Detailed List of Retreats

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. This is because the universe is a flux of pulsating rhythms and drumming connects us to these rhythms, thus facilitating a change in consciousness and a sense of belonging and well-being, which, in turn, promotes deep relaxation and healing. In this retreat, we will learn basic drumming techniques and explore rhythmic creativity  including a segment on Shamanic, Celtic, and Nordic Viking drum patterns which will be combined with meditation practice and contemplation. A Sound Journey meditation using exotic instruments will also be included. The objective of this retreat is to find a balance between the hands-on experience of drumming and its more profound spiritual effects on the human psyche.

Qigong involves using gentle exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being and developing a calm, meditative state of mind.

Join Marc for daily sessions of qigong and enjoy the tranquil nurturing space of the BRC.

The practice of yoga brings the mind and body together, grounding us in the present, connecting us with where we are and what our body tells us about ourselves. Yoga is a process of re-connecting to our body and breath, coming back into the present moment. The ancient yogis realized that in order to be able to meditate effectively requires a healthy, strong body, so they developed yoga postures (asanas), cleansing techniques and breathing exercises (pranayama). Through regular practise of asanas, pranayama 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 are. This retreat is open to beginners and experienced students. Please bring a yoga mat.

This 3-day retreat will focus on the practice of drawing freehand mandalas, and was developed over years of teaching practice. The archetypal form of the mandala helps on a number of levels in education, starting with the innate sense of geometry and harmony we can develop in the young child and in higher grades the practice itself which calls forth concentration. It is a wonderful tool to either centre a child who is lost in the periphery, or widening the horizon of a child who is clinging to their centre. The results are always beautiful and meaningful.

As a practice for adults, the mandala reveals a "snapshot" of our inner cosmos and allows us to create order and centeredness in place of chaos. Clémence will present her study of the mandala through human experience (religion, psychology, astronomy) and we will then explore the polarities of centre and periphery, curved and straight lines, order and chaos, through movement and drawing. We will follow several methods of structuring a mandala to experience the different results they produce in our inner space. No previous drawing experience is needed. Basic equipment, some colour mediums and papers will be provided. It is advised, however, to bring your favourite art medium and suitable paper (watercolour, acrylics, pencils, ink, charcoal) should you be already practised in artwork.

"Nature dwells in both directions, not just outside us. Our inner world is also nature. Our minds and bodies are manifestations of the evolution of the living earth.”  Rewilding - Micah Mortallis,

Through mindful movement and yoga - at times challenging and at times playful - we will ground ourselves into the body. Through mindfulness based meditation, with careful, considered attention and compassion, we will explore the mind. With joy, we will immerse ourselves in nature -  making simple crafts and playing games, teasing our inner child out - and  perhaps find a hidden gem.

Everybody experiences tranquility from time to time, because this open quality of mind is natural to us 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 wise Tibetan Buddhist healer - 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 calmer states of mind, and learn effective relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques.

The five elements provide a 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 ease and harmony, when out of balance there is dis-ease and disharmony. 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 first have to get to know them. In this retreat we will 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. There will be guided relaxation and creative work around each element, including observation and creative activities. Optional gentle mindful movement before breakfast will be offered. Please bring loose, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities.

Imagination is more important than knowledge - Albert Einstein

As children,we possessed a vivid imagination as we lived in magical worlds of imagery. In our imagination, trees could become beings, and nature spirits could suddenly emerge from behind a tree. Even as adults, we can develop imagery that connects us with our inner strength, enhances our creative potential and supports us, developing skills to deal with uncertainties and a changing world. In this workshop you will learn how to use selected images to heal your heart and to develop meaningful tools, which will enhance your resilience and enrich your life. Guided walks in nature will help to fill you with positive energy and to meditate on your own future and the future of the world. This workshop is for everybody interested in diving into your imagination, and discovering inner pearls to cope with difficult life situations. Professionals - psychotherapists, social workers, educators - and anyone interested in health and well-being are welcome. By focusing on both the theoretical and practical aspects of imagery, this workshop aims to empower individuals and professionals to utilize imagery techniques for both - your clients and your personal life. The retreat will be followed by two zoom meetings supporting you to come home to yourself.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding harmony can feel like an elusive dream. But what if we told you that balance is not only achievable but also transformative? Join on a journey to unlock the secrets of mindful living and conscious growth. From navigating work-life balance to nurturing relationships and personal well-being, discover practical tools to cultivate clarity, calmness, and insight. Through affirmations, meditation,journaling, visualizations, and more, immerse yourself in a soul-nourishing experience filledwith enriching discussions and deep rest. Together, let's tap into the power of our minds and forge meaningful connections. Let’s also connect with a growing community dedicated to awakening consciousness and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and conscious living and discover the limitless potential that resides within you.

