Meditation Retreats
Come home to yourself…
September 6 - 9, 2024
I am so pleased to be offering two Meditation and Movement Retreats this year.
April 25-28, 2024 - SOLD OUT
September 6 - 9, 2024 - Booking now
A retreat is such a fabulous thing to gift ourselves!
In my experience, a retreat is a time to settle deeper into yourself, to let go of any sense of striving or expectations or needing to please others. A time to allow yourself to unwind into peace and acceptance and the joy of being alive.
Here is all the info...
Dates & Times
Friday - (Sunday or) Monday
September 6 - 9
1pm Friday - Arrive at the lodge for our Indigenous Cultural Welcome walk
3pm Sunday - Retreat activities finish, some people depart
10am Monday - Some people depart here after staying Sunday night for extra relax time
During the retreat guided activities will run from 7.30am until 5.30pm, with 1.5 hours for breakfast, 2 hours for lunch, 1 hour for dinner, and a short break for morning and afternoon tea. One afternoon will be left clear of activities for free time and resting.
All activities are optional, and you are encouraged to rest whenever that feels like the best option for you.
The Practices
Each day we will do walking and sitting meditation in the beautiful natural surrounds, right on the border of Mt Barney National Park, deepening our awareness of ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it. There is a gorgeous fresh creek on the property, and stunning views of Mt Barney and Mt Maroon. When we ground ourselves in the energy of the water, earth and air where nature is so pure and clean, it brings a wonderful vitality to our whole system.
We will practice pranayama (breathing exercises) to build our energy reserves, to calm our nervous systems, and to bring focus and clarity to our minds.
We will do a range of movement practices, to encourage strength, stability and fluidity in our physical selves, to support our energy flow, and to increase our body mind connections.
There will be guided sessions in both intention setting and boundary setting. From this place of clarity and centredness, we build our inner wisdom, and our trust in our ability to sense what is right for us and the world.
We will have a night time outdoor fire ceremony, where anything you are ready to let go of can be released into the fire, creating space for fresh new energy to flow in.
And we will practise Metta (Loving Kindness meditation) to strengthen and build our capacity to give and receive love, with ourselves, with each other, and with all beings.
** All activities are optional, and you are encouraged to discuss with the leaders anything that you need as it arises. These offerings are for you. **
Noble Silence
To further assist us to each settle into our own centres, we will ask participants to enter into Noble Silence from Friday evening until Sunday morning.
This means you can speak if you need to ask a question, or to stop someone hurting themselves accidentally, but that you are encouraged to not talk unless completely necessary.
This is a wonderful practice, and if it sounds new and challenging, then please know that this is quite normal, and see if you can stay open-minded until you have experienced it first-hand. Many people who have tried it experience great benefit, and look forward to this rare opportunity.
Pricing
Camping with own gear $850 (EB)/ $950 (FP)
Single bed in twin share room $1050 (EB)/ $1200 (FP)
Double bed in own room $1300 (EB)/ $1500 (FP)
Includes all food, accommodation and activities.
Early Bird pricing (EB) available until July 31, after that Full Price (FP) applies.
Payment Plans Available. When booking, if you choose to pay via Paypal, then you will have the option to click “Pay in 4”, where you pay in 4 fortnightly installments. Note, there is a small 0.5% surcharge for Paypal.
Bookings close on Sunday September 1st
About the Venue & Accommodation
The retreat will be held at Mt Barney Lodge, 1.5hrs south west of Brisbane. This is the last private property before Mt Barney National Park, surrounded by glorious mountains and with a creek along one side of the property.
We will have exclusive use of the beautiful Boolamoola Queenslander Homestead at Mt Barney Lodge.
The homestead has lovely wrap around verandas for relaxing and soaking up the nature, plus an indoor fireplace.
There is a hall attached to the homestead where we will do our indoor practices, and lots of beautiful spots around the property where we will do some outdoor practices.
All linen is provided if staying indoors. Although I always sleep better when I bring my own pillow! Totally up to you, of course.
Food & Nourishment
All meals, snacks and teas are catered for, from Friday dinner until Monday Breakfast.
We will each do a little bit of helping out in the kitchen during the retreat, and thus enjoy the gift of giving to the group in this small way.
If you have any dietary requirements please let us know.
Digital Detox
The lodge is wonderfully eco-centred, has very little phone reception and no wifi.
We will take advantage of this time to disconnect from the internet, and all the usual pulls on our attention and energy, and instead connect with ourselves, each other and the Earth.
To aid this, we will ask you to hand in your phones at the start of the retreat activities on Friday. And then give them back at the end of the retreat.
If anyone needs to contact you during the retreat, they can call the office at Mt Barney Lodge, and a message will be passed along promptly.
The number is (07) 5544 3233.
Questions?
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions you might have.
Looking forward to sharing with you!
Terms & Conditions
Please read this policy carefully. By coming on this retreat you are confirming that you are free from Covid symptoms, assuming responsibility for any travel risks, and are releasing Rachael Gibson from any liability that might arise from your participation in this retreat.
All activities are optional, and you are encouraged to make choices that suit you in each moment.
No one books a retreat expecting to cancel, but sometimes life throws us unexpected circumstances. Hence, you might like to consider purchasing travel insurance.
There are no refunds once a booking is made, but you are welcome to find a suitable person to take your place, up to 5 days prior to the retreat. Get in touch if you need to arrange this with me.
May life smile on you so you never need to think about this policy again!
“Happiness lies not in finding what is missing, but in finding what is present”
- Tara Brach
“Absolutely Fantastic!! Thanks Rachael!! Such a pleasure to share your knowledge and your company once again.”
— Lee-Anne and John Smith
“Rachael encourages personal learning through her belief and guidance that your body is your best teacher. Her gentle strength inspires confidence and growth. Her joy and enthusiasm for what she does shine through in every interaction you have with her. I love learning with Rachael.”
— Sandie Hallas