I’m really thrilled to announce my first ever ‘Meditate in the Mountains’ retreat in Europe from Monday 19th – Friday 23 July 2021.  This had to be postponed from summer 2020 because of Covid 19.  Just like the Mindful Safaris I lead each year to Africa, our ‘Meditate in the Mountains’ experience will take us to the heart of nature, specifically, the beautiful Beskydy Mountains in the Czech Republic.  For five days, in this idyllic setting, we will open ourselves to extraordinary experiences, outer and inner.

I am also really delighted to be joined for this retreat by Hayley Cutler, an insightful and experienced practitioner and Instructor of Kundali Yoga – and also a fellow Zimbabwean!  Each morning starts with a gentle half hour yoga class, suitable for beginners as well as more experienced practitioners, followed by a guided meditation.

As much as possible, our sessions will be held outside, nature permitting, so that we can take full advantage of the pristine mountain prana, panoramic landscapes and reconnection to the earth, water, air and sun from which we all arise.  The image below from our ‘Meditate in the Mountains’ retreat in Zimbabwe, gives an idea of what we aim to achieve.

And here is a 3 minute video Hayley prepared for the Meltingpot forum in Ostravia, Czech Republic, at which we will both presenting the week before our mountain retreat:

After our early morning yoga and meditation, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast at Penzion Jurasek, where we will be staying during our time in the mountains.  After breakfast, I will share some perspectives on the value of meditation, which is the only way in which we observe our own minds for ourselves.  Once we are able to open this door, it is extraordinary what becomes possible.

During each session I will share different meditations tools, designed to appeal to people with different temperaments, so that by the end of our five days together, everyone will have a chance to discover a meditation practice that will work for them on a sustainable basis.  Mind training has many parallels to physical training and I will share some tips to integrate meditation and mindfulness into everyday life.

Being in nature has, in itself, been shown to deliver holistic benefits very similar to meditation – because when we’re in nature, we are naturally more mindful.  So from 11 am – 3 pm, your day is free to spend time exploring the beautiful mountains.  The landscaped gardens of the hotel offer numerous places for reflection.  There are numerous hiking trails around the hotel and further afield for the more adventurous.  And Penzion Jurasek has spa facilities including a swimming pool and sauna if you just want to unwind and relax.

Between 3pm and 6pm our program includes more yoga, meditation and discussion about whatever has come up during the day.  You will have the chance to engage in systematic relaxation sessions, designed not only to help you relax, and open out to the experiences of the week, but also to help bring your subconscious mind into alignment with your conscious wishes.

Additionally, in the afternoons we look forward to introducing you to people from the Beskydy mountains who have specific expertise in holistic well being subjects such as essential oils and herbal treatments derived from the plants and trees of the local region.

In the evenings, guests are free to choose between dining at Penzion Jurasek, or visiting one of the restaurants in the beautiful village nearby.

The cost of ‘Meditate in the Mountains’ is Euros 675, comprising Euros 355 for 4 nights accommodation and an early bird special of Euros 320 for the retreat instructions.  This is a special package the organisers have secured from Penzion Jurasek and represents an amazing discount on the usual rates.  The accommodation fee includes accommodation, as well as breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon tea and coffees.  It excludes dinners and alcoholic beverages – guests will find a number of options both at the hotel or in the nearby village.

‘Meditate in the Mountains’ will be fully booked – probaby soon!  To avoid disappointment, please act quickly!  Email: retreat@meltingpotforum.com

I look forward very much to sharing this very special part of Europe with you in July 2021!