Ready to dive deeper into the mysteries of the subconscious mind and unlock your full potential? In Part 2 of our transformative retreat we will explore the profound wisdom of Universal Consciousness. From delving into Quantum Mechanics to unravelling the secrets of Quantum Time, discover life-changing techniques that will empower you to live your “best life”. Join the small number of people who have embraced these ancient teachings and are experiencing newfound freedom and fulfilment. Enjoy this opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment and create your path to conscious living and boundless possibilities!

head thoughts tumble down

down into the ribbed well of breath.
pure water rises drawn
in the bucket of the heart (Dorian)

How do thoughts and words affect our body? How does the body in a meditative state help us choose the thoughts and words that will nourish us and give us life? How does this dance affect the constant self-talk that happens inside our heads and inside our mouths? Come and explore how a consciousness of story can help us to choose a path of grace.

A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day - Emily Dickinson

Are words and ideas stuck in your head? Want to shake them loose? Need inspiration and writing company? Create a word space? Befriend words/let words befriend you? Then this retreat is for you. Create a piece or craft one in process. So come away to the BRC to write away. In this retreat you’ll find encouragement and safe support. Breathe in the hills, dam, trees and walking paths. This retreat offers you:

prompts galore (lit matches)
solo and group time plus one-on-one support
fireside stories

Join Lisa for a deeply relaxing and nourishing weekend of mindfulness-based Clinical Somatic Movement. Exploring the communication between the brain, nervous system and muscular-fascial systems, we will learn about pandiculation, nature's way of releasing built-up tension from the body. Slow down and learn gentle practices to help release chronic muscle tension that underlie pain and stress in body and mind. Develop your inner awareness and bring comfort and ease to your body. Basic Mindfulness practices and meditations will be woven throughout the retreat. This weekend is suitable for everyone and will meet you where you are. All bodies welcome!

Zhan Zhuang (‘Standing like a Tree’) Chi Gung is unlike most other Chi Gung styles, in that with the exception of changing from one static posture to the next, the practitioner remains absolutely still, whilst developing a mind like still water. Regarded by many contemporary Masters as the most powerful of all Chi Gung practices, it opens all of the nine energy portals in the body, and encourages one’s chi (life force) to flow powerfully throughout one’s entire being. In this retreat Paul will teach the Five Posture Zhan Zhuang Set, which assists in developing a strong physical structure as well as creating a greater supply of healing chi to promote health, vitality and an increase in physical energy. The benefits of Zhan Zhuang also include the cultivation of a better posture as well as reducing tension in one’s muscles, thereby assisting the practitioner to live their life in a more relaxed manner.

Stillness is what creates love. Movement is what creates life.

To be still, yet still moving—that is everything! - Do Hyun Choe Japanese Master

Biodanza, mindfulness and somatic movement are blended together in this weekend of dance, meditation and nourishing mindful movement.

Biodanza: an integrative system that combines movement and music in a group setting to support human flourishing.

Mindfulness: the awareness that is revealed when we pay attention in the present moment with openness, curiosity and non-judgement.

Somatic movement: Gentle conscious moving from the inside out to sense and feel the body-mind.

In movement and stillness, we will explore embodiment, self-expression and self-compassion. If you need to move, feel more connected and at ease in your body, cultivate vitality, connection and joy, this is the weekend for you. No experience is needed; all bodies are welcome!

Many religions and philosophies come across as men-only affairs, Buddhism is no exception: male voices dominate, reflecting gender and cultural biases both past and present. During this retreat we will hear the voices of the many women in the Zen Buddhist tradition, from the first millennium to the modern day, including the first female Zen Master Chiyono from the thirteenth century (she dropped a water bucket and found her life) to more recent Zen teachers such as Maurine Stuart. Their thoughts and their luminous poetry will shine a light on our daily lives and support us in our practice throughout this gentle Zen-style silent retreat, which will include sitting and walking meditation, a discussion period, and time to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Buddhist Retreat Centre.

Patience is a virtue, Virtue is a grace and Grace is a little girl who never washed her face....

Nature's classroom will help us land, grounded in the loving arms of Mother Earth where the wise old trees sway gently in the breeze, whispering secrets of patience, perseverance and presence. Through gentle yoga, breathwork, mindfulness practices and communing with nature, we will explore with curiosity how to cultivate peace.  We will collectively cultivate the virtues of patience and perseverance, and look towards nature to show us the art of being fully immersed in each moment's beauty. When we water our soul's garden with these virtues, we create fertile ground for divine grace to flourish within us.

We all wish to have happiness and avoid the uncomfortable feelings that seem to dominate our daily life; feelings of dissatisfaction, unease, anxiety that keep us awake at night, our agitation with loved ones and anger towards others. It is times like these that create uncertainty and a feeling of helplessness; we want to be happy, contented and have a sense of peace in our hearts. Khenpo Jamyang Gompo will gently guide participants to a deeper understanding of how these emotions arise and how we can find a sense of meaning and purpose in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.

