This 7 day intensive, silent retreat offers an opportunity to explore and deepen your meditation practice, while learning the art of true self-care in the beautiful environment of Dharmagiri, at the foot of the sacred Mvuleni Bamboo Mountain in the Southern Drakensberg, KZN.
Inspired by the wisdom teachings of the Dharma and of Buddhist and western psychology, through mindfulness and compassion practices, we will experience the calming and enlivening integration of body, heart and mind. As we listen compassionately, drawing silent support from the sangha (likeminded practitioners finding solace together in the held silence), we will discover that through the powerful containment of ennobling silence, we can find the courage for healthier boundaries, which allows us to honour and embody our authentic, heartfelt presence with greater confidence and joy.
As we embrace the joys and the sorrows of our shared human predicament, we feel our inter-connectedness and begin to move beyond fear, shame and crippling self-doubt, all fuelled by the curse of perfectionism. Relating more bravely and boldly with greater kindness to ourselves and our internal world, we experience more appreciative joy and compassionate wisdom.
We will be supported by the magnificent mountains and the beauty of Nature, with time to walk, rest and replenish.
The retreat includes teachings, guided meditations, daily qigong, silent walks on the mountain, delicious, nourishing vegan & vegetarian food and short, individual sessions with Sue to deepen our insight and sense of well-being. There may be massages as an optional extra - to be confirmed.
The retreat ends with breakfast on Friday 7th and there is the option to stay for another night to give time for a hike or post-retreat transition.
A pre-retreat session is required if you have not attended a retreat with Sue before or if you’d like to catch-up in preparation for the extended time in silence. This provides greater containment and enhances and deepens the silent retreat experience for yourself and for the group. The additional session fee of R975 for 50 mins (or R800 for 30 mins) is fully covered by Medical Aid and can be reduced if necessary. Please contact Sue on sue.stillmind@gmail.com to arrange a time.
CPD accreditation will be confirmed, at an additional admin fee of R350.
Bookings: admin@stillmindretreats.com
COST: Food and Accommodation plus Teacher’s Fee on a sliding scale.
VENUE COSTS: Accommodation & Food:
On-Site:
6 x Single Monastic style en-suite rooms with mountain views:
R6650 (plus R900 for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
1 x Thatched twin room (gate house) with en-suite bathroom:
R6650 booked as a single; R6300 per person shared (plus R900 single / R850 p.p shared for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
2 x Twin rooms with shared bathroom:
R5950 per person shared; R6195 booked as a single (plus R850 p.p shared / R885 single for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
Mvuleni Farm: (Adjoining farm 3-5 mins walk - "almost on-site!")
1 x Cottage Double bed with en-suite bathroom:
R6650 booked as a single; R6300 per person shared for couples (plus R900pp for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
1 x Double bed & bath en-suite:
R6650 booked as a single (plus R900 for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
1 x Twin with shared bathroom:
R5950 per person shared; R6195 booked as a single (plus R850 p.p shared / R885 single for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
1 x Double with shared bathroom:
R6300 booked as a single (plus R900 for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
1 x En-suite 2-3 bedded sharing:
R5950 per person shared; R6300 booked as a single (plus R850 p.p shared / R900 single for the post retreat optional extra night on the 7th October)
Teacher’s Fee:
R7500/7000/6500/6000/5509/5000
This is offered on a sliding scale and while the full fee is always very greatly appreciated, the reduced amounts allow you to choose an amount that you can manage. Further reductions are available on request and a flexible payment plan is offered if needed.
A deposit of R2500 - R3500 (R2500 of which is non-refundable) confirms your place. Payment is suggested in instalments with full balance paid by 25 September, unless you have a pre-arranged payment plan with Sue.
In the spirit of dana, which is a practice of generosity, we will offer a donation with appreciation to the resident staff and the centre.
Optional Extras:
60 min Massages: R600 (to be confirmed)
Transport to Dharmagiri from King Shaka Airport, Durban:
Sue will use the shuttle service offered by Mr Hadley Woodroffe. Please discuss flights and arrival/departure times before booking, so that you can share the shuttle costs. Sue will book the shuttle.
- King Shaka Airport to Dharmagiri x 1 pax R1900 each way
- King Shaka Airport to Dharmagiri x 2 pax R1025 pp each way
- King Shaka Airport to Dharmagiri x 3 pax R750 pp each way
If you require a shared shuttle, please book your flights to King Shaka airport to arrive in the morning or by 13:30pm latest and please depart from King Shaka after 12 for your return flight.
Account Name: Stillmind Retreats
Cheque Account: 62506345637
First National Bank, Rondebosch
Branch Code: 201509
Reference: Your name & 30 Sep
Please email proof of payment as well as confirmation of your booking including your contact number to admin@stillmindretreats.com.
To be confirmed.