Detailed List of Retreats

Cancer now affects 1 in 2.6 people in South Africa, and the normally recommended route of chemo, radiation and surgery have a dismal overall success rate of less than 2%.

One hundred years ago we had only a 1 in 8000 chance of getting cancer, so no, the ‘war on cancer’ by the usual accepted means is not the answer. We, each one of us, need to be better informed and to make better lifestyle choices, and this includes all areas of life. Diet as well the stress we live under are two major contributing ingredients to this modern epidemic.

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 show 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.

Everyday life throws new situations, experiences and challenges at all of us. Without a solid "Centre" to return to, this can leave us feeling stressed, disconnected and at the mercy of our past. More Room For Miracles is a gentle, powerful retreat to help us clear out the old, integrate the wisdom of these experiences and then make space for what we truly love; for what serves us deeply and makes our heart sing! We will use transformative emotional release and clearing exercises to let go of our baggage and to return to the infinite wisdom of the body. We will navigate to the stillness at the very core of our Being so we can tune into the whisperings of our Soul and consistently find our way back into love. We will start gently by setting clear intentions for what we want from the two days. On the first day, there will be the intense part of the inner work to help clear out old baggage, emotions, beliefs and trauma, followed by a day of integration and working out practical applications for using these tools in your everyday life.

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.

We are inviting you on a journey of direct experiencing, sensing and being, witnessing the mystery of existence reveal itself. The Dyad is a powerful meditation technique which rapidly takes us to a heightened level of mindfulness and self-awareness. In contrast to silent meditation methods practised alone, this is practised face-to-face. Through the Dyad enquiry we watch our hearts unfold, learning to trust ourselves, to listen with our whole being and to speak from a place of inner awareness. Just as in Origami, each fold presents a new facet of ourselves; another aspect of life. Individual and group processes will be alternated with periods of individual reflection and quiet contemplation in the beautiful natural surroundings of the BRC.  Click here to view a clip of a previous retreat.

The Buddha’s teachings emphasise the importance of taking care of ourselves in order to be of service to others.  Most of us, whether we are professional caregivers or people caring for family, colleagues or friends, miss this vital step.  When we are told to take better care of ourselves we either feel we don’t have the time or don’t know how to do that or where to begin.  The secret lies in finding your Centre – because when we are centred in our own wholeness we are able to deal with what life throws at us.  This retreat will teach you practical tools to help you find, regain and retain your balance and centre so that you can ride life’s merry-go-round with equanimity.  This retreat is ideal for care workers and anyone wanting to be more effective in caring for themselves.

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.

This will be a silent meditation retreat focusing on the relationship we have with ourselves: what does “being our own best friend” really mean? Can we be steady and at ease simply being who we are without needing to be particularly special or better or worse than anyone else? Can we similarly be at peace with others who are different to us without being critical and judgmental? We will explore these questions, using insights from both psychology and the Buddha’s teachings on what keeps us trapped in cycles of negativity and suggest ways of how we can restore ourselves into a more natural state of ease and well-being. During the retreat, there will be periods of sitting and walking meditation, morning and evening talks, and opportunities for dialogue and discussion.

The happiness of one depends on the happiness of all. Among the methods that Buddha taught to experience happiness of mind and wholesome attitudes to all sentient beings are the 4 immeasurable practices and Tonglen or 'giving and taking' meditation.

The 4 immeasurables are equanimity, sympathetic joy, loving kindness and compassion towards ourselves and others. These boundless states can replace the more narrow states of mind like fear, miserliness, jealousy, anger and so forth.

Tonglen or "giving and taking" meditation reverses our habitual habit of self-cherishing as we mentally take on the suffering of others and mentally give to them all of our happiness and merit. As the heart opens, there is the opportunity to experience more peace, love and joy and lay the foundations for insight. Chamtrul Rinpoche will give detailed instruction on these methods with guided meditation.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Discover the power of your intrinsic Nature and Nurture through the planets and stars in this informative workshop. Learn how the cycles of the celestial world affect you personally, and how your unique blueprint - your birth chart - can help you live to your fullest potential. Find your strengths, challenges and which areas of life to maximise on and live with greater equanimity and awareness. Astrology is a powerful, ancient, well-tested and insightful tool for emotional and mental growth and transformation. The retreat will focus on the role of fate and free will, the planets in their signs and houses, the aspects they make to each other, the elements and modalities they represent and the importance of the position of the sun and moon in conjunction with the cycles of life. There will be stargazing sessions and sunrise yoga. Beginners are encouraged!