Through a merging of concepts from Existential Psychoanalysis and Secular Buddhism, this retreat explores Buddhism as a form of therapeutic living. The retreat will take us from the concept of inherent “lack” (sunyata), through “longing” (“tanha”), to “love” (metta). Along this journey, we will consider the implications of the Buddhist notion of “non-self” (anatta) for the practice of psychotherapy and its practical application to our everyday lives.

This retreat involves philosophical discussion, therapeutic engagement, a variety of sitting practices, walking meditation, basic yoga (no experience needed), written reflection and group discussion. It is an ideal retreat for those interested in a practical, therapeutic and atheist (non-soteriological) approach to Buddhism.

At the heart of Italian culture is food. Food represents life: from the bounty that nature provides into the hands of the skillful cook to create a masterpiece, a skill that is passed down from generation to generation. The respect for and appreciation for the natural source of ingredients in Italian cooking allows for the simplicity in the preparation and the unique taste of each dish prepared. Mother and son duo, Rosetta and Mario, have been passionate about Italian cooking their entire lives; a passion instilled in them from spending valuable time with Nonna Maria in her kitchen from young. In this retreat, we will showcase the simplicity and unique taste of some of Nonna Maria’s vegetarian Italian cooking: from slow-cooked Sugo di Pomodoro (Tomato sauce), fresh egg-pasta and the rich flavours of the Melanzane Parmigiana (Eggplant parmesan) of South Italy, to the more cream and butter-based sweets of North Italy, such as Tiramisù and Biscotti di Limone e Mandorle (almond and lemon biscotti).

This 5 night Open the Heart And Still the Mind retreat is an immersion into nourishing and ennobling silence and is an opportunity to cultivate and deepen your meditation practice with a heart-based focus. Sue offers an integration of the psychological and spiritual dimensions of this path of compassionate awareness, combining her 40 years of meditation practice with her extensive experience as a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist.

We will draw on the support of nature and the teachings that are revealed by practising in the exquisite environment of the Buddhist Retreat Centre, where the truths of impermanence and our inter-connectedness with each other and with nature express themselves daily, through the beauty and wisdom of the ever-changing conditions.
We will cultivate a safe and nourishing home within, inspired by the wisdom and practices of the Brahma Viharas (the Four Immeasurables), which deepen our capacity for loving- kindness (metta), spacious inner freedom, appreciative joy and compassionate wisdom and action.
In addition to the silent and guided meditations in all postures, there will be daily qigong, gentle, mindful movement and additional, optional massages offered to enhance our embodied experience. Sue will incude short, individual sessions throughout the retreat, as well as time for reflection, journaling, walks in nature and deeply replenishing rest.

This retreat offers a 15% discount on all accommodation, as well as a free Stillmind Journal to members of IMISA (Mindfulness Institute of SA), and carries a teacher's fee for all retreatants, offered on a sliding scale. Please contact Sue directly on for further details and to arrange a recommended pre-retreat session. Her website link is https://stillmindretreats.com/event/retreat-infusing-mindfulness-with-metta-compassionate-wisdom/.

The gentle movements that you will learn to do on this relaxed mid-week course will help to build your immune system and improve your general well-being. The mindful way in which you move will work on your internal organs as you generate energy 'qi'. You will also have time to roam the beautiful grounds of the BRC as you take time out to relax and recharge.

At the best of times our minds run riot leaving us exhausted, stressed and often difficult to live with! The simple act of closing our eyes and focusing on our breath can do wonders for our body and mind, but at the root of our tension and dissatisfaction is something that we should investigate more fully for meditation to be beneficial. This is what we will be experimenting with during the weekend and together with the calming energy and gentle movements of qigong, you will begin to feel more at peace and at ease.

The White Stork Displays Its Wing -  A Beginner’s Introduction to Yang Style Tai Chi, or to give it its full name, Tai Chi Chuan, has often been regarded as a dynamic form of Qigong, or ‘the cultivation of energy’ to help regulate one’s system and prevent disease, thereby leading to the development and maintenance of good health and well-being. Most people associate Tai Chi with flowing, graceful movements. Yet there is much more to the practice of this ancient Chinese art. The great Yang Tai Chi Master T.T. Liang (1900-2002), stated that there are four categories into which the principles of Tai Chi fall, namely health, self-defence, mental accomplishment and the road to immortality. In this retreat, Paul will demystify Tai Chi using the Yang style, which can be traced back to Ch’en Wang Ting (1597-1664). Paul’s intention is to inspire retreatants to further investigate Tai Chi and to find a teacher near their home.

“The most common form of despair is not being who you are.” - Kierkegaard

As humans we live here amongst the “family of things,” yet somehow separate. This illusion of separation the Tibetan Buddhists term Maha Bekandze – the Great Suffering. Join Charisse at the BRC to dissolve into the bliss that is your true nature. Together we will practise various forms of meditation. All of life is a meditation in that it calls us to pay attention. In curious mindfulness we will find our playful connection to Life itself.

