YOGA RETREAT
Goolwa Beach, Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia
Friday 27 October to Monday 30 October 2023
The October retreat with The Centre of Ki is a 3-night/2-day wellbeing intensive where you will have the opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and enter a nourishing space free from distractions and stress. Our retreat experience will allow you to withdraw, focus on your own needs, and be guided with the loving and kind support of your teacher and retreat facilitator, Leah Cooper.
On retreat you will:
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enjoy activities that focus on restoration and relaxation in the comfort of a beautiful beachside location.
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be fed nourishing seasonal plant-based whole foods cooked by your host, Leah.
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have space to think and be, not do. Time for meditation and self-reflection will be structured into our daily routine.
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be surrounded by positive, loving energy in a calm and natural setting.
Hi, I’m Leah, your retreat host, teacher and chef. I have been practising yoga for over 25 years and am excited to share my enthusiasm for wellbeing with you on retreat. I went on my first retreat when I was 21 years old and have never looked back. It was a life changing experience and I came away with a deeper sense of self and purpose, and with new perspectives on life and how to live.
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The Centre of Ki Yoga Retreat is not your average yoga retreat. Your time on retreat will be challenging - physically, mentally and emotionally. As your guide, it is my role to support you in this space and I will be there to encourage you to journal, share and reflect on your experience in order to discover new perspectives, gain clarity and embrace the opportunity to restore your mind, body and soul.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for people who:
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want to deepen their yoga practice, learn therapeutic yoga techniques, and are excited about getting on their mat twice a day.
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want to spend time with like minded people and build community, working together to create a harmonious space for reflection and connection.
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enjoy immersing themselves in nature and are keen to challenge themselves with morning activities at the beach.
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are serious about their wellbeing and aren’t scared to withdraw from the stimulation of the modern world (the retreat is a caffeine and alcohol-free environment).
What to expect
Each day will begin with an early start as we head down to the beach for a sunrise “joggle”.
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What is joggling?
A joggle is a slow, bouncy jog that is done to wake up the digestive system, create internal heat, and kick-start the body’s natural elimination process. This form of exercise is meditative and is made more effective through the use of a specific breathing technique.
As we joggle, preferably barefoot, the focus is on pressing the big toes into the sand to stimulate the connection between the earth and the belly, or hara. Hara is a Japanese term for the deep energy centre of the body, located 3-4 finger widths below the navel. Participating in this activity as the sun rises allows us to connect with the energy of Nature and with the life force that exists in and around us.
Cold water immersion is next. As we take a dip in the ocean, the cold water refreshes and stimulates the skin, neutralising the toxins that have been brought to the surface from the breathing and joggling movements.
After drying off, we head back to our accommodation and come to our mats for a therapeutic yoga practice. Guided by Leah's expertise, you will approach poses with greater focus and find the space to go deeper whilst integrating the changes taking place in your mind, body and spirit. Each yoga session concludes with seated meditation to cultivate clarity and foster the ever deepening connection to your inner self.
(And this all happens before we’ve had breakfast!)
This morning practice will be repeated daily on retreat, giving you the foundation to add and adjust elements of this powerful practice into your health and wellbeing regime when you return home. There will be times throughout the weekend for you to nap, read a book, journal, chat with other retreat participants or go for a walk on your own. Other workshops and activities, including a nature therapy and journalling session (provided by Lisa from Big Heart Adventures), are also part of the weekend program.
In the evenings, we will return to our mats for another yoga and meditation practice before dinner. These sessions will assist in getting rid of aches and pains and include asanas (poses) to stretch and lengthen the spine and bring about a sense of deep relaxation.
We’ll then gather for dinner and reflect on our day’s activities, sharing insights, or simply listening to others share over our meal. Before bed, you will have the option of receiving a ginger compress to the lower back or belly. Ginger compresses are a macrobiotic remedy used to stimulate blood flood to the area in which they are applied. They are especially good for relieving tension and pain and to promote healing.
My expectations of you
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​As this is a yoga retreat, it is expected that you will participate in all of the yoga and meditation sessions over the weekend.
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A basic level of yoga experience is required (preferably at least 6-12 months of practice with a qualified teacher).
