Temenos

The Venue Join us in the abundant gardens of Temenos Retreat, McGregor in the Western Cape – a sanctuary where there is an array of bird life, plant life and so many hidden gems, including meditation rooms, a labyrinth and a Library. It’s the perfect place for stillness, self-reflection and provides an opportunity to connect with nature and her elements. The Possibilities “Our human compassion binds us to one another – not in pity or patronisingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”~ Nelson Mandela Hope is the belief that circumstances will get better. It’s not a wish for things to get better – it’s the actual belief, the inner knowing that things will get better, no matter how big or small. In the face of significant challenges and losses along our journey, hope is the mood in which we hold a commitment to possibility. Hope is not passive; it is living and breathing. It is at the core of who we are. This is an invitation to honour our human capacity for hope. Come into stillness and do some internal work – breathe, meditate, move gently, declare yourself a learner and immerse yourself in a creative process that will help you center, let go of anxiety and begin to cultivate a mood of radical hope. Re-connect with your true essence. And most importantly, do this with self-compassion. Self-Compassion – makes it possible for us to be present with all of our experiences, including those that are difficult. It is the gateway to acceptance – of self, of others, of uncertainty. Fierce, fearless compassion – with courage, curiosity and trust in basic goodness helps us to see possibilities we might not have otherwise imagined or ever thought possible and invites us to take action. Personal Investment R5900 for single cottage R5700 for sharing (with friend or relative) 3 nights accommodation at Temenos Retreat in McGregor. All fresh, healthy vegetarian meals, art materials, guided meditations, mindful movement and Creative Guiding/Coaching PLUS one follow up Coaching session with Karen after the retreat. Sunday evening’s dinner Monday morning’s breakfast are not included. The cottages are set up for self-catering. Beverages from the restaurant are not included. (Special coffees, teas, bottled waters & sodas.) ALCOHOL IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE RETREAT. We start at 16:00 on Friday the 17th. Wellness treatments are available at an extra cost. Please make bookings in advance here: https://www.temenosretreat.co.za/wellness A Creative Approach Creative Guiding centres on the creative process and journey of making art rather than the finished product. Karen gently nudges and guides art-making in a supportive environment. She draws on inspiration from nature and its elements, stories, poetry and other stimuli. The Emphasis is on the experience of creating, developing, learning and reflecting. There is a deepening of self-awareness in which one’s thinking does not override the process of spontaneity and creativity. It’s about an inward exploration, being in the present moment, letting go of expectations and being curious about whatever emerges. No art experience is required. Your Host Karen embodies care, love and deep respect for personal dignity and brings a presence to her coaching that is both compassionate and encouraging. This in conjunction with her sensitivity to all in a group creates an environment for all to explore and discover. Karen facilitates processes that expand through three key approaches: Ontological Coaching, Leadership Embodiment & Creative Guiding. Guest Teacher Ts & Cs Completing and submitting the registration form is a sign of a firm commitment to this retreat – including payment. Payment is Due IN FULL on submission of the registration form. The retreat will run with a minimum of 4 participants. If, due to unforeseen circumstances the retreat is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If the retreat is rescheduled, you will have the choice of a refund or to attend on the new dates. A cancellation request by you 15 days prior to the retreat will be refunded at 50% of the total cost. A cancellation request by you cannot be refunded within 15 days prior to the retreat. You may transfer your registration to another person. Please contact Karen at +27 82 828 2028 for any transfer requests. By submitting the registration form, you hereby indemnify Karen Nebe against any and all damages, illness and/or loss of whatsoever kind, caused by Karen Nebe’s involvement (whether direct or indirect) in terms hereof and render Karen Nebe harmless against any claims (regardless of whether they arise). https://karennebe.com/2023/01/30/17-20-march-2023-a-year-of-hope-theselfcompassionbreak-temenos-retreat-mcgregor/ Karen Nebe | +27 82 828 2028 | karen@karennebe.com