Through guided conscious dance, process art making, free writing, immersion in nature, sitting in silence, walking, eating, talking, singing, listening deeply, practising yoga and qigong, you will gently be led back to your oneness, your emptiness, which is true love. You will surrender into your natural grace and choose joy.

Join 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. Wake up to birdsong and walk the verdant hills and meadows close to where the Blue Swallows nest. The BRC has been awarded “Private Nature Reserve” status by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for its conservation of the Blue Swallow and its pristine mistbelt grasslands. Included will be talks, slide shows, meditation and some quiet time communing with nature. Bring your binoculars and a sunhat.

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 - not ego-driven or deliberate.

Ingrid will teach the classical Japanese brush painting techniques - Sumie - as these are applied to traditional subjects, such as landscape, bamboo and flower studies - as well as contemporary subjects. We will use the genuine, traditional 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. Sharon will offer the Raku and explore various glazing and firing techniques. Each retreatant will receive a bisque-fired tea bowl to sumie-decorate and glaze. The kiln will be fired up, after which we will watch the magic as the bowls emerge triumphantly from the scorching heat! Chris will offer qigong sessions and Bernard will be offering forest walks and introducing 'forest bathing' with traditional Mbira music for healing and harmony. A traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony will be held on the final evening.

As the year draws to a close, gift yourself the opportunity to embrace the December holiday season with a mindful grounding. Join Bruce in exploring the roots of mindful awareness through Kundalini yoga. Immerse yourself in transformative practices that seamlessly blend into the beauty of nature, with outdoor sessions whenever possible. Engage in meditation, chanting and the gentle resonance of the gong and crystal bowls for healing relaxation. Delve into practices that nurture your mind, body and spirit, allowing you to embrace inner peace and vitality while finding harmony in nature. Take time to rejuvenate and realign as you prepare to welcome the new year ahead. Join us on this journey of self-discovery.

Imagine! Imagine all the people, living life in peace - John Lennon

Christmas is a time of the giving of gifts. All birthdays are honoured with gift-giving. Usually these gifts are of ‘things’. Yet the very best gift we can give is not anything tangible or material. It is to definitively take away the suffering of oneself, and of others. And this, after all, is the reason why we give material gifts in the first place. It’s also the reason why we do the myriad things we do in our lives. It’s because we are constantly in pursuit of this (seemingly unattainable) state of being: peace, happiness, contentment, an absence of ‘niggle’. The unlimited and ultimate gift would be to be happy without end, at peace without end, to give happiness and peace to all, without end. The Four Immeasurable Gifts are the ultimate gift. They are boundless equanimity, loving kindness, compassion, and joy. They define a path and practice leading to all-encompassing peace and happiness. They lead us back to our true nature, which is peace.

Take time out at the BRC this Christmas to slow down into the moment and unwrap the Four Immeasurable Gifts. We will discover them through meditation, contemplation, journaling, and by just being present.

The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of introspection and silence with time for journaling, reflection, and fireside talks.

The spiritual life is first of all a life. It is not merely something to be known and studied, it is to be lived - Thomas Merton

New Year is a good time of the year to take stock and contemplate our moment-to-moment, here-and-now reality in all its fullness. It’s a traditional time for clarifying our motivations, and for starting afresh with new intentions. A time, in other words, to reboot the system. Give yourself the gift of time over this New Year period to collect the Three Wise Medicines of gratitude, ahimsa and contentment, to reflect on the past year, and uncover how you can best live your life in the coming year. During this time together we will let our body, speech and mind fall silent through the practice of meditation and silence. In working with the Three Wise Medicines, there will also be time for writing and contemplation, walking and ceremony especially outside in nature. We will welcome the New Year with a lantern-lit ceremony in the Zendo, chanting, ringing out the old year with an ancient Chinese temple gong. The retreat will be held in an atmosphere of silence and introspection.

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 you need a gentle, uncluttered space to tune into what lies ahead for you in 2025, this largely unstructured weekend will prove useful. Experience sunrise qigong, gentle hatha yoga sessions and meditation. Nolwazi Bandezi, a qualified therapist, will be offering healing therapies by appointment. The BRC provides an ideal opportunity to be in a sympathetic space to experience what it is like to "just be".

Why do we need to Recover to our true Self - to our Buddha nature? Often we may find ourselves using various substances or strategies addictively which can include everything from food, alcohol, recreational or prescription drugs, social media, or where we are in abusive relationships. When this affects our daily lives and more importantly the relationships that mean the most to us, we have lost our true nature of self.
In this retreat we will explore the Buddha’s teaching on the cause of suffering (Samudaya), the origin of suffering - our attachment, our craving and ignorance that generate negative karma. We will discover that there is a solution in the Four Noble Truths which results in the end of suffering (Nirhodha) and the possibility of achieving liberation (Nirvana) from the cycle of suffering and the rebirth to our true self (Samsara). Our karma and shortcomings can be removed only by ourselves. We are personally responsible for their creation, and we are responsible for their elimination. This retreat will be helpful to people in need of recovery and speaks to any aspect of ourselves that needs to heal.