On returning from an extended pilgrimage to China, the 14th century Japanese Zen master, Dogen, greeted his followers with these words: "I have returned home with empty hands... I say only this: my eyes are horizontal, my nose vertical" - their position in meditation. Thereafter Dogen spent the rest of his life teaching the merits of zazen (sitting meditation), the practice which lies at the very heart of the Buddhist experience. Simply being attentive, moment to moment, can have profound consequences: reconnecting us with our deepest selves, to others and the natural world around us. Experience this intimate connection supported by a programme of sitting and walking meditation. There will also be time to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Centre. Please note that apart from an introductory talk and a discussion period, the retreat will be held in Noble Silence. 

On a quiet evening in my thatch-roofed hut, I play a lute with no string. Its melody enters the wind and cloud, mingles deeply with a flowing stream, fills out the dark valley, blows through the vast forest, then disappears. Other than those who hear emptiness, who will capture this rare sound? - Ryokan (tr. Kazuaki Tanahashi) 

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 surroundings of the Buddhist Retreat Centre while capturing the rare sound of a lute played with no string. Held in the supportive space of Noble Silence, this retreat presents an ideal opportunity to extend and deepen your meditation practice.

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. 

The aim of this workshop is to develop the tools that make it possible to become aware of the ebb and flow of our moods and emotions and to learn to be mindful instead of reactive in our interactions. Using the techniques presented, we learn to train our minds to be centred on the present so that we can flow with the river of life. We will explore Kundalini yoga which is a combination of stationary and dynamic poses that include chanting and breath work and chi kung techniques. These practices develop the ability to be fully present and integrated in our bodies and minds. The workshop will be varied to allow retreatants of all ages and levels of experience to derive much benefit from a very old tradition. Bring comfortable clothing and a sun hat.

According to Lord Buddha, we all possess the potential for clarity, contentment, love, and the other human qualities - in fact, he says, they are our natural state, and that the development of them is the job of a spiritual practitioner. Our main stumbling blocks are the deeply held assumptions that, first, attachment, anger, depression and fear and the rest are innate and therefore impossible to eliminate; and, second, that suffering and happiness come from the outside. As long as we believe this, we will always remain victims. By understanding dependent arising and emptiness as expressed in the Buddha’s Heart Sutra, as well as understanding the logic of the law of karma that says that we ourselves create our own suffering and happiness, we can slowly loosen the grip of ego-grasping and begin to experience our marvellous potential, for our own sake and the sake of others.

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. Fay 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.

Be here now. Rest in the moment. Catch the  ungraspable moment. How do we do that, when life keeps tumbling us along like a sand grain in a river? When all is in dizzying motion, where is 'the moment’, where is ‘here’? Take time out at the BRC over Christmas to slow down into the moment.  You can find your true home right here, in the moment.  With sitting and walking meditation, we will stalk the elusive moment. We will discover how to recognise our ‘home’, and we will see that we are in fact at home always. The retreat will be in noble silence, with time for journaling, reflection, and fireside talks.

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 2018 and welcome the New Year with a renewed willingness to take life on the chin and make whatever comes along workable.  We will welcome in the New Year with a lantern-lit perambulation around the Buddha and chanting, and gong the old year out with an ancient Chinese temple gong. Apart from the discussion periods and ceremonies, there will be periods of meditative Noble silence.

Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence, and only when the mind is silent can we realize our true nature, which is unbounded consciousness. The practice of Vinyāsa yoga unites mind, body and spirit through conscious movement aligned to the breath - a dynamic flow. It stills the mind and allows us to become more internally focused and mindful in everything we do. It supports a healthy lifestyle and results in long-term health and well-being for mind and body. The practice reminds us that everything is impermanent and in flux except for that which is our true Self. Yoga is accessible to everyone and it is not about how flexible or strong you are or about mastering a “difficult” pose - even though that will follow with regular practice. It is rather about how mindful and present you are on and off the mat. It is a practical discipline, a way of looking at the world from a new perspective, allowing one to release old and limiting beliefs and habits in order to experience the truth of who we really are. Some previous yoga practice is recommended; however, beginners are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat.

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.

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 2500 years ago. He taught the method of Vipassana meditation as a way to cultivate mindfulness. This retreat is an invitation for beginning 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, 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

"You may find that the cell is an ideal place to learn to know yourself, to search realistically and regularly the processes of your own mind and feelings ... it gives you the opportunity to look daily into your entire conduct to overcome the bad and develop whatever is good in you. Never forget that a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying.”

