LIVING IN SACREDNESS – SUMMER RETREAT IN THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND

Torridon-Mountain-med

Saturday 29th August – Friday 4th September 2020

In Torridon, Wester Ross, Scotland

Cleanse and renew your body and spirit within a magical ancient landscape. We will be delving into a gentle yet profound healing journey, cleansing toxicity, reconnecting with our sacred essence, ancient wisdom and the living Earth. 

We will be delving into a gentle yet profound healing journey, cleansing toxicity, reconnecting with our sacred essence, ancient wisdom and the living Earth. 

This is a unique, intensive, deep and transformational retreat, a time to journey within, to cleanse, realign and awaken a deeper connection with your Origins, and Creation. The retreat program is full with practices for cultivating health, connection & harmony with Nature, along with yoga, meditation, breathwork & sound healing.

The retreat is held in Torridon, Wester Ross, beneath the mountains and overlooking Loch Torridon on the west coast of Scotland. One of the last unspoilt areas of the British Isles, it is a powerful and deeply beautiful place, surrounded by wildlife and ancient wisdom.

The retreat is a journey through the celtic medicine wheel, exploring the elements, seasons, cycles & rhythms of Nature and passages through life.  We will work with awakening the sacred witness, cultivating inner stillness, our natural rhythms and cycles, healing herbs, plants & foods, the remembrance of Mother Earth as a living being, and our place within Creation. We will be picking up threads of wisdom that have been left by our ancestors, and reflecting on the footprints that we each wish to leave behind us for the generations to come. 

The retreat offers a space to cleanse and quieten body and mind, so that one may listen and attune to the wisdom within us; that we may flow once again with the streams of wisdom that are the original essence of the natural world.

 

RECONNECTING WITH OUR LIVING EARTH: Dartmoor Wistmans Wood M

In this modern world, many of us have become fragmented and disconnected from what once was inherent – our original essence and relationship with the Earth as the Mother from which all life is born.

In the fast paced world of technology and materialism, our attention has become distracted and diverted away from the purity and simplicity of Nature, the natural rhythms and of our very own being. There is restlessness that manifests in the soul when it is un-nurtured, and when we are not living in our true purpose and authenticity. 

We are a part of this Earth and we are all connected. We have as humanity, collectively co-created our world, and if we recognise the world as a mirror, we come to see that there is much work for us each to do to restore the beauty and harmony of life.

The retreats are spaces created to take a moment away from your everyday life, to immerse yourself in Nature, and practices to quieten the mind, cleanse and renew your body, giving space to see what you are ready to release, change, integrate, create and walk forwards with in your life. You will learn practices and tools to help you identify and move beyond disharmonious patterns and tendencies, reflect on ways that you may have created or energise health imbalances and/or disharmony in your life, and experience ways of living that elevate your mind, open your heart, and create a vibratory field of resonance from within.

The retreat includes a session of yoga in the mornings, meditative practices in the evenings, a detoxification and cleansing program of fresh juices and smoothies (with salad option); journeys to ancient sacred sites, time in Nature; periods in silence, inner reflection and contemplation; talks on diet and healing; group sharing circles; personal support. It is the intent that each day, you will deepen in your practice and internal awareness, learning to listen, feel and connect with the light within, and the living light of the Earth.

What will you leave behind you for the next generations? “Let us be the ancestors our descendants will thank.” – Winona La Duke

YOGA AND MEDITATION:

Yoga is a path of the heart, a journey into Being. The yoga sessions weave aspects of Hatha, Scaravelli, Kundalini & Kriya yoga, as Daniela shares her practice of yoga. Her yoga teaching also draws upon many years of working with energetic practices and the healing arts and spending time in silent retreat in Nature.

This approach to yoga is a journey of unfolding, turning our attention inwards and flowering from within. Through this deep and reflective practice, your natural sensitivity and self awareness awakens, clearing toxicity and tension, freeing energy and space from inside, outwards.

Yoga activates the body’s own intelligence and innate healing abilities, encouraging the natural unfolding of healthy posture, a fluid, supple body, expansion of breath, and the opening of the heart to touch the soul and reconnect with our Essence.

The practice will include working with breath (life-force), asana (postures), kriyas (sequences), pranayama (breath work), meditation (stillness) and sacred reciprocity (harmony).

The retreat is open to experienced practitioners, as well as those with little experience or prior interest in yoga, as all practices are adjustable to meet all abilities. Yoga is not about what you can or can’t ‘do’.. but about meeting yourself as you are.