Why must we undertake Vipassana meditation retreats? Because we search for happiness and want to liberate our mind from suffering - Ajahn Tong

The retreat starts with an introduction on Monday evening and follows the original stages of insight meditation for ten days. The aim of insight meditation is to understand reality, to see things as they really are. The main tool of insight meditation is mindfulness: mindfulness of body, feelings and mind. Ajahn Tong states that “attending a meditation retreat is training in the power of mindfulness. With intensive practice the wandering, struggling and chaotic mind can become composed, peaceful, refreshed and purified of negative hindrances.” Retreatants are required to practise approximately ten hours per day (between 5 am and 10 pm), follow the Buddhist precepts and maintain respectful silence throughout the retreat. The BRC staff and teachers will provide their whole-hearted support, which includes daily reporting, loving-kindness meditation (Metta) and Dhamma talks. This retreat will overlap with the weekend retreat (17-19) and the 4 day retreat (19-23) and will be limited to 12 participants.
Thoughts come and go. Feelings come and go. Find out what it is that remains - Ramana Maharshi

Vipassana (insight) meditation is based on mindfulness, which is always available, everywhere, without limit or cost. The challenge is how to realise it. The answer was provided by the Buddha. He taught ways to cultivate mindfulness that lead to insight and awakening. This retreat is an invitation for beginners and experienced meditators to practise Vipassana using the traditional Buddhist method of Ajahn Tong. For beginners it is a simple and direct technique to start meditating and for experienced meditators, it is a skillful method to deepen their insight. Mindfulness is developed by regular walking and sitting practice, by maintaining awareness during normal activities, such as eating, showering, dressing and supported by talks and feedback with the teachers. The weekend will be held in silence. Retreatants are welcome to join the subsequent 4-day meditation retreat.
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

We go on a retreat to cleanse and disentangle our troubled lives and minds. This experience frees our mind - Ajahn Tong

Vipassana (insight) meditation uses mindfulness to reveal and release the mental and emotional patterns that cause suffering. The aim is not just to overcome suffering but to wake up and be fully alive in the present moment. This four-day retreat is an opportunity to deepen meditation practice using the traditional Buddhist method of Ajahn Tong. Meditators are encouraged to stay for the entire course but 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 and supported by daily interviews with a teacher. The retreat will be held in silence.
What is looking is what you are looking for - St. Francis of Assisi

This weekend silent retreat will provide an opportunity to explore two aspects of Buddhist meditation practice – the gradual development of calmness and peacefulness in our mind; and the practice of awareness, to live with more clarity and more centredness in the present moment. This foundation of calmness helps us to meet our confused thoughts and emotions with more acceptance and kindness and, leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of our minds. The retreat will create a gentle and relaxed space in which to explore the benefits of spending time quietly with ourselves, to allow the qualities of calmness and clarity to develop in a natural way and to enjoy the nurturing effect of being silent in a beautiful mountain environment.

Choden, a South African born Buddhist monk, will offer a weekend workshop exploring compassion within the context of mindfulness practice. He currently resides in Edinburgh in Scotland and teaches on the University of Aberdeen Postgraduate Studies in Mindfulness MSc. During the workshop he will offer skills and practices for tapping into the compassionate potential within us. In so doing, we will discover source of inner vitality and well-being that can support us when we are down and help us respond to the inevitable difficulties of life. Choden will draw on the wealth of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, as well as insights from evolutionary psychology and neuroscience. In 2013, he co-authored a book with renowned British psychologist Paul Gilbert called Mindful Compassion (2013) which was a synthesis of psychology, science and Buddhism.

He will focus on the cultivation of self-compassion as an antidote to self-criticism and the cultivation of compassion for others by drawing on the Buddhist model of the 4 Limitless Contemplations (loving-kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity). This will include the practice of tonglen or taking and sending. The workshop will be experiential and will include a combination of imagination and mindfulness-based practices.

Human Design is a sacred system of personal self-discovery combining elements of astrology, the I Ching, Kabbalah, the chakra system and quantum physics. In reality, it is like your own personal energy blueprint designed to help you thrive and shine in the world. It is not about "fixing" anything, but more about stripping away the old conditioning holding you back from living your true potential. Join Patti to learn about your own unique, design blueprint - discover how to recognise your innate gifts and traits and how to harness the joy, peace and delight of coming home to YOU.