- Nelson Mandela - Mandela The Authorised Biography by Anthony Sampson

Vipassana (insight) meditation uses mindfulness to search for the mental and emotional patterns that cause all humans to suffer. The aim is to learn how to overcome suffering and to be fully alive. This four-day retreat is an opportunity to deepen meditation practice using the traditional Buddhist method of Mahasi Sayadaw and Achan Tong. Meditators are encouraged to stay for the entire course but you may also stay for a shorter time and beginners are welcome to learn how to start Vipassana meditation. Mindfulness is developed by regular walking and sitting practice (both in the meditation hall and outside in the forest), by maintaining awareness during normal activities such as eating, showering, dressing etc. and supported by daily interviews with the teachers. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of Noble silence.

 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

Join Chris and Steve 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, pink watsonias in their summer flurry and the orange Christmas Bells. Included will be talks, chi kung, meditation and some quiet time communing and celebrating with nature. Bring your binoculars and a sunhat.

John will lead participants in a traditional South African healing ceremony over three days during which they will learn to connect to their Ancestors (bones), Dreams, 'Umoya' (spirit) and one another. 'Ubuntu' means 'I am what I am because of who we all are'. It is a circle of interlinking relationships connecting the seen and unseen worlds. The ceremony will involve a plant cleanse, using medicinal plants to cleanse the spirit and open the heart. John will lead an in-depth discussion on 'African cosmology' and the understanding of ancestors, plant medicine and dreaming to create 'Ubuntu'. Retreatants will learn one of the most ancient and misunderstood cultures in South Africa today - traditional healing from a sangoma perspective. 'Ubuntu' in essence represents harmony, and is similar to the zen circle. Linking the past and present, it is an evolving state of co-operation and compassion whereby every human being is linked to their own families and communities as well as the unseen world of ancestors. Please bring a plastic basin which will be used for medicinal foot healing, a dream journal, pen and paper to take notes, a meditation blanket and an open mind. This retreat is suitable for all therapists, healers and those with a desire to heal South Africa.

We all have inner guidance and knowledge, but we don't always know how to fully access it and use it as the incredible gift it is. We are constantly trying to keep up with the ever-increasing pace and demands of our lives which leaves us with high stress levels and utterly exhausted. On this retreat we will fortify our spirit, embrace our personal power, and allow our light to shine brightly again, the way the universe intended. Through talks, meditation, group work, transformational exercises, relaxation and conversation, we will journey back to our centre - to our most natural and balanced state of being. Deepening our connection with our inner self allows us to stand strong in our own personal power in the here and now. We will learn to listen less to the limiting, fear-based voices of our mind, and start aligning with our intuition, to the core that already knows that we are born as an unstoppable and magnificent force.

In the beautiful surroundings of Ixopo, enjoy a revitalizing, relaxing weekend of gentle yoga, breath work, meditation and reiki. Reiki is the ancient Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation which promotes healing. It is administered by " laying on hands" and uses the " life force energy" that flows through us. The word 'reiki' comprises of 'rei' which means 'God's higher power' and 'ki' which is ' life force energy'. It is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and has huge beneficial effects. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to promote recovery. This practice reduces stress, awakens deep relaxation, peace and self-awareness, improves sleep, eliminates depression, enhances your immune system, prompting happiness and balance in your life. Reiki healing can be extended to all areas of your life, including your children and animals.

As we travel deeper into the 21st century we experience more and more acutely, if we are awake and aware, the unravelling of the interconnected cycles and systems which make up this miracle of life on this Earth which is our only home. More and more, we humans don't seem to really care for anything other than ourselves. The chasm that is separating human beings from the natural world and from one another is widening faster and faster, with society encouraging ever more alienation. Even the very words for wild and natural things - flowers and creatures and landscapes - are being erased from the great dictionaries, to be replaced by technology-speak. And yet the words we choose become the world we live in - so we are diligently engaged in making an un-natural and hyper-me world. It is our connection, our relationship, with something that moves us to take care of it. So the key to our future lies in re-connecting ourselves to the Earth, to one another, to our true nature. We cannot survive independent of the Earth and her natural cycles and systems. No matter which strand we try to isolate, we will always find it hitched to a myriad others. Indeed, we are made of the elements. We are made of the same stuff as the stars. We and they have come from the same singularity. Yet a long time ago, before physicists had ever even theorized about the Big Bang, Dogen already knew. I came to realize that the mind is nothing but the sun and the moon and countless stars. Can we also come to this knowing, like Dogen? How can we come to know that the sun and moon and stars are within, that the wilderness is within, that we are the whole of it? The Buddha showed us how when he awoke to the Truth while sitting under the Bodhi tree. He had found through his practice of meditation that we are the sun and the moon and the stars, that the wilderness is within, and is home. He had seen the great interdependence of all things. Taking advantage of the wilderness around the BRC, we will explore the meeting place of the outer and inner worlds to uncover our connection with ourselves, all beings, the sun and moon and the stars. The retreat will combine meditation practice with silent contemplative walking in the wilderness, as well as some of the spiral practices from Joanna Macy's Work That Reconnects.

