December Newsletter
- Temenos
- Nov 27
- 3 min read
Dear friends
Do any of you remember the movie, Awakenings? Robert De Niro plays the role of a patient who, for thirty years, does not move or speak. A particularly sensitive and enterprising doctor decides to try out some new theories, and lo and behold, the patient begins to move around, talk and feel. For a brief period, he returns to this world, and announces to all around him that he is back.
‘I have been away for quite some time, and now I have returned”. Gradually he becomes aware of the love and concern that surrounds him, and what is real and alive in his soul.
Over the last 25 years I have encouraged many guests that it is never too late to wake up. Morning is when we wake up, Advent is a great time to wake up. To wake up to new hope, to wake up and find, that in spite of all the negative news that all too frequently bombards us, the Beloved is present in one’s life and in one’s heart.
If one follows a Christian Path it is also time to open that heart so as to clear all the busyness that makes no room for the birth of the Christ child and the Beloved’s presence in our lives.
Irrespective though of your own personal beliefs, we have come to a time of year where we are invited to become more aware of what exactly keep us very busy with so many things?
We can pause too and ponder if we have neglected our Spiritual Practice or that part of us that hopes for, and can invite, stillness and peace.
Wishing you a heartening Advent
With, Love
Billy the Gardener
Time for reflection with Jillian Lambert -4th – 8th December2025
Email: jill@thepeoplepractice.co.za
A gentle, soulful retreat for those who feel the pull to pause, breathe, and step into a new cycle with clarity and intention. A perfect way to end the year. Held in the tranquil sanctuary of Temenos, this retreat offers a deeply nurturing space to digest the past year, honour it’s gifts, and release what no longer serves. Through daily movement, meditation, quiet time in nature, reflective sessions, a guided labyrinth walk, drumming and fire ceremony, you are invited back to yourself-rested, restored, and ready to realign with the life your heart is calling you toward.
FESTIVE SEASON PACKAGES
A break before Christmas 8th to 18th December
Come and take advantage of our pre - Christmas Special any four days from the 8th until the 18th December
R3200 Single
R4200 for two sharing
Take a holiday at Temenos 8th to 18th December
7 day’s special
R6500 Single or sharing
CHRISTMAS PACKAGE 22rd – 26th December 4 nights (One cottage left)
Come and enjoy 4 night’s accommodation, Traditional Christmas dinner plus a lunch on Tuesday at Tebaldi’s restaurant.
R 4665 single
R 4240 per person sharing
BREATHER - 28-31 December 3 nights
A time to indulge in a relaxing breakaway between Christmas and New Year.
3 night’s accommodation plus Saturday night dinner.
R 3320 per person
WIND DOWN 2025 SPECIAL - Friday 5th Jan – Friday 19th January
Need a quiet break after the festive season. Come and enjoy the tranquillity of McGregor and out tranquil gardens Choose any 4 nights between 5 – 19th January.
R 3600 single
R 4900 sharing
Tebaldi’s Christmas Eve Dinner Menu
Bookings Dineplan or call 023 625 1115