This is an invitation to slow down and retreat with the support of two optional daily practices, a sound journey, time for solitude, silence and individual connection to support you through the weekend. Despina will be offering two yoga classes per day which include meditation, breathwork and therapeutic sound (morning and evening) with plenty of time to retreat at your own pace. Yoga and meditation can be experienced as a practice of cultivating well-being. We will be exploring Yin, gentle hatha and restorative yoga, breathwork, therapeutic sound and mindfulness practices. Intentional sounds like in a sound journey intend to invite us into a deeper state of listening and meditation that transcends the thinking mind. It is a beautiful practice to listen deeply to harmonic sounds such as in nature and give ourselves fully to the experience of embodied listening - full body listening. The truth of all things resides in the vibration and resonance made from one single sound. Combining these practices of movement, stillness and sound creates powerful possibilities for insight, transformation and healing for the body, mind, and heart. Breakfast and dinner will be in silence.

Ajahn Jutindharo’s approach is grounded in awareness of our own body, with practices based around body awareness and the breath. He emphasises an open attitude of kindness and curiosity, so that we  learn to trust more in that which is already alive, awake and free within us. When we remember how to connect with these wholesome sources, we access a wider range of tools for deepening our understanding, addressing some of the things that we find more challenging, and furthering our exploration.

Join 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. Wake up to birdsong and walk the verdant hills and meadows close to where the Blue Swallows nest. The BRC has been awarded “Private Nature Reserve” status by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife for its conservation of the Blue Swallow and its pristine mistbelt grasslands. Included will be talks, slide shows, meditation and some quiet time communing with nature. Bring your binoculars and a sunhat.

Explore this ancient Chinese practice that boosts one’s health and vitality. Participants will learn the key techniques of how to master qigong and incorporate it into their daily lives, effortlessly. These techniques are easy to learn, are useful and powerful. The healing power of qigong 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 qigong previously.

 “When you are busy judging people, you have no time to love them.” Marshall Rosenberg
Learn the life-enhancing practices of mindful awareness and non-violent communication with Felicity Joan Hart.
When interacting with others, we often find ourselves triggered and then communicate in ways that hurt or harm - ourselves, the other, or the relationship between. Our conditioned ideas of what it means to communicate, especially during times of conflict, frequently results in a loss of connection. Judgement and defence, as well as the strategies of criticism, insults, blame, or put-downs are commonly used in our attempt to be heard or to meet our need to be “right,” “good” or “winning.” Despite our best efforts and intentions, we habitually become “violent” with our words and then feel the pain of disconnection.

What to expect.

This retreat explores the principles and practices of mindfulness and non-violent communication (NVC), to foster connection and minimize the suffering of outmoded ways of engaging. You will practise both intra-personal and inter-personal mindfulness to cultivate skills of empathy, compassion, and a better understanding of yourself and others. Together, these practices will help you communicate more consciously so that you learn to be aware of your feelings and needs, make requests to meet these needs and stay open to the feelings and needs of others.

You can expect daily mindful meditation practice to support the empowering and enriching teachings of NVC and some down time for rest and relaxation.

Do you find it hard to stay present when you relate with others? Do you tend to lose yourself in your relationships? This retreat will provide the opportunity for a depth of enquiry into the practice of Presence, or Mindfulness, in our relationships. We will explore the space that opens, when we are able to give ourselves quality attention in the relating and listening process. We will look at the unconscious patterns and obstacles that hold us back from being fully present in our relationships.

• We will slow down and allow space to clearly see, feel and sense what is happening in the present moment.
• We will connect with the direct experience of the feelings, sensations and thoughts in our bodies.
• We will practise staying connected with ourselves as we relate with others.
• Through meditation, movement, sharing, and small group enquiry there will be support to stay present as we encounter different layers of our experience.
• In between sessions the retreat will be held in silence.

This retreat can open the possibility of a deeper and more intimate way of relating with ourselves, others and the world.

In this retreat we will explore four spiritual disciplines, two spiritual laws and a self-directed challenge to change your beliefs about money, to be in right relationship with money and to allow money to become a form of spiritual practice.
Engaging with money can be stressful. Regardless of how much we have it is often a source of fear and anxiety. Our minds can be preoccupied with thoughts around not having enough, or running out, or losing the money we have. Conditioned thinking patterns direct our focus to what is lacking, and this can lead to habitual judgment of ourselves, others and our circumstances. Over time, stress around money or feeling ruled by it can set up a feeling of dis-ease in our being and impact all aspects of our lives.
This course is for everyone who longs to feel relaxed about money. It is also for those who are curious about how we can respond to a call from the unlikely source that is money to deepen connection with the Divine, ourselves and others. The intention of this retreat is to transform your relationship with money into a dimension of your spiritual practice. You get to assign money its proper place and perspective in your life while experiencing a deeper intimacy with your higher power. The process involves exploring the spiritual disciplines of Gratitude, Praying, Fasting and the Giving Way of Being. We also consider the spiritual Laws of Abundance and Law of Vibration to support your learning; and we complete the journey with a self-directed spiritual challenge. Each practice has the power to transform your financial and spiritual life but taken together they can become a powerful code of conduct that ushers in a time of inner freedom, outer abundance, and greater intimacy with the Divine.