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.

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 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.

This 4-day 'Open the heart and still the mind' retreat facilitated by clinical psychologist, Sue Cooper, offers an integration of body, heart and mind and is held in a contained and nurturing atmosphere of contemplative (Noble) silence. Inspired by the wisdom of Buddhist psychology, with its profound understanding of the truth of Impermanence, we will explore ways to integrate change and loss in our lives, so that we can learn to bear the unbearable. Through sitting and walking meditations, compassion practices, chi kung and short individual sessions, we will strengthen our capacity for courageous presence. This allows us to embrace life and death with an open and compassionate heart, one which can rediscover joy and lightness of being, in the midst of life's challenges. 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 meditators are very welcome.

CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA registered professional: 32 General and 2 Ethics CEU's are applicable. See: sue.stillmind@gmail.com and www.suecooper.co.za

Join us for a joyous celebration of chanting and enjoy the wonder of your singing voice. François and Sally will help you uncover your natural voice and lift it to new heights of expression and beauty. By combining correct breathing techniques with chanting and deep stillness, and discovering the true origin of speech, your 'body-mind' and voice will be refined. We will focus on sacred chanting, incantations and mantras which form an integral part of most religions, including Buddhism. The healing power and expressive nature of singing appeals to and affects every aspect of our being, including our intellect and emotions. Such harmonious sound opens the heart to joy and can be transformational. By Sunday, the Ixopo hills will truly be alive with the sound of chanting. Daily sessions of chi kung and meditation will take your experience even deeper.

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.

Tune in and allow Nature to flow through your heart and lens. The lens of your camera is an extension of your eye, your eyes are an extension of your heart. This weekend workshop is guided by Master Fine Art photographer, Marlene Neumann. She will take you on a journey deep into the forest where you can explore the light through your camera lens as you listen to the ancient wisdom whispered by the trees. This is not a technical workshop on how to use your camera, but rather an opportunity to learn to follow the light and allow the spirits of Nature to shine through you. Marlene’s contemplative approach will teach you new insights and a new way of seeing. www.marleneneumann.com

A largely unstructured self-retreat with meditation, chi kung, walks and healing therapies

Join us for Easter in the hills of Ixopo on a largely unstructured retreat where you will be left alone to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Centre, with the opportunity to meditate in the Buddha Boma, to experience chi kung in the dell and relax with healing therapies. Wake up to the sound of the gong, followed by meditation and generating the chi, your inner life force; enjoy the Noble Silence in the morning and experience what it is like to eat your breakfast silently and really be present in that moment. Tune into the sound of the windchimes and birdsong, and the beat of one’s heart in this tranquil environment. This retreat will allow you to rest, relax and recover in the Easter tradition. Meals will be their usual delicious “Plentiful” best. We will also offer a “meditation on tea”: the ancient, meditative Tea Ceremony.

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.

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.

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. 

The full moon of May - Wesak - is the most important day on the Buddhist calendar, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha nearly 2,500 years ago. Wesak is traditionally held on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesakha (coincidental with May) which in 2019 falls over this weekend. We will mark this festival with a programme of sitting and walking meditation plus talks and reflections on aspects of the Buddha’s life and teachings and, in union with Buddhists around the world, hold a Wesak ceremony including pertinent readings, a candle-lit circumambulation and traditional chanting. Please note: Apart from the talk and discussion periods this retreat will be held in Noble Silence.

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.

Mindfulness is defined as knowing what is happening, while it is happening, with an attitude of kindness and curiosity. In the beginning, we notice how our attention is like a butterfly flitting from one thought to the next. So we start by slowing down and settling our mind. We then introduce practices that ground us allowing our attention to drop out of our heads and into the sensory awareness of the body. We learn to rest in the present moment getting used to disengaging from our habits of compulsive doing. During the retreat we will be coming home to our body, heart and mind; applying curiosity, and compassion to whatever we notice. This attitude of openness, kindness and acceptance to whatever is there helps us to live with greater clarity and resilience. The weekend will be experiential and is designed as a helpful first step in developing your own personal Mindfulness practice or as a way of refreshing your existing practice.