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A basic level of fitness is required to participate in the morning joggle and ocean dip. Capability to walk or slow jog for 1km and the ability to withstand cold water temperatures for a short period of time.
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If you are carrying any injuries, please check with your doctor and/or physiotherapist for suitability to attend. Any injuries need to be disclosed prior to attending the retreat.
About the yoga
I am an accredited Yoga Australia Senior (Level 3) Yoga Teacher and have been practising yoga for over 25 years and teaching yoga for 15 years. I specialise in Ryoho Yoga Therapy and studied with Andzej Gospodarczyk, the founder of Ryoho Yoga.
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Ryoho Yoga is a therapeutic yoga practice that incorporates an understanding of the the meridian body, yin and yang, and five element theory to release tension, open energy channels, build ki (chi, life force, prana) and promote optimal health and wellbeing for mind, body and spirit.
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Classes on retreat will be dynamic, supportive and nourishing, taking into account the needs of the participants.
Where you'll be staying
Your sanctuary at Goolwa Beach (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Adelaide) is a spacious two-storey house with ocean views, within easy walking distance to the beach.
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With six cosy bedrooms to choose from, tailor your stay to your preferences. Select a queen bedroom for a private oasis or share the experience with your partner. Alternatively, opt for a twin share room and enjoy connecting with a fellow retreat participant.
What you'll be eating
Each meal you have on retreat is designed to support the healing functions of your body. With over 25 years experience as a macrobiotic cook, I use my expertise to create nourishing meals that are simple and delicious using seasonal, whole food ingredients. Being spring, meals will be lighter and include an array of fresh vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
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Here is an example of some possible menu items
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Breakfast: Spring vegetable miso soup, brown rice congee, assorted condiments and pickles.
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Lunch: Chickpea, vegetable and quinoa salad with tahini and lemon dressing.
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Dinner: Carrot, leek and sweet potato soup, herbed millet balls, pickled cucumber.
Please advise me of any allergies or dietary requirements when completing your registration form prior to attending the retreat. All meals are planned in advance and the inclusion of specific dietary requirements will inform this process.
What other people are saying about retreat
Chris
"This retreat was everything I could have asked for. I was rested, nourished and revitalised but also challenged in positive ways I didn't even know I needed."
Dijana
"This was my second retreat with Leah and I am looking forward to the next one. Leah's caring nature makes you feel taken care of throughout the experience. All activites are well thought of and are easy to participate in leaving you fulfilled and relaxed after."
Anna
"This has been a very special three days. I could feel the shift in my body within the first 24 hours and just feel so overwhelmed with gratitude that I am lucky enough to be here with such beautiful individuals under your heartfelt guidance."
THE DETAILS
The investment
Twin share ~ $675 for 3 nights/per person
Queen room ~ $795 for 3 nights/per person
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An option to attend the retreat for two nights (Friday-Sunday) will be considered upon request. Twin share rooms will only be available for this option at $625 for 2 nights/per person.
What's included
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3 nights’ accommodation at Goolwa Beach.
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All meals, including breakfast (Sat, Sun, Mon), lunch (Sat, Sun) and dinner (Fri, Sat, Sun).
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All activities including 6 yoga and meditation sessions, nature therapy and journalling, plus more.
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Time to rest and rejuvenate at a special location away from the stress of everyday life.
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Support from a seasoned and highly experienced retreat facilitator and yoga instructor.
Note: A full packing list will be provided once booking is made.
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What's not included
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Travel insurance
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Personal items
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Bed linen and towels
When and where
5:00pm Friday 27 October to 10:00 am Monday 30 October
Goolwa Beach, South Australia
1 hour and 15 minutes south of Adelaide
(Address of retreat location provided after booking)
Important information
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Please read the terms and conditions before booking.
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Itinerary is subject to change at any time.
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A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come basis.
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A minimum of 6 participants are required for this retreat to go ahead. If minimum numbers are not reached, we may decide to still go ahead or we will provide a full refund.
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You are required to organise your own transport to and from the retreat venue. Car-pooling is an option and we can assist in facilitating this.
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Travel insurance is recommended.