Mindfulness and yoga retreat in Gozo, Malta

This retreat is aimed at people with no or little knowledge of mindfulness and seasoned practitioners of mindfulness and yoga alike. 

Why Gozo? 

Gozo means 'joy'. It is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago. After visiting this beautiful and welcoming place for the first time I knew I would run my next mindfulness course there. Gozo is an ideal location for those who treasure a slow, relaxed rhythm of life and cherish being close to the sea.

The silence spells a respite from the stresses and tribulations of everyday life. You are bound to enjoy the bright blue skies and crystal-clear sea, the unique coastal landscape and un-spoilt countryside. This retreat is aimed at people who would like to be able to take some of that tranquility with them when they leave the island. To help with that, we will introduce the principles of mindfulness, self-compassion and yoga, and guide you in your practice. 

Why retreat? 

The ability to sample experiences of mind is enhanced during group courses and residential retreats. Normally our brains expect certain speed and the retreat environment gives us an opportunity to intentionally slow it down and to engage with our experiences differently: with awareness and self-kindness.

At the heart of mindfulness is ‘pausing’ and the practice gives us skills to see things that normally are not in our awareness. You will be introduced to various techniques and practices that will help you get into the habit of asking: “Where is my mind right now?” and responding with choice rather than reacting automatically. This can lead to increased insight into the workings of one’s mind and to becoming more able to detect even subtle changes to our moods. 

In our daily lives we are so often striving, grasping and rushing. Through pranayama (breathing exercises) and simple asana (movement), we can notice sensations and thoughts, and gradually become more aware of our habits and tendencies. As such, approached with an attitude of kindness and deep listening, yoga can be a powerful tool for transformation and can allow us to dwell in our present experience with greater ease and acceptance. In this retreat, the focus will be on experiencing body through slow and mindful movement. You will be encouraged to listen to your own body and make choices that are right for you, not preconceived ideas about what you should do. As such, the style of yoga that Jilna teaches is not an aerobic workout; the physical postures are secondary to the importance of the kind and mindful approach that is being cultivated.

The optimum human state is that of sharp awareness and relaxed body. For this reason Jilna and I have decided to fuse our approaches and offer you an opportunity to sample, or deepen your practice of both mindfulness and yoga. The practice of yoga and mindful movement offers a medium through which to experience our body-mind connection and to become more awake to our present experience. 

Our typical schedule will entail some teaching, two yoga and two mindfulness sessions a day and some activities in pairs and small groups. There will also be opportunities to explore the beautiful island of Gozo. 

Dates: The formal start of the retreat will be Wednesday 22nd October. It is possible, however, to start arriving the evening before. The retreat will come to a close on Saturday 25th after lunch. Finding accommodation in Gozo or in Malta will not be a problem for those of you who will want to arrive a few days earlier or stay on after the retreat. 

Cost: The cost for the retreat is £425 and includes tuition, accommodation at a spacious farmhouse with a swimming pool, and nutritious and mouth-watering meals. All bedrooms are double with two beds and en-suites. We are able to offer two reduced fee places, please ask. The number of places is limited to 10 participants. To reserve your place we ask for £200 deposit which is non-refundable. Please contact Luka Hadrych for account details.

How to get here: You will need to fly in to Malta International Airport (flights are between €80 and €120). There is a direct bus (X1), or taxis, that will take you from the airport to the Gozo Ferry Terminal (20 mins). You only pay for the ferry when you leave the island. Bus ticket will cost around €1.50 and the ferry is less than €5. 

This is an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and replenish, whilst learning new skills to help you touch presence more in your daily lives when you return home. It is also a chance to connect with other like-minded people. This retreat is also suitable as a per-requisite required of people who intend to undertake teacher training in mindfulness. We can provide a certificate outlining the content of the programme and confirming that the retreat covered the essential components of the eight-week mindfulness courses. Please talk to us in advance if this is something you're interested in. 

To learn more about facilitators please visit the Mindfulness and Yoga Retreat section of my website www.lvcounselling.co.uk. 

We look forward to sharing this experience with you.