This retreat is a beautiful opportunity to cultivate your mindfulness practice within a natural setting, and intentionally bring the natural world (which your’e part of) into your practice. Practicing mindfulness in nature can help you get to know yourself in a deeper way. As you deepen this self-awareness you can more easily switch from the busy “doing” (reactive) mode to “being” (responsive) mode. As one shifts from emotional reactivity with concious awareness, your relationship with stress and mental health challenges also shift to a healthier and more effective way of being. In turn, as you develop greater self-awareness, insight and trust in yourself becomes normal, and self-compassion is deepened. We learn to meet ourselves and our experiences with wisdom and kindness.
This retreat is designed to learn mindfulness skills for daily life based on a retreat version of a 6-week program called “Naturally Mindful,” developed by Dr. Ameeta Dudani, clinical psychologist, experienced mindfulness teacher and Yoga teacher.
The retreat is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program and incorportes teachings from nature, inviting you to learn from the wisdom of nature and your direct experience as part of it. In this retreat you will be immersed in the six sessions of Ameeta’s course, including one full day of silent formal practice, all components of the course.
The retreat will provide guided silent practice periods, as well as free time for you to integrate of the material with reflection, journalling or walking in nature. Readings are provided in the sessions to help with the integration which you can take home to continue the reflection long after the retreat finishes.
Enjoy mindful movement (gentle and restorative yoga sessions) withe the guidance of Ameeta, who is a registered yoga teacher with many years of experience teaching trauma-sensitive, gentle hatha yoga, yin yoga and restorative yoga. Her style is gentle and therapeutic.
Furthermore, we have the opportunity to learn from a wonderful naturalist and birding expert who will take us on morning guided bird walks, Colleen Reilly, founder of The Pipits.
You don’t need any prior experience with mindfulness meditation, or with birding – beginners are welcome! If you have wanted to learn meditation in a supportive space this will be a great course. Simply bring openness and curiosity! 🙂
The intention of this summer retreat is to relax, with nature as support.. and learn mindfulness practices, engage in wisdom sharing discussions, to support any struggles in daily life.
The restorative and therapeutic benefits of connecting with nature are well known. Studies show that spending time in nature helps to bring about positive emotions, activates our parasympathetic nervous system which calms and restores us, and promotes positive mental health and overall wellbeing. Cultivating mindfulness enhances our ability to connect with nature and only reinforces the benefits. In mindfulness, we train our minds and our hearts to live in the present moment and to bring a kind and compassionate attitude to all of our experience.
Our Accomodation Types
