True Nature Retreat
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When was the last time you spent a day without checking your phone, rushing to the next task, or feeling pulled in a dozen different directions at once?
In a world of constant stimulation, information overload, and endless demands on our attention, many of us find ourselves feeling disconnected—from nature, from others, and from ourselves. Yet for countless generations, people have turned to the natural world as a source of perspective, healing, and inner calm.
Beneath the noise, roles, responsibilities, and distractions of modern life lies something simpler, quieter, and more authentic. The True Nature Retreat is an invitation to reconnect with that deeper aspect of yourself.
Inspired by both Daoist and Buddhist philosophy, this weekend retreat is dedicated to nature connection, mindfulness, meditation, and self-enquiry. It proposes that many of the answers we are seeking can be found not through striving, but through creating the conditions to listen more deeply. By stepping away from the pace of modern life and immersing ourselves in the quiet rhythms of nature, we create space for insight, reflection, and a return to our natural state.
Nestled within the beautiful surroundings of Balingup, the retreat combines guided meditation, qi-gong, walking practices, nature immersion, contemplative teachings, and meaningful group discussion with generous periods of free time for personal reflection.
Participants are invited to slow down, wander forest trails in mindful silence, sit quietly amongst the trees, share simple communal meals, and rediscover the restorative power of stillness.
Interspersed throughout the retreat will be short readings from the Tao Te Ching and Stephen Mitchell's The Second Book of the Tao. These timeless teachings will provide a rich source of inspiration and contemplation as we drop deeper into a sense of grounded stillness, presence, and connection with the natural world.
While this is not a fully silent retreat, intentional periods of silence will be woven throughout the weekend to support deeper presence, self-awareness, and connection with nature. Participants will also be encouraged to minimise phone use, allowing space to step back from the constant pull of technology and reconnect with a simpler way of being.
This Retreat May Be For You If:
• You feel mentally overwhelmed, overstimulated, or burnt out.
• You are craving a break from screens, technology, and the pace of modern life.
• You feel disconnected from nature and wish to deepen that relationship.
• You are interested in meditation, mindfulness, Daoist philosophy, or contemplative practice.
• You are navigating a period of transition and seeking clarity or perspective.
• You wish to cultivate greater calm, presence, and connection in your daily life.
What You Receive
• 2 nights accommodation in your own private room (3-night option available).
• Guided meditation, qi-gong, nature connection practices, walks, talks, and group discussions.
• Intentional periods of silence and digital disconnection.
• Readings and reflections drawn from classical and contemporary Daoist texts.
• Plenty of free and solo time for rest, reflection, journalling, and exploration of Balingup.
• Simple and nourishing communal vegan breakfasts and dinners.
• A supportive environment to slow down, reconnect, and reset.
Leave With
• Greater calm, clarity, and peace of mind.
• A deeper connection with nature and your own inner landscape.
• Practical mindfulness and meditation tools that can be integrated into everyday life.
• Increased resilience and capacity to navigate stress and overwhelm.
• Greater comfort with silence, stillness, and intentional disconnection from technology.
• Meaningful connection with like-minded people.
• A renewed sense of perspective, presence, and appreciation for the simple things.
• An introduction to Daoist philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and ways these teachings can support wellbeing in daily life.
Facilitator
The retreat is facilitated by Jai Varley (BHSc Traditional Chinese Medicine), who has spent more than a decade studying Daoist philosophy and Chinese medicine, over twenty years cultivating a mindfulness meditation practice, and has completed numerous meditation retreats both within Australia and internationally.
Drawing from both personal experience and professional training, Jai brings a grounded and practical approach to contemplative practice, helping participants explore stillness, nature connection, and self-enquiry in an accessible and supportive way.
If you feel called to step away from the demands of daily life, reconnect with yourself through nature and silence, and spend a weekend cultivating greater presence, clarity, and calm, we warmly invite you to join us for the True Nature Retreat.
COST
Standard price: $400
Concession: $340
* Please note the above fees are for your accomodation and food only and do not include financial support for your teacher/facilitator. Payments for ‘Teacher Support’ are offered as donation purely from the generosity and gratitude of the participants. Your contribution is meaningful and deeply appreciated, as it supports the teacher's livelihood. Teacher support can be made via direct debit or in person.
