I felt the need for a great pilgrimage. So I sat still for three days ~ Hafiz

This weekend residential retreat offers an opportunity for you to slow down and explore the experience of moving into stillness. So often in life, we get caught up in a whirlwind of activity and distraction and are captivated by external stimuli, and yet this outward focus keeps us from truly spending time with ourselves. I’ve always wondered why our world marvels at, and celebrates, outer space exploration, yet so little attention is given to exploring our internal space. Spiritual practitioners, monks, nuns, and those in therapeutic professions may advocate for this deep dive into self…or choosing to live a quiet, contemplative life…but it’s certainly not something our mainstream culture commends.

A key intention of this retreat will therefore be to provide time for you to sit in sacred silence (mauna) with others and focus on being rather than doing. The invitation will be to ‘drop your load’, to surrender ‘the weight you so patiently bear upon your shoulders,’ and to begin to connect with your deepest, truest essence. This essence is joy, light, love, beauty. This essence is perfectly whole and complete, untainted by any experiences we may have had during this lifetime. When we are connected with this part of us, we know that all is well, we experience a stillness beyond words…a deep peace…and we trust the divine unfolding of all life.

In an age of speed…nothing could be more invigorating than going slow.

In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention.

And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still

~ Pico Iyer

A 90 minute yoga and meditation session will be offered each morning between 7-8.30am. This will be followed by breakfast. We will meet again at 10.30am for more practice and discussion, followed by lunch at 12.30pm. Saturday afternoon will offer some ‘free time’ to sit quietly and write, reflect, ponder or take a mindful walk through nature. At 4pm we will meet again for a two hour restorative yoga session. After our evening meal on Saturday, you will be invited to join a group activity, or retire as you please. After lunch on Sunday, we will meet for a closing circle at 1.30pm before our departure at 2pm.

Retreat package includes:

• • All yoga/meditation tuition
  • Two night’s accommodation in your own room (with shared bathroom facilities)
  • All vegetarian meals, lovingly prepared by Abi and Yong (our very own caterers)
  • Individual assistance/support as required

Please BYO yoga mat and blanket/s. Bolsters, pillows, eyebags and straps will be provided.

Check-in is available from 2pm onwards on Friday 16 February.

Check-out will be at 2pm on Sunday 18 February.

Cost: $865.00 ($350.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot). The remaining balance of $515.00 will be due on Sunday 28 January 2024.

Facilitator: Former owner of Williamstown Yoga and Meditation, Fiona has been teaching yoga and meditation for nearly three decades. She has two children (17 & 20), a Masters Degree in Women’s Studies, and she has also completed Reiki Master (Reiki III) training and End-Of-Life Doula Training. A lover of retreats, Fiona absolutely revels in the opportunity to create safe and nurturing spaces so that individuals may truly experience themselves and perhaps process and release some of what they might be holding onto. A key focus, in all of Fiona’s offerings, is the expansion of consciousness and a movement towards living in a state of love at all times. Always searching for greater understanding, wisdom, and peace, she is delighted to be offering this retreat at Maitripa Buddhist Retreat Centre in Healesville.

If you are interested in joining this retreat, please send an email to and I will forward a Registration Form.