From Fragmentation to Wholeness and Joy: 5 week in-person course

August 23 and 30; September 6, 13 and 20

“Open the Heart and Still the Mind” courses are an integration of the wisdom of Buddhist and Western psychology and meditation, a powerful practice for deepening our awareness of the present moment and developing a more compassionate relationship to ourselves and others.

This 5 week course consists of 5 Tuesday evening mini-retreats in person. The intention as we explore mindfulness and compassion practices, is that we will find solace with sangha (a community of like-minded people) whilst experiencing a taste of a nurturing, silent retreat each week.

During these 5 mini retreats, within a context of containing, nurturing silence, we will use meditation (mindfulness and compassion practices), wisdom teachings from Buddhist and Western psychology and mindful movement meditations to explore different ways to find inner calm and wholeness as we Open the Heart and Still the Mind. Through practices which deepen our connection to the body, heart and mind with kindness and compassion, we will develop an understanding of the ways in which the vicious inner critic and the curse of perfectionism create fragmentation and disconnection within. We will discover ways to transform the fragmentation of the anxious mind, through connecting to a more integrated, embodied and heartfelt presence, leading to more joy and well-being.

Each session will include a teaching, guided meditation and a movement meditation (qigong or a walking meditation) to strengthen our embodied presence and to enhance our experience of the integration of body, heart and mind. There will also be a short, silent eating and drinking meditation and an opportunity for reflection (listening and talking meditation) to deepen our understanding of psychological and meditative approaches to inner healing and transformation.

This course is open to newcomers, as well as experienced practitioners who want to deepen or revive their practice.

For those who have not attended a course or retreat with Sue, or have not had contact for a while,  a once-off individual session is required, which is fully covered by medical aid or reduced if necessary (R975 for 50 mins or R800 for 30 mins or reduced if not on medical aid).

Dates: August 23 and 30; September 6, 13 and 20

Time: 18h00 for 18h15 – 20h30

Venue: 25 Hohenort Avenue, Constantia

Cost: R3000 (approximately R1750 will be covered by medical aid if you still have psychologycover/savings left for the year). A payment plan can be arranged if needed.

Deposit: R1000 to secure your place (non-refundable)

To book: please email admin@stillmindretreats.com before paying your deposit, as numbers will be limited.