Wellness Retreat Articles

Those of you who have visited the centre will have met Haideé. Haideé was the matriarch of the centre. Our lead healing dog. She was as kind and gentle as she was empathetic. You would find her trotting, with her long, scruffy golden hair bouncing, by a guest’s side when they ventured on a walk, or nestling her head on the lap of anyone who cried or seemed lonely. And when we were in the shala, she would patiently lie by the kitchen door for us to exit, and when we did, she w

Two epics, two archers — one strings his bow, one lays it down. Both are trying to get home. Neither is a straight arrow. "Tell me of a complicated man." — The Odyssey Recently, I watched Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. There were moments when I was watching the epic tale where I found myself on the brink of crying. But the tears never came. There were numerous times when the film touched on the fragility of being human and the perpetual sorrow that a long life brings. There

There is this strange (well, I certainly think so) notion in the wellness movement and psychology that says we need to “find our purpose”. “Be true to ourselves”. “Be on the right road”. It’s as if there is a beautiful mountain road we should be walking down, lined with cherry blossoms and roses, leading us to a mythical garden of delight with mandalas and morning tea, beauty, connection and love. We just need to find it. I’m not convinced this is the case. As Jim Morrison sa

I have been thinking a lot about music recently (recently, as in, all my life). Music poignantly frames the images of our lives, providing soundtracks that catalogue moments of heartache, joy, profound insight, insouciance, indolence, eroticism, energy, and enquiry in a way that not only allows us to recall, but allows us to deepen and process. Music shows us the universality of the human condition, the shared experience, art mirroring life. The uniting of the lyrical with th

I have been fascinated by Sisyphus ever since I read Camus’s The Outsider, which was my gateway drug to The Myth of Sisyphus. As an impressionable young man, I was drawn to the opening lines of Camus’s foundational philosophical essay: “There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide.” For an intellectually pretentious young man, this was philosophical gold dust and I knew that Camus was not being a drama queen – though I am sure I was! Camus was bei

By Peter Townshend "Be here now", we are told. "This moment is all that exists". "Be fully present in the now". These are modern spirituality's takes on ancient wisdom. And, as is so often the case with modern interpretation of ancient wisdom, the meaning gets altered to resonate with an audience not versed in the culture and times in which the thought emerged. I look at this from a deeply personal ledge (which is, of course, a central problem). I'm not entirely convinced t

By Peter Townshend The old adage about never discussing politics and religion in polite company, holds true. Running a yoga teacher training at a wellness centre, this is an adage I try my best to adhere to. Today, I failed. Thankfully, I suppressed my real passion for the issue, and I was in the company of intelligent, thoughtful, and moderate students, so things never escalated. But, the experience got me thinking. How should we approach this conflict, and indeed the broa

South Africa offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and innovative wellness options. For those seeking a balanced...

Adopting a vegan lifestyle is more than just a dietary choice - it is a holistic approach to health and well-being. A vegan retreat...

In today's fast-paced world, taking time to disconnect and recharge is essential. Personalized retreats in nature offer a unique way to...

South Africa is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier destination for wellness and rejuvenation. Its unique blend of natural beauty,...

In today’s fast-paced world, many people seek ways to improve their overall health and happiness. One powerful approach gaining attention...

Starting yoga can feel overwhelming, but it is one of the most rewarding journeys you can embark on. Yoga offers more than just physical...

Cooking plant-based meals together is more than just preparing food - it is a celebration of health, creativity, and connection. Sharing...

In today's fast-paced world, more people are turning to mindfulness practices as a way to enhance their overall wellness. The connection...

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a moment of peace can feel like a luxury. Nature-based retreats offer an escape, allowing...

In today's fast-paced world, finding a sanctuary to escape and recharge has become essential for mental, emotional, and physical...

In our fast-paced world, many individuals seek respite and clarity. Mindfulness offers a beacon of hope in this chaotic environment. It's...

Starting your yoga journey can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With numerous styles, poses, and philosophies to explore, it’s...

Wellness retreats have gained remarkable popularity in recent years as people look for ways to escape the stresses of daily life. These...