The Inner Forge: Tempering the Sacred Masculine

The Inner Forge: Tempering the Sacred Masculine

““Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of choice.” — Edwin Louis Cole

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– Peter Adams​

Rather than focusing on technical skills, this experience encourages you to use photography as a way to explore perspective, emotion, and self-expression. Each day begins with grounding practices—meditation, yoga, and cold-water immersion—to cultivate a sense of stillness and presence. From this space of inner balance, creativity can flow more freely.

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Surrounded by nature, you’ll be guided through photography exercises that emphasize intuition, awareness, and storytelling. With nourishing meals, reflective discussions, and time to simply be, you’ll discover a deeper connection to both your creative vision and your inner self.

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Whether you are an experienced photographer or simply drawn to artistic expression, this retreat provides a welcoming space to slow down, embrace play, and see the world with fresh eyes.

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What’s Included

Photography goes beyond capturing an image—it is a way of interpreting and understanding the world. Every choice we make in framing, composition, and lighting reflects our inner landscape. In this way, photography can serve as both a creative outlet and a mirror for self-discovery.

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Long before we learn language, we understand life through images. We dream in pictures, recall memories as visuals, and imagine the future through mental snapshots. By using photography with intention, we can gain new insights into ourselves, our emotions, and how we interact with our surroundings.

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This retreat will incorporate guided exercises inspired by psychology, art, and mindfulness, helping you to explore the deeper layers of your creativity and personal perspective. Through visual storytelling and reflective practice, you’ll develop a new appreciation for the ways images shape our perceptions and experiences.

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Also included:

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Photography Workshops – Learn how to use the camera to express your inner-self and create portraits of your true self. We look at 

• The Contemplative Gaze

• The Expressionist Gaze

• The Documentative Gaze

• The Conceptual Gaze

• Self Portrait with Things

• Body Itinerary,

• Accompanied Mask

Yoga & Pranayama – Gentle movement and breathwork to support relaxation and mindfulness.

Sauna & Ice Baths – A chance to reset through heat and cold therapy, supporting both mental and physical resilience.

Forest Immersion & Walking Meditation – Time in nature to restore and ground yourself, incorporating mindful walking and deep listening practices.

Cacao Ceremony – A gentle ceremony using mother cacao to open our heart and help in our healing

Inspirational Breathwork – An inspirational breathwork session to help you trqnscend and heal.

Sweat Lodge – A sweat lodge is a traditional healing practice used by Indigenous cultures, involving a small, enclosed space where heated stones create steam, promoting physical detoxification, spiritual cleansing, and deep introspection.

Programme 

If you cannot join us for the whole week, feel free to join us for as long as you can!

Monday, May 17

• 2pm: Arrive and settle in

• 3pm: Welcome ceremony

• 4:30pm: Yoga 

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Meditation

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Tuesday, May 18

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Photography Workshop and shoot

• 1pm: Lunch

• 2pm: Image analysis and sharing 

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Meditation
   

Wednesday, May 19

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Photography Workshop and shoot

• 1pm: Lunch

• 2pm: Image analysis and sharing 

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Cacao Ceremony 

Thursday, May 20

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Inspirational Breathwork

• 1pm: Lunch

• 2pm: Image analysis and sharing 

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Image Sharing

​Friday, May 21

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Forest Immersion

• 1pm: Lunch in the forest

• 2pm: Photo shoot in forest

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Image Sharing

​Saturday, May 22

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Photography Workshop and shoot

• 1pm: Lunch

• 2pm: Image analysis and sharing 

• 4:30pm: Yoga

• 6:30pm: Dinner

• 7:30-8pm: Meditation

​Sunday, May 23

• 6:30am: Meditation

• 7am: Yoga

• 8:30am: Sauna and Ice bath

• 9:30am: Breakfast

• 10:30am: Closing and final sharing

• 1pm: Lunch

• 2pm: Farewell
   

Who is this for?

This retreat is open to anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves, whether through mindfulness, movement, or creative exploration. No prior experience in photography or wellness practices is necessary—just a willingness to slow down, embrace presence, and engage in self-discovery.

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Costs:

Standard Room: R22,700

Luxury Room:R19,800

Cost is all-inclusive and includes private, en-suite bathroom; all meals, drinks and snacks; all activities listed.

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