About Our Nature of YOU Retreats

Nature of YOU / Wisdom of the Water Element Retreat coming Nov 9, 2024! LEARN MORE

Here are some general descriptions of what to expect when you attend our next “Nature of YOU” Retreat:

Practice of Mindfulness:

Participating in a retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore and deepen the art of mindful living. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, aware of what you are thinking, feeling, and doing, without being swept away by it.

In each moment, you are invited to stay with your experience as it naturally unfolds. Whether you are walking to the bathroom, washing your hands, drinking water or tea, or listening to the sounds around you—everything can be practiced with mindful attention. Observe the details of your surroundings: look, listen, and let go.

Notice how you feel, breathe it in, and allow yourself to become fully present—where your mind and body unite as one. True mindfulness is when you are completely here, connected to each moment.

To support deeper immersion in mindfulness, participants are encouraged to unplug from digital devices and limit distractions. This helps cultivate a greater connection with yourself and your surroundings, enhancing the retreat experience.

Practice in Nature:

Many of our retreats take place in serene, natural settings, offering the perfect environment to disconnect from daily distractions and reconnect with the tranquility of nature. These peaceful surroundings create space for deeper reflection and personal growth.

During the retreat, participants often enjoy free time for personal reflection, journaling, or simply soaking in the calm and beauty of the natural world. Nature invites you to slow down, be present, and cultivate a sense of peace and balance.

Practice of Silence:

Throughout the retreat, we will spend much of our time in “the sweet territory of silence”, allowing for deeper inward reflection and meditation. This sacred silence helps foster a heightened sense of awareness and presence.

In silence, the body has an opportunity to settle, the mind begins to clear, and awareness naturally sharpens. As distractions fade away, space opens for insight, clarity, understanding, discernment – the qualities for wisdom and personal growth to emerge.

Wait, listen,

Practice in Solitude:

Though we gather as a group, each of us is also practicing solitude. Solitude is not about isolating ourselves in a distant cave; rather, it arises from a stable heart that remains unmoved by sorrows of the past, worries of the future, or excitement in the present.

While we participate together, we are also exploring our own inner world. It may feel unusual at first to refrain from socializing, but allow yourself the opportunity to explore your inner terrain in this safe and supportive “container.” Take refuge in your mindful breathing.

Returning to the present moment is like returning to the beautiful, serene island within each of us. The presence of the group offers support, reminding us of our own capacity for mindfulness. Embrace this practice as a return to your inner sanctuary, where you can cultivate peace and insight.

Practice in Sharing:

Sense of Community and Shared Experience

Our group gatherings provide a sense of community and shared experience, where participants are invited to share and reflect on their mindfulness practice—whether it’s joys, insights, challenges, or questions. When sharing, we encourage everyone to speak from their own personal experiences rather than abstract ideas or topics.

By expressing both the happiness and difficulties we encounter in our practice, we contribute to the collective insight and understanding of the group. Sharing is a valuable opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, often revealing that many of us face similar challenges.

Practicing deep listening when others share fosters a calm, safe, and supportive environment for everyone. As we sit, listen, and share together, we begin to recognize our true connection to one another.

Please remember that whatever is shared within the group remains confidential. If someone discusses a personal difficulty, respect their boundaries—acknowledging that they may or may not wish to continue the conversation outside of the group sharing time.

What We Do:

We engage in a variety of activities which may include some or all of these:

- - Mindfulness-based nature-connection experiences – where the ocean or trees breathe with you and the “wisdom teachings” from nature unlock deeper insights into your own inner landscape;
  - Sensations and Sound Immersion Journeys that resonate with the very core of your being — emotional entanglements loosen, stress melts away, revitalizing energies emerge, and your body balances and harmonizes with its natural, healthy vibrational state — your true nature!
  - Drumming that connects you with the primal heartbeat and rhythms on all of life.
  - Creative expression through art and/or movement to allow your spirit to merge with the elements
  - or more…

Meals:

- - For half-day events, the option to go out for lunch/dinner afterwards is suggested.
  - For full day events a meal is typically included.

Related blogs:

Nature of YOU / Wisdom of the Water Element Retreat coming Nov 9, 2024! LEARN MORE

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