To secure your place on this retreat please email: [email protected]
In a world of constant stimulation, information overload, and endless demands on our attention, many of us find ourselves feeling disconnected—from nature, from others, and from ourselves. Yet for countless generations, people have turned to the natural world as a source of perspective, healing, and inner calm.
Beneath the noise, roles, responsibilities, and distractions of modern life lies something simpler, quieter, and more authentic. The True Nature Retreat is an invitation to reconnect with that deeper aspect of yourself.
Inspired by both Daoist and Buddhist philosophy, this weekend retreat is dedicated to nature connection, mindfulness, meditation, and self-enquiry. It proposes that many of the answers we are seeking can be found not through striving, but through creating the conditions to listen more deeply. By stepping away from the pace of modern life and immersing ourselves in the quiet rhythms of nature, we create space for insight, reflection, and a return to our natural state.
Nestled within the beautiful surroundings of Balingup, the retreat combines guided meditation, qi-gong, walking practices, nature immersion, contemplative teachings, and meaningful group discussion with generous periods of free time for personal reflection.
Participants are invited to slow down, wander forest trails in mindful silence, sit quietly amongst the trees, share simple communal meals, and rediscover the restorative power of stillness.
Interspersed throughout the retreat will be short readings from the Tao Te Ching and Stephen Mitchell's The Second Book of the Tao. These timeless teachings will provide a rich source of inspiration and contemplation as we drop deeper into a sense of grounded stillness, presence, and connection with the natural world.
While this is not a fully silent retreat, intentional periods of silence will be woven throughout the weekend to support deeper presence, self-awareness, and connection with nature. Participants will also be encouraged to minimise phone use, allowing space to step back from the constant pull of technology and reconnect with a simpler way of being.
This Retreat May Be For You If:
• You feel mentally overwhelmed, overstimulated, or burnt out.
• You are craving a break from screens, technology, and the pace of modern life.
• You feel disconnected from nature and wish to deepen that relationship.
• You are interested in meditation, mindfulness, Daoist philosophy, or contemplative practice.
• You are navigating a period of transition and seeking clarity or perspective.
• You wish to cultivate greater calm, presence, and connection in your daily life.
What You Receive
• 2 nights accommodation in your own private room (3-night option available).
• Guided meditation, qi-gong, nature connection practices, walks, talks, and group discussions.
• Intentional periods of silence and digital disconnection.
• Readings and reflections drawn from classical and contemporary Daoist texts.
• Plenty of free and solo time for rest, reflection, journalling, and exploration of Balingup.
• Simple and nourishing communal vegan breakfasts and dinners.
• A supportive environment to slow down, reconnect, and reset.
Leave With
• Greater calm, clarity, and peace of mind.
• A deeper connection with nature and your own inner landscape.
• Practical mindfulness and meditation tools that can be integrated into everyday life.
• Increased resilience and capacity to navigate stress and overwhelm.
• Greater comfort with silence, stillness, and intentional disconnection from technology.
• Meaningful connection with like-minded people.
• A renewed sense of perspective, presence, and appreciation for the simple things.
• An introduction to Daoist philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and ways these teachings can support wellbeing in daily life.
Facilitator
The retreat is facilitated by Jai Varley (BHSc Traditional Chinese Medicine), who has spent more than a decade studying Daoist philosophy and Chinese medicine, over twenty years cultivating a mindfulness meditation practice, and has completed numerous meditation retreats both within Australia and internationally.
Drawing from both personal experience and professional training, Jai brings a grounded and practical approach to contemplative practice, helping participants explore stillness, nature connection, and self-enquiry in an accessible and supportive way.
If you feel called to step away from the demands of daily life, reconnect with yourself through nature and silence, and spend a weekend cultivating greater presence, clarity, and calm, we warmly invite you to join us for the True Nature Retreat.
COST
Standard price: $400
Concession: $340
* Please note the above fees are for your accomodation and food only and do not include financial support for your teacher/facilitator. Payments for ‘Teacher Support’ are offered as donation purely from the generosity and gratitude of the participants. Your contribution is meaningful and deeply appreciated, as it supports the teacher's livelihood. Teacher support can be made via direct debit or in person.
To secure your place on this retreat please email: [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
Origins Centre Balingup, 157 Jayes Road,Balingup,WA,Australia, Bridgetown
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherTrue Nature