ON QUIETNESS

“Silence is essential for deep transformation. It allows the practice of conscious breathing to become deep and effective. Like still water that reflects things as they are, the calming silence helps us to see things more clearly, and therefore, to be in deeper contact with ourselves and those around us.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

The retreats are intended as a space for inner healing and sacred re-connection. To support this, we request that participants come with an open heart and mind, refrain from judgement and respect the intended tranquillity & quietness of the retreat space. Joy and light heartedness is also very welcome (!), as we laugh, share & inspire one another, and there will be times during the day when we will practice and/or walk in silence. This practice of inner and outer silence allows for deeper connection, as we cultivate mindfulness and allow ourselves to be present, quiet and to deeply listen. 

 

WHY DETOX?

In the world today we are faced with the challenge of living clean and pure on a planet that has become toxic in many ways . Yet as the destruction becomes more visible in the world, many of us are awakening and feel called to return to ways of living that are in harmony with Nature, and with what creates and sustains health.

Our wisdom keepers tell us that all toxicity begins in thought, word and action, and that it is through the incongruity of our actions with the laws of nature that we have created the toxicity in all its manifestations in the world.

A build up of toxicity in the body can lead to oversensitivity to certain foods, weight gain, sluggishness, inflammation, pain, infections, ailments, disease, menstrual issues, loss of vitality and sense of wellbeing, foggy mind, low energy, and many other things. Our bodies have the natural capacity to cleanse and heal themselves, though when overloaded or lacking vital nourishment, can become stagnated and toxins build up in the system.

The experiences of our life are all stored within our luminous energy body and our cells. During a detoxification process, as the physical body begins to purify and heal itself, layers of toxicity that have been stored within the muscles, tissues, bones and cells are brought to the surface to be cleared. Detoxification can help you to naturally release tension, stress, negative emotions and thoughts; creating clarity of mind and inspiration to walk forwards in your life.

Everything in the universe is made of vibration, and vibrant, organic foods, Nature, creativity, prayer, purity of thought, beautiful music – for example – all help to lift and sustain our vibration in a state of health and resonance. As you detox your system and bring in pure foods, living water, light, purity and prana (life force energy), your vibration is lifted and you will begin to resonate at clearer, more refined frequencies, allowing more light to flow through you and be held within your cells.

Detoxification helps the body to heal itself as nature intended; cleansing and repairing your beautiful body, helping to restore health, a sense of wellness and the true natural radiance of your inner being.

NUTRITION:

For a gentle cleanse, with body healing, anti-inflammatory foods, rich in nutrients and vitality:

Breakfast: Nourishing nut milk and superfoods smoothie
Lunch: Hearty soup or vegetable dish with salad, nuts and seeds
Dinner: Fresh vegetable juice 
Throughout the day: Healing herbal teas
All our food is organic, local grown where possible, vegan, gluten-free and alkalizing – full of prana (living light).

This is an opportunity to gently detox within a harmonious, supportive setting and receive guidance on continuing your journey towards vibrant health and spiritual wellbeing.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

  • A living experience that will inspire and sow seeds of transformation within you 
  • Daily yoga & meditation practice
  • Inner journeying and shamanic soul work
  • Practices to awaken a deeper connection with Nature and the voice of the spirit
  • A deeper connection with ancient wisdom and how to apply this in your life
  • A cleansing diet of organic juices, smoothies, soups and salads, with healing herbal teas
  • Personal guidance and mentoring
  • 6 nights accommodation
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VENUE & ACCOMMODATION:

Our venue is in private cottages within the grounds of Torridon Estate in one of the most majestic and beautiful areas in Britain. It is set within an area of ancient native woodland, beneath Torridon mountains on the edge of Loch Torridon. The estate has waterfalls and a river flowing through it, plenty of space to walk through the trees and down to the sea loch. 

Accommodation is in shared twin or private (double) rooms. The cottages and rooms are clean and bright with lovely views. All buildings have newly renovated interiors with wooden floors, log fires, and are warm, light and comfortable. 

These are intimate retreats with spaces limited to 10 participants.

 

RECIPROCITY:

The retreat will open at 6pm on Saturday 29th August and complete around 12pm on Friday 4th September 2020

£820* per person for shared accommodation in a twin or double room

£1020* per person for private accommodation for one person in a double room

This includes accommodation for 6 nights, all meals, classes and guidance.

* Past retreat attendee’s receive a £100 discount on all retreats

A concessionary place may be available for someone on no / low income. Please contact for details.

 

GETTING THERE:

Wester Ross is a largely undiscovered jewel in north-west Scotland, shimmering with pure waters, mountains and large skies. Applecross and Torridon are home to some of Scotland’s most magnificent mountain scenery, and the journey there is an experience in itself.

We will do our best to help you arrange transport and connect those who would like to arrange car share to get here.

By Car:
From the East, via Inverness. From the North through Ullapool. From the South by Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the Isle of Skye.

Air:
There are regular flights to Inverness airport from London and other regional airports. London Gatwick or Luton fly to Inