.

We tend to associate a fulfilling and engaged life with a busy mind.  If we are not actively fretting or thinking about something or other, we will seek diversion through entertainment to occupy our minds.  Even at night we will helplessly enter yet another world of fantasy, memory and mental projection: we dream. Buddhist meditation puts us in touch with a deeper sense of awareness from where this frantic mental activity can be seen for what it is: a bubble bath of sensations and emotions. Except for some instructions and fire-side chats in the evening, we will cultivate a state of sustained calmness and clarity in an atmosphere of Noble Silence. This retreat is a foretaste of what traditional, longer, silent retreats are like and  includes mindful walking, periods of rest and reflection, and a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony.

This 4-day Easter retreat  is held in a contained and nurturing atmosphere of contemplative (Noble) silence and integrates meditation with the wisdom of Buddhist psychology. Through meditation practices and teachings which cultivate calm and compassionate awareness, we will  explore different ways to heal and integrate the fragmented body, heart and mind. As we learn to free ourselves from our habitual self-destructive tendencies, which are driven by fear, shame and perfectionism, we will discover the possibility of a more compassionate and joyful relationship to ourselves and with life, which is both healing and transformative. In addition to offering short, individual sessions, Sue will offer sessions of chi kung movement meditation, to enhance the integration of body, heart and mind. There will be time for restorative rest, as well as for silent walks in the beautiful gardens of the BRC. Beginners as well as experienced practitioners are very welcome. See: www.suecooper.co.za  

This is an interactive retreat designed to help the “beginner” to understand and experience the basics of meditation practice. Meditation is a tool to transform the mind so that one’s life and experiences become more meaningful. This is achieved through simple, yet effective, Mindfulness techniques as well as analytical meditation practices. Different techniques will be experienced so that retreatants can take with them tools to assist the transformative process in daily-life. No prior knowledge of meditation is necessary. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of silence and contemplation.

This is a ‘top up’ workshop to rejuvenate photographic creativity in the beautiful surroundings of the BRC. The workshop has been designed to accommodate photographic production 50% of the time and the other 50% for personal ‘down time’ -  for relaxation and reflection. The programme will include photographic projects, inspiring photography films, presentations on contemporary photographic practice and group discussion. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of their camera. Technical support will be available, but visual literacy will be emphasized over technique. Expect fun, laughter and a genuine enquiry into your own personal artistic process. Chi kung and meditation will be offered. Bring your laptops, card readers, yoga wear, umbrellas, swimming costume and a sense of humour.  For the course fee and additional details see: www.photogarage.co.za or e-mail: angelabuckland@yebo.co.za.

Dissolve your old paradigm…and heal now. Shift now and live your potential.

This transformational workshop addresses three of life’s most fundamental questions: Who am I? What do I really want? and What is my life’s purpose? The uncovering of these answers is a liberating and powerful experience which changes not only the way we see ourselves, but also the way we see others and the world as a whole. The Shift Experience is based on John’s own deep wisdom and insights, taking retreatants through a shift from head to heart. He also draws on enlightened teachings such as Eckhart Tolle’s and A Course in Miracles. The retreat includes wisdom teachings with practical exercises, guided meditations, simple yogic breathing and stretching exercises, quiet stillness interludes and question and answer sessions.

Going deeper into the process of awakening offers participants deeper Awakening Shift teachings and counselling time. This retreat will therefore include further intimate discussions and teachings, plus counselling sessions with John, dealing with individual life challenges and providing tools and insights to break through blockages in practical ways, allowing the joy of life to flow once more, often seemingly, in miraculous ways. The retreat includes guided meditation and chi kung.

This powerful workshop looks at healing on four levels, and incorporates a special focus on dealing with cancer: Body (mechanistic, diet and supplements); Mind (mind-body connection); Soul (energy);and Spirit (transpersonal healing). It includes the seven vital steps to healing disease in the body naturally, and will sho how to bring balance to the mind and emotions to allow life to flow freely again. While so much focus is placed on changing the physical cells in the quest to heal, it should be understood that we are, first and foremost, spiritual beings on a soul journey. As Einstein observed, “The Field is the sole determinant of the particle”, meaning that all physical reality is predicated on a field of non-visible, non-physical energy, which physicist Max Planck called ‘the Matrix’. This Field of Energy should be the starting place of all healing, and not left until the end after all else has failed. There is a huge gift of soul growth and cleansing in the journey towards healing, and this understanding needs to be incorporated into any healing regimen. In finding yourself or a loved one with serious illness, there is a window of opportunity for immense transformation. John will provide insights and guidance on optimising healing at the physical cellular level and in addition will include profound insights into the energetic aspect of the journey towards wellness and healing.

Yoga asanas (postures) massage the internal organs, nerves and glands, improving their performance. They enhance energy levels and stamina, flexibility and agility of the body and mind, enabling you to lead a more active and creative life. Sleep and digestion are improved.  Yoga’s focus on the body and correct breathing improves energy levels and the immune system.  As you let go of resistance and allow the muscles and tendons to release into the postures, you also learn to let go of resistance in other areas of life, accepting what is and what cannot be changed, helping you to make better choices. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat.

Drumming and music-making are ancient ways of transcending our routine lifestyle, opening ourselves to spiritual realms of healing and creativity, which is experienced as liberating and rejuvenating. The whole universe is a continuous flux of pulsating rhythms. Drumming connects us to these rhythms, facilitating a change in consciousness that leads to a sense of unity and well-being, which promotes deep relaxation and healing. In this retreat we will be learning basic drumming techniques and exploring rhythmic creativity which will be combined with meditation practice and contemplation.

Here I am once again, disguised as myself – from About Death and Other Things   Alexander Ristovic

Life writing is not only about developing technical skills. It is also a way to reflect and grow awareness. The tools we need to write about what we know best are tools we need to live more creatively, less anxiously. Whether you are writing fiction or poetry, life writing skills can help to deepen observation. We each have life motifs or themes that are more or less unconscious. Yet an evolving pattern binds our journey from birth to death into a whole coherent piece. Getting to know more about the story we are living helps us to ride our stories, rather than our stories riding us. We will reclaim memory and imagination as means to release ourselves into awe and creativity, connectedness and purpose, awareness and pleasure. Through identifying and engaging with the images that shape our time on earth, we will find refreshing approaches to put our personal stories down on the page. Bring a notebook and pen, two objects from the period you want to write about - one that represents something you loved about it, and one that represents something you disliked about that time. Beginners are welcome.

Imagine yourself in a colourless world - no warm reds, oranges or yellows, nor cool blues, greens or turquoises or any of the infinite colour combinations. Colour healing comes from, and is an important part of, the entire realm of energy. Colour is an intimate part of our being. The introduction of colour into our surroundings and clothing is an energetic statement. Light and colour are more revealing than form. Colour is life! During this workshop we will discover the powerful story that colour can reveal. We will play with an array of coloured glass pebbles, dyes, water, clear glass, and light which is a fascinating introduction into the realm of holistic healing and creative expression. This experience will open up a more profound sense of self-awareness and intuition and help us to understand what can block the creative process and how to overcome it. Profoundly simple, but simply profound.

SoulCollage® is a fun, easy, and creative way to express your inner world. Using intuition, imagination, and your willingness to explore, you will learn to create a deeply personal deck of wisdom cards. These collaged cards represent the varied and uniquely personalised aspects of who you are. They will lead you on a journey of self-discovery. By re-connecting to your innate creativity and accessing and enhancing your intuition, you open up the channel to your soul’s wisdom and access the potential which resides within you. SoulCollage® taps into the transformative power of images, intuition and synchronicity where you gravitate to images that have meaning for you - even though you may not know why. SoulCollage® works directly with the language of symbols, images and archetypes. The weekend workshop is about resting your left brain and using your right brain to connect with your soul as you play with images, shapes and colours.  No previous experience is required.

Wesak is celebrated by Buddhists worldwide during the full moon of May. It recalls the Enlightenment of the Buddha, as well as his birth and death. We will explore the trajectory of the way the Buddha’s philosophy adapted itself so readily to many different cultures, as it travelled across the globe. We will do this in readings and traditional teachings, fireside chats, sitting and walking meditation. As will be done in all Buddhist countries at this time, we will hold a Wesak ceremony with traditional chanting and a candle-lit circumambulation. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of contemplative silence for the most part.

In a world where many traditional beliefs and superstitions have disappeared, we have become rudderless and cynical. Life is often not much more than a meaningless journey from birth to certain death. Whilst it lasts, we try to acquire some happiness and avoid suffering.  Is that all there is to it? Or does life happen “when we are busy making other plans”, as John Lennon so memorably said? Buddhism maintains that we are not living realistically: we are missing some fundamental truths about ourselves and the world we live in that distort and obscure what is really going on in our lives. Shouldn’t we try and find out what life is about before we die?

Our search for meaning is the most prominent quest of our time. More and more people today are on a personal quest for meaning and a deeper sense of purpose, in the hope of enjoying a happier life. Logotherapy, as an existentialist analysis, was developed by Dr. Viktor Frankl - more famous for his book Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankl was practising as a neurologist and psychiatrist in Vienna when, as a Jew, he was sent to the concentration camps. There he refined his therapy on how to discover meaning in life despite suffering. This secular approach offers many parallels with that of Buddhist philosophy. The weekend workshop will include activities and worksheets to assist participants to discover their own unique path to meaning. It will also be infused with case studies from Tibetans who escaped from the Chinese occupation of their country, as living examples of how it is possible to live life powerfully despite severe challenges.

The upsurge of interest in the ancient practice of yoga attests to its proven physiological and psychological benefits. However, our sedentary, western lifestyle has stiffened our limbs and spine to such an extent that many people find the yoga asanas (poses) difficult to perform. Iyengar yoga evolved to deal with this problem - safely, without forcing the body into harmful contortions. Iyengar uses simple, but carefully calibrated props and other supports to achieve postures that would otherwise be unattainable except after years of practice. This retreat is suitable for beginners and for those who may have practised other forms of yoga. The weekend retreat is an introduction to the Iyengar method. For those who wish to consolidate their practice to a deeper level, the additional 4 day retreat is strongly recommended (24-28 June).

The upsurge of interest in the ancient practice of yoga attests to its proven physiological and psychological benefits. But our sedentary, western lifestyle has stiffened our limbs and spine to such an extent that many people find the yoga asanas (poses) difficult to perform. Iyengar yoga evolved to deal with this problem - safely, without forcing the body into harmful contortions. Iyengar uses simple, but carefully calibrated props and other supports to achieve postures that would otherwise be unattainable except after years of practice. This retreat is suitable for beginners, for those who may have practised other forms of yoga and for  for those who wish to consolidate their practice and take it to a deeper level.

”Mindpoisons” stand in the way of our enlightenment. The Buddha taught us how to work with these emotions - from the Path of Renunciation to  Purification and Transformation to Self-liberation. Whatever the case, if we want to become enlightened, we must avoid becoming trapped in negative emotions. In this retreat, in a relaxed and flexible environment, we will explore:
• A Dzogchen view to life to enable us  to examine our own nature and the condition of all phenomena
• Examine and practise some of the techniques of Self-liberation from negative emotions 
• Look at the Five Wisdoms and how they relate to our psychological toxins
• Experience other simple practices of meditation and their applications to daily life.

Come and join us for some serious fun and adventure this winter!  Spend 4 days filled with games and stories, nature walks, making art and toasting marshmallows under the stars in the beautiful environment of the BRC. This is a family retreat aimed at children of school-going age (10 and up) and offers a basic introduction to Buddhist thought and practice as well as guidance for parents and children to explore spirituality through connecting with nature and creative expression. Children must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent.

You don’t have to be, or become, an artist to be able to sketch what is in front of you.  Everybody can see that some things are shorter than others or to the left or right of something else. So you simply draw it like that.  All you need is one eye and two fingers. Participants in this workshop  will be taken through a series of simple practice sessions in this type of “Seeing-Drawing”, after which they will draw a variety of subjects - from still life  to landscape scenes and portraits - all in the space of a weekend. Sketching is one of the loveliest of skills anybody can acquire. You can take your pen and sketchbook anywhere and experience what it is like to be truly present in where you are.  All materials will be provided.

Join Margot for a yoga retreat where we explore and delve into our strength and vitality in order to deepen and develop peace and serenity in our minds. We will connect the two with the power of breath and mindful awareness. Enjoy a progressive sequence of extended yoga classes, comprising dynamic vinyasa flow, yin yoga, yoga nidra, mantra and more. Working in sequence to unlock and expand, we will explore arm balances, hip openers, backbends and twists to challenge your body to release, and then restore vitality, riding the wave of your breath as a way to surrender into postures and ultimately cultivating calmness of mind. We will work in Krama (or stages) so the retreat is suitable for all levels of fitness, but be prepared to be challenged. Please bring a mat, water bottle, blanket and a strap. 

This is a two-day hands-on workshop in which we explore the meditative qualities of repeat-action and pattern-making through clay.You will learn the technique of “wedging” which engages the body by rolling and folding the clay into itself. This is an exercise in preparation - setting out our intentions and making sure our raw material is ready to be moulded into a medium for our creativity. We will  make small pinch pots, which will be fired and ready to take home at the end of your stay. When clay is deftly handled, magic happens!  The evenings will end with calming down the mind in meditation and mindfulness with Louis.