This course is inclusive. It is friendly to open-minded people of all religions and wisdom traditions. It is also welcoming if you identify as more spiritual than religious or if your spiritual home bridges more than one religion. Felicity draws on inspiration from multiple religious sources, principles and practices of mindfulness and the wisdom of universal spiritual laws. She shares insights from neuroscience as well as her own lived financial and spiritual experience. Each practice will help you develop qualities that will help you grow spiritually and allow you feel more relaxed about money.

You can expect daily mindful meditation practice to support the empowering and enriching teachings and down time for rest and relaxation.

Tibetan yantra yoga (Trul-Khor) includes vigorous movement and powerful breathing exercises, visualisation, meditation, the practice of mudras (ritual gestures) and the chanting of bija mantras (seed-syllables) i.e. OM, AH, HUM to remove blockages in the subtle energy system (chakras and nadis) and to regulate the flow of the so-called lung (prana).

Most of the body postures are performed either standing or sitting and are interspersed with periods of meditation. Tibetan yantra yoga presents effective means of healing and harmonising body and mind. However, the ultimate goal of Tibetan yantra yoga is to awaken to our natural state and inner wisdom

This retreat is based on the ancient tradition of Daoism. It offers a holistic approach that takes equal account of body, energy and mind. It combines breath work and moving qigong exercises to stimulate, free and balance the flow of the inner energy (qi). It includes silent meditation to calm and expand the mind. And it opens us to the inspiration of the profound and liberating wisdom teachings of Daoism and Zen. Ultimately, the Daoist path leads to the realisation of our true nature, the immeasurable Dao (or Tao)

Yoga teaches us the ability to remain present, calm and stable no matter what situation we find ourselves in. It is not about perfecting the shape of the pose or increasing flexibility – it is about knowing what the shapes do and how they impact our physiology, our energy and our mind. When carefully planned and sequenced, yoga helps us to thrive in the external world that is always changing, and simultaneously allows us to disconnect from our daily lives and reconnect to that aspect of being that never changes.

In yoga, a complete practice includes physical postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation. Postures and breathwork prepare us for meditation. When we regularly practise meditation, we train ourselves to pause before reacting, often based on habitual patterns, and instead respond calmly with more wisdom and compassion.

This retreat offers a reprieve from the sensory overload and constant stimulation of modern life. Throughout your retreat, you will discover practical tools to manage stress, enhance resilience, avoid burnout and promote overall well-being. From yoga and meditation practices to a guided hike, our experiential approach addresses the mind, body, and spirit, empowering you to thrive amidst life’s challenges.

Take back your life, it’s the only one you’ve got! The past few years seem to have been particularly challenging for many of us. Unsettling changes, prolonged stress, life crises of one kind or another, or simply giving away too much of your vital fire to another can leave you feeling dangerously close to burn-out and struggling to regain your sense of balance, purpose and passion.

This recalibration workshop is geared at those who feel they have lost the compass. Under the experienced guidance of creative journey guide and author, Elana Bregin, you will be led through the gentle process of rebuilding your inner fire and reclaiming the joie de vivre that may have gone missing in the stresses and traumas of daily life. Amid the quiet beauty and sacred peace of the BRC grounds, well supported by the Centre’s delicious meals, cosy fires and revitalising ambience, we will open our senses and heart chakras and start the conversation with our deeper selves that relaxed attention enables. There will be periods of writing reflection, group sharing, inspirational walks and uplifting talks, to help us get back in touch with who we really are and want to be, and explore useful strategies for infusing more joy and fulfilment into our everyday living - whatever our current challenges and circumstances.

"This workshop delivered beyond my expectations! I have new tools & perspectives for my journey forward, thank you. I would most certainly recommend this workshop & the insights shared." Previous workshop participant

For as long as there have been people on this earth, there have been stories. As human beings attempted to make sense of natural phenomena, the interpreted mysteries and feelings that led them to creating and inventing cultural norms that would endure for centuries. As the sun set at the end of each day, the evening star heralded a time to take a well deserved rest. Around the fire they enjoyed delicious meals and conversations and as a thanks giving, they composed new songs to embrace each other, young and old. The operative word in Gcina's work is sharing. Just like in those olden days, storytellers are language lovers, we cannot share our stories without a language we are comfortable in, to gift our narratives with one another. In the fast world we now live in, now more than ever before, we need to hear ourselves and each other, in calm, serene spaces. Ukuthula kube nani. “May peace be with you” some bird calls sing to us in the early morning hour. Gcina truly believes that every living person has a story to tell. That is why she is humbled in the knowledge that each time she tells a story, she wakes up stories in other people. Together we will not only embrace the natural beauty of the environment, the colours surrounding us, the undulating hills and valleys, the blue skies above and the fresh air we breathe - we will delve deep into our memory banks. Like the unyielding timeless rhythm of the ocean – so too shall we continue to enjoy the gift of our African Story Magic. In the most quiet hour, we will be reminded of a gentle sound of the cowhide drum honouring our individual and unique heartbeats. May the Spirit of Light, walk ahead of you! 

