Retreat Open the Heart & Still the Mind: End the Year with Compassionate Wisdom & Joyful Presence
This popular, annual December “Open the Heart and Still the Mind” extended silent retreat returns this year to the stunningly beautiful Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat, near Stanford and is an integration of Buddhist wisdom and practices with depth psychology. We will End the Year with Compassionate Wisdom and Joyful Presence from 16 - 21 December 2026.
Through mindfulness, metta and compassion practices we will establish a calm and grounded embodied presence, creating a safe home within, from which to cultivate a brave, compassionate and joyful heart and mind.
These spacious and immeasurable qualities of consciousness (known as the Brahma Viharas) transform perfectionism into presence, freeing us from a life of self-destructive habits, distraction and fear. As our thoughts, speech and actions move beyond anxiety, self-doubt, shame and anticipatory dread, our choices become inspired by open-hearted, appreciative awareness and compassionate wisdom.
The extended time in silence provides an opportunity to process the year and to discover new perspectives and more courageous and joyful ways of being, as well as offering time for deep, restorative rest and replenishment. In addition to the guided meditations in all postures, our embodied experience will be enhanced by daily sessions of qigong and optional massages, mindful movement, as well as time to walk and swim in nature. Short, individual sessions with Sue are included and will provide additional emotional containment and healing.
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A 30-50 minute pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is required for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. This provides greater containment and enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The fee for this will be the 30-50 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if you are not on medical aid. Please contact Sue on sue.stillmind@gmail.com to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation for Health, Mental Health and Allied professionals is confirmed with an annual admin fee of R475.
Bookings: admin@stillmindretreats.com
ACCOMMODATION
COURTYARD ROOMS (5 rooms, all en-suite with shower) - Only Poppy Available
Fern - Dbl Bed; Wild Olive - Dbl Bed; Morning Glory - Dbl Bed; Orchid - Twin Beds; Poppy - Twin or King Bed
Single occupancy: R12 250
Double occupancy: R17 900
GARDEN ROOMS (4 rooms, Dbl all en-suite) - Fully Booked
Wild Sage - Bath (booked)
Rose - Bath & Shower
Lavender - Shower
Erica - Shower
Single occupancy: R13 350
Double occupancy: R20 050
FARMHOUSE ROOMS (4 rooms; shared communal kitchenette, lounge, library) - Disa, Twin or King Bed & Daisy Available
Restio - single bed: Single occupancy: R7 650
Disa - twin room: Single occupancy: R11 800
Double occupancy: R17 500
Daisy - King: Single occupancy: R11 850
Double occupancy: R17 550
Above shared with 2 bathrooms, 1 x bath & 1 x shower
Pincushion - en-suite shower - Fully Booked
Single occupancy: R13 350
Double occupancy: R20 050
SUNBIRD COTTAGE
Double and twin rooms. There is one bathroom en suite (bath, no toilet) and a separate shower and toilet. The cottage is a short stroll from the main retreat facilities.
Room 1 en-suite Bath no toilet: Single occupancy - R10 475
Double Occupancy - R16 525
Room 2 shared bathroom twin or king bed : Single occupancy - R9925
Double Occupancy - R15 975
HERON COTTAGE - Fully Booked
2 medium sized bedrooms both with en-suites. It features a big indoor fireplace, outside pizza oven, fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living space, as well as a large private porch with expansive views.
Room 1 - Single occupancy - R11 500
Room 2 with stoep - Single occupancy - R12 500
THE CLOISTER ROOMS (12 single bedrooms with 3 shared bathrooms; showers & shared living area) - Only 9 out of 12 still available
All single occupancy rooms: R7 600
CAMPING
BYO tent and bedding: R4700
TEACHERS FEE: R6000 (with reductions & payment plans on request)
Included in the rates:
3 nourishing vegetarian meals per day
Fresh fruit, tea, rusks and locally roasted coffee
Hiking on beautiful trails
Swimming and use of facilities
Wood-fired sauna
DEPOSIT on booking: R3500 - R6000 (R3000 of which is non-refundable)
Balance of accommodation & 50% of teacher's fee due before end of September, unless a payment plan has been pre-arranged. Full balance (Venue cost plus Teacher's fee) due before 15 November, unless a payment plan has been pre-arranged.
Account Name: Stillmind Retreats
Bank: First National Bank
Account Number: 63069443760
Branch Code: 250655 or 210835
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: Your name & 16 Dec
Please email proof of payment as well as confirmation of your booking including your contact number to admin@stillmindretreats.com.
Although individual circumstances will be taken into account the following applies to all bookings.
Please note that the refunded amount/percentage is calculated on the full retreat fee.
4 – 6 weeks prior to retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event, your place is not filled there will be a refund less 50%.
2 - 4 weeks prior to retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit, but in the event, your place is not filled, a refund less 75%.
2 weeks or less prior to the retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less the non-refundable deposit.
If your place is not filled, then no refund is possible, but individual circumstances will be taken into account.
Details
- Start: 16 December, 2026 @ 5:00 pm UTC+2
- End: 21 December, 2026 @ 10:00 am UTC+2
- Event Category: Residential Retreats
Venue
- Bodhi Khaya Retreat Centre
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Grootbos Road
Stanford, Western Cape South Africa - View Venue Website