The lessons that Zen and Recovery teach are no different from what we have suspected all along. When we respond to the call of the Steps of Zen, we are  answering our own cry for help. We don’t need to believe in the Steps, but we do need to have faith in our basic goodness and wisdom. This interpretation of The Twelve Steps conforms to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of making the rescue vehicle large enough for everyone to define their own “Higher Power”.  Just like Recovery, Zen does not seek to convert anyone - only to help in alleviating suffering. People of other philosophies, or none at all, will benefit from this look at Recovery and the Steps through the eyes of Zen, presenting a fresh understanding of what it takes to be rehabilitated from addictions - using Zen as a tool. This retreat will be helpful to people in need of  recovery,  which includes, typically,  substance addictions, but also to people who are experiencing strong negative impacts that have resulted in their living with the experience long after the event. Recovery speaks to any aspect of ourselves that needs to heal. However, not everyone knows how to go about that in a way that will lead to a positive shift. Using the tools of the twelve step programme, any injury of self can be addressed. A progression to recovery then follows spontaneously.

Stoep Zen means to apply traditional Zen Buddhism to contemporary life in South Africa - to be able to meditate in a chair on a stoep as well as on a cushion in the meditation hall.  This is a Zen retreat that makes a bridge between formal Zen practice and daily life. It includes meditation, talks, exercise, interviews and fireside chats and is held in silence.

In a series of talks and Mindfulness meditation sessions, we will explore the chemistry which mediates the effects of mind states on the body: psychoneuroimmunology or PNI. The talks and demonstrations will show that we can attain optimal wellness and performance by getting to know our temperament and personality traits; by being more present-minded; and through sensible, informed ways of living and behaving.

The Buddha said this mind/heart is “luminous”, yet we lose touch with core sanity and well-being when patterns of suffering are activated. The practice of presence and deepening awareness, guided by inquiry, helps orientate our life towards our natural wisdom, health and radiance - internally and externally - within each moment. This gentle weekend, guided by Dharma reflections and meditations, offers time to be, and to share together, in a safe and contemplative atmosphere. 

The practice of yoga brings the mind and body together into the present, connecting us with where we are and what our body tells us. Yoga is a process of listening to our body, re-connecting to  our body and breath and coming back into the present moment, here and now. The ancient yogis realized that the ability  to meditate effectively requires a healthy, strong body. They therefore developed yoga postures, (asanas), cleansing techniques and breathing practices. Through dedicated and regular practice of asana, pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation, yoga unlocks the deeper levels of our being. It is a way of moving into stillness in order to experience the truth of who we really are. Bring a yoga mat.

To reduce the suffering in the world, we need the skills to reduce our own. This workshop will teach you the practical, effective tools to do exactly that. Unless it is released, stress gets locked into our bodies, accumulating until it  erupts in panic, aggression or illness. Only a bold and brave reorientation can heal the roots of the growing epidemic of anxiety and depression that psychiatry has failed to quell with its quick-fix suppression of symptoms. Deep relaxation is an art, and the doorway to profound bliss.

This 4 day, long-weekend retreat, which integrates meditation and the wisdom of Buddhist psychology, is held in a nurturing and containing atmosphere of contemplative (Noble) silence. Through the teachings and practices of compassionate wisdom, we will cultivate a calm, spacious awareness which inspires courage and trust in the face of change, uncertainty and loss. Drawing on the Spring theme of new beginnings, we will open our hearts to our vulnerability with kindness and compassion, so that we can embrace our lives with greater freedom and joy. In addition to offering short, individual sessions, Sue will offer daily sessions of chi kung movement meditation, to enhance the integration of body, heart and mind. There will also be time for restorative rest, as well as for silent walks in the beautiful gardens of the BRC. Beginners as well as experienced practitioners are very welcome. See: sue.stillmind@gmail.com

Open to newcomers and seasoned meditators alike, this retreat gives participants a taste of the practice of Mindfulness: developing moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness. This powerful practice enables one to relate with equanimity to whatever is unfolding before us and makes it possible to work more creatively with the stresses and demands of daily living. Based on the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, this retreat combines traditional eastern wisdom with modern science and psychology and aims to generate a greater sense of present-mindedness, less reactivity, and more relaxation, body awareness and self-compassion through mindful exercises, yoga, group discussion and reflection. This unique format enables one to integrate this practice into one’s daily life.

Biodanza.is an invitation to dance with life.  It uses music and movement to create a space in which to taste the joy of living; to experience yourself deeply and to open up more fully to others and the world around you.  It fosters a capacity for creativity and play and confident, heart-centred living.  Although the facilitator will give guidance, the movements are spontaneous and entirely your own. There is nothing to get “right”, so experience in dance is not a requirement.  The retreat uses Mindfulness practice to support participants being present to their experience, and will include periods of silence and meditation.  We all have, inherently,  in our own way, what is needed to live a life that is rich and full, vital and present-centred.