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MEDITATION in the DESERT The renowned 7day meditation retreat, followed by 3 days with senior Indigenous Australians
Led by Drs Ian and Ruth Gawler from August 29th to Sept 7th 2014 For thousands of years, deserts have been places of inspiration and renewal for those on the spiritual journey. Join like-minded people and share a unique experience in the Central Australian Desert. Immerse yourself in meditation, join in noble conversation amidst noble company, and take the opportunity to reconnect with the essence of who you really are. Meditation in the Desert will begin with a welcome to country along with an introduction to the local landscape, the plants and their significance. After a week of meditation comes an extraordinary invitation to enter into the spirit of this land sharing several days with its senior indigenous custodians. The experience of a lifetime. During the retreat itself, Meditation in the Desert will provide a combination of instruction and practice centering on relaxation, mindfulness and meditation. This will be supported by a guided tour through Buddhist psychology and how this form of mind training applies in a modern, busy secular world. There will be ample time for questions and discussion; along with free time for resting, personal practice, silence and reflection. Meditation in the Desert is intended for people from all spiritual traditions or of no particular faith. Meditation in the Desert, led by Ian and Ruth Gawler, will be supported by 2 experienced people as well as outstanding cooks! This will be the 6th time Ian and Ruth have led this retreat. Based upon ‘Meditation - an In-Depth Guide’, it will be of medium intensity with around 4 hours meditation per day, mostly in 40 minute sessions and interspersed with walking meditations, optional yoga and great meals! THE INDIGENOUS PROGRAM
As a result of the good relationships Ruth and Ian enjoy, and with the active support of Peter and Pamela Yates who have lived and worked with local indigenous leaders for many years, there is the opportunity to have a direct and very personal cross-cultural experience with senior local men and women. As well as simply sharing time and conversing together, activities can include food gathering, observing and sharing in the making of boomerangs (an extraordinary thing), painting, singing and dancing. This really is a unique and meaningful experience. Dates: Friday August 29th; meeting at 4pm, to Sunday November 7th around 4pm, 2014. Venue: Hamilton Downs, an historic homestead 1 ½ hours drive from Alice Springs that looks out over the Western MacDonnell Ranges (photo above). This is a remote location and as such basic good health is a pre-requisite to attend. Departure and return point: The Chifley Hotel, Stott Terrace, Alice Springs. Special accommodation rates apply here. Cost: Non-refundable deposit $200. Full payment will be due July 31st, 2014 – details to be finalised. Includes bus transport Alice Springs - Hamilton Downs, the retreat, very basic bunk style accommodation and complementary use of a swag, high quality vegetarian meals and Indigenous culture content. Enquiries and Bookings: Email [email protected] or call +61 (3) 59666130 Photos: gawlerblog.com/2013/09ml Add on Tour: Many people take the opportunity to visit other places of significance when they come to the Central Desert. We are negotiating a specific post retreat tour with Remote Tours that will to be booked directly with them.