Many men are experiencing a crisis of identityand meaning in their lives right now. Relationship and careers are in transition, and the heart is yearning for a more meaningful and soul-centred vision in life. What is required is a fundamental shift in how we see ourselves, our roles, and our purpose in the world. This Men’s Retreat will facilitate huge shifts in the quality and experience of one’s life. This powerful intervention will assist participants to reduce stress, shift limiting perceptions and attitudes, gain self-knowledge, self-worth  and emotional balance and inculcate mental and emotional resilience in coping with this rapidly changing world.

Are you ready for a life shift? John Homewood and Michelle McClunan bring their combined forty years of facilitating experience to this two-part retreat, providing you with a gentle, yet powerful process that will shift, awaken and nourish your whole being. You will leave this retreat greatly refreshed with a new and awakened perspective in life, taking with you practical tools to apply in shifting all areas of your life.

The retreat will integrate transformational, yet practical spiritual teachings of Presence, Awakening and Creative Art Processes. This integration will help you clear blockages that may have prevented you from living a healthy, peaceful and abundant life. All creative experiences are process-driven, as opposed to being outcome-based, so no artistic experience or skill is required. You will leave with a deeper sense of peace; a more focused sense of life purpose and rekindled joy and with greater emotional and spiritual intelligence to navigate life’s challenges.
Should you only be able to attend the weekend, Part 1, you will still gain much. However, investing in the whole 4 days will provide you the space to integrate and apply this Shift even deeper and more fully into your awareness.

For more info on their work see www.journeysofawakening.com

Are you ready for a life shift? John Homewood and Michelle McClunan bring their combined forty years of facilitating experience to this two-part retreat, providing you with a gentle, yet powerful process that will shift, awaken and nourish your whole being. You will leave this retreat greatly refreshed with a new and awakened perspective in life, taking with you practical tools to apply in shifting all areas of your life.
The retreat will integrate transformational, yet practical spiritual teachings of Presence, Awakening and Creative Art Processes. This integration will help you clear blockages that may have prevented you from living a healthy, peaceful and abundant life. All creative experiences are process-driven, as opposed to being outcome-based, so no artistic experience or skill is required.

Part 2  will provide you the space to integrate and apply this Shift more deeply and more fully into your awareness. You will leave with a deeper sense of peace; a more focused sense of life purpose and rekindled joy and with greater emotional and spiritual intelligence to navigate life’s challenges.

For more info on their work see www.journeysofawakening.com

This Easter long-weekend Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion Retreat with clinical psychologist Sue Cooper, is held in Noble Silence and is offered either as a 4 night Easter Weekend retreat or as an extended 7 night retreat. Inspired by the wisdom teachings of the Dharma and of Buddhist and western psychology, we will cultivate mindfulness and compassion practices which calm the nervous system and help integrate body, heart and mind. As we learn to listen and connect more compassionately with ourselves, drawing silent support from the sangha (like-minded practitioners finding solace in the shared silence), we will discover that the containment of ennobling silence allows us to find the courage to honour and embody our authentic, heartfelt presence with greater confidence, clarity and joy.

As we embrace the joys and the sorrows of life with a greater understanding of impermanence, we move beyond fear, shame and crippling self-doubt. After establishing some stillness and calm in the mind and the heart, we will explore the Brahma viharas (the four divine abodes/ immeasurables) to cultivate greater kindness, courage and compassion for ourselves and others. These compassion practices bring more appreciative joy, equanimity and wisdom into our lives, strengthening our capacity for more open-hearted presence and healthier boundaries in our relationships. This silent retreat includes teachings, guided meditations, daily qigong, time to walk, rest and replenish, as well as short, individual sessions with Sue to deepen our insight and sense of well-being. There will be relaxing massages and mindful movement offered as optional extras (the cost of which to be confirmed), to support our embodied experience.

CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA (or equivalent) registered professionals will be confirmed, with an annual admin fee tbc.

Please note: There is a teacher's fee for this retreat, which is offered on a sliding scale, with reductions and payment plans on request. Please contact Sue on for her pre-retreat questionnaire and to discuss a pre-retreat session if needed. More details can be found here: https://stillmindretreats.com/event/retreat-the-joy-of-courageous-heartfelt-presence/

We all have inner guidance and knowledge, but we don't always know how to 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 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 our core that already knows that we are born as an unstoppable and magnificent force.