This early Autumn weekend retreat is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners and is held in a nurturing and containing atmosphere of contemplative silence. We will focus on the cultivation of life-affirming qualities of mind and heart which support the development of courageous and compassionate presence, necessary for embracing the joys and sorrows of life. In addition to sitting, standing and reclining meditations, our embodied awareness will be enhanced by daily sessions of the ancient movement meditation qigong, optional yoga/mindful movement and aromatherapy massages, as well as silent walking meditations through the beautiful gardens of Temenos. There will also be time for restorative rest and short, individual sessions with Sue during the retreat. Delicious vegetarian/vegan food will be savoured in silence as part of our integrated practice. This retreat ends with lunch on Sunday 26 March and includes free accommodation on Sunday night. Embrace the season of transition in the magical gardens of Temenos with compassionate awareness. A pre-retreat individual session via Zoom/Whatsapp is required for newcomers or if you have not attended one of Sue’s residential retreats before. The fee for this will be the 50-55 minute medical aid rate and will be reduced if necessary. Please contact Sue on sue.stillmind@gmail.com to arrange a time. Bookings: admin@stillmindretreats.com Pricing & Accommodation Costing: Single En-suite Accommodation & Food: R4000 Teacher's Fee: R3500 Total: R7500 Shared en-suite Accommodation & Food (available to couples/friends only): R3750 per person Teacher's Fee: R3500 per person Total: R7250 per person As always, further reductions on Sue's fee and payment plans are available on request. A deposit of R1500 to R2000 (R1500 of which is non-refundable) confirms your place. You are welcome to pay in installments and the full balance is due by the 31 October unless you have a pre-arranged payment plan with Sue. Optional Extras: Massage: R650 for 60 minutes Yoga/Mindful Movement to be confirmed Accommodation Options: (please visit Temenos to view gallery) Library Suites: Avila - Georgian cottage, twin beds, shower, fireplace, private braai patio Jamil - Georgian cottage, twin beds, shower, fireplace, private braai patio Iona - Georgian cottage, double bed, bath, fireplace, private braai patio Lisieux - Georgian cottage, twin beds, bath, fireplace, private patio Garden Cottages: Assisi - Thatch roof, twin beds, shower, fireplace, private braai patio Subiaco - Thatch roof, twin beds, shower, fireplace, private braai patio Carmel - Thatch roof, double bed, shower, fireplace, private patio, braai area Chiara - Thatch roof, double bed, shower, fireplace, verandah Spiral Cottages: Athena - Twin beds, fireplace, shower and bath. Braai facilities Beulah - Twin beds, fireplace, shower and bath. Braai facilities The Hermitage: Beni Abbes - A private & contemplative cottage with a double bed, separate lounge, shower, fireplace, thatch roof. Bank Details Account Name: Stillmind Retreats Cheque Account: 62506345637 First National Bank, Rondebosch Branch Code: 201509 Reference: Your name & 24 Mar Please email proof of payment as well as confirmation of your booking including your contact number to admin@stillmindretreats.com. Cancellation Policy 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. More details: stillmindretreats.com

Dear friends, It is a joy once again to be sharing thoughts with you at this time of celebration, reflection, transition and renewal. I know that for many of our guests and friends 2022 has been a year of challenge whether it be still trying to adjust to the repercussions of the Covid Pandemic and dealing with the resultant economic upheaval. There is also the spectre of ongoing load shedding plus the endless negative media barrage of distressing global political and environmental issues. I am also keenly aware that many of Temenos’ friends have also had to contend with unexpected health crises and the unexpected loss of loved ones. On a personal note I too have been contending with the forces of change, primarily adjusting to the absence of my own dear ones. I now know, more deeply than ever before, that grief feels to be far worse a few months after one’s loss and that it comes upon one in sudden waves brought on by the simplest things – a song, a sunset, the stirring of the breeze, someone’s smile. Thanks however in large part to the loving support of friends and to a practice of trusting the flow, I am indeed learning to swim with the waves and to discover over and over again the calm, sunlit waters of rich memories and boundless gratitude. As we draw to the close of 2022, I hope to be emerging from an inward looking year to a time of new prospects in spite of all the above challenges that our world is facing. While shunning the oppressive habit of New Year resolutions, the milestone of a New Year invites me to revisit what hope and faith may mean in such a changing inner and outer world? This invitation means so much more than merely trying to be optimistic or to look for silver linings in everything. Rather, it is an opportunity to keep one’s spiritual life – whatever form that takes- fresh and alive by reflecting on and committing to a renewal of one’s inspiration. This may simply mean taking time to listen again to one’s Inner Pilot who will always guide us towards wholeness and healing. Did you know that this place of listening, the sacred space within ourselves, is called a Temenos? It is the holy ground, unique to everyone, where the divine may be encountered. It is only here that we truly hear the invitation to transcend our present limitations and challenges, to be marvellously authentic and to embrace future changes with an open heart. It may take courage to realign with more conscious choices for our lives for it is all too easy to be swamped by circumstances or a general pervasive pessimism. But as Paulo Coelho writes,’ the gift of faith and hope belongs to whoever chooses to accept it. It is enough to believe and not be afraid.’ My wish for all of you is that you glimpse a new dawn within yourself, that your dreams nourish your soul and all the creatures, and that you believe ever more deeply in your own worth and beauty. With love, Billy

The Festive season can be both a time of happy celebration and of excessive rushing around and socialising. For others, the frantic commercialisation of the season can be exhausting and something to be avoided. Should you need to do some deep breathing or to nurture your well-being, why not take time out for yourself? Set aside a few days to enjoy your own quiet company along with your beloved. Our gardens invite you to return to inner stillness and to quietly align with the unfolding New Year. Join us for our 3 day New Year’s package available during the months of January and February: 3 night’s accommodation for Two Daily breakfast A two course dinner for Two in Tebaldi’s Restaurant: Main course and dessert (beverages for your account) R2850 per person, sharing Weekdays only (Monday – Thursday) Package Gift Vouchers available on request