This long-weekend silent Open the Heart and Still the Mind Compassion retreat will draw on the wisdom of Buddhist psychology and the inspiring teachings and practices of Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion, who “Listens to the cries of the world at ease." After establishing a calm and grounded body, heart and mind, we will focus on the practice of loving-kindness (metta) meditation and the deepening of compassionate wisdom. These practices strengthen our boundaries and provide us with a secure foundation of courage and trust.
In a contained and nurturing atmosphere of contemplative silence, we will learn how to transform the self-critical and judgmental inner voices, so that we can end the habitual cycle of self-abandonment. As we discover how to internalise the archetypal good-enough mother, represented by Kuan Yin, we will develop the courage and trust which allow us to honour our vulnerability without fear or shame. When we can embrace our humanness with kindness and compassion, we can live more authentically, so that healing and awakening can occur.
This retreat which starts at midday on Thursday 9th August, includes guided sitting and walking meditations, short individual sessions with Sue and daily sessions of qigong (chi kung) movement meditation to enhance the integration of body, heart and mind. In addition to the optional relaxing yoga sessions and aromatherapy massages, which will enhance our embodied awareness, there will be time for restorative rest and silent walks in the beautiful surroundings of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountain ranges, amidst fynbos and vineyards. Mont Fleur’s famously delicious vegetarian and vegan food will be savoured in silence, as part of our integrated practice.
A once-off, pre-retreat individual session is required if you haven't yet had one with Sue, to provide greater containment. This enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The additional session fee of R750 is fully covered by Medical Aid or will be reduced if necessary, if you do not have cover.
CPD accreditation for psychologists and other HPCSA registered professionals: 26 General CEUs have been granted.
Please Note: To receive CPD points and your certificate(s) this year, there is an annual admin fee of R150 - thank you.
Single en-suite: R8000 (Accommodation & Food: R5000 and Teacher's Fee: R3000)
Shared en-suite: R7265 per person (Accommodation & Food: R4265 and Teacher's Fee: R3000)
A deposit of R2000 confirms your place, R1500 of which is non-refundable. The balance can be paid in monthly installments with full payment due two weeks before the start of the retreat, unless you have a pre-arranged payment plan with Sue. Payment plans are available on request.
Optional Extras: Massage: R500 for 60 minutes
Yoga: Suggested dana (donation) of R100 - R130 per session attended
Account Name: Stillmind Retreats
Cheque Account: 62506345637
First National Bank, Rondebosch
Branch Code: 201509
Reference: Your name & AugMF
Please email proof of payment to admin@suecooper.co.za.
Although individual circumstances will be taken into account the following applies to all bookings.
Please note that the refunded amount/percentage is calculated based on the full retreat fee.
4 – 6 weeks prior to retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less R1000.
If it is not filled there will be a refund less 30%.
2 - 4 weeks prior to retreat:
If your place is filled, there will be a refund less R1500, 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, and the retreat is fully booked, there will be a refund less R2000 (non-refundable deposit and late cancellation fee).
If your place is filled, and the retreat is not fully booked, then the accommodation and food only will be refunded, but individual circumstances will be taken into account.
If your place is not filled, then no refund is possible, but individual circumstances will be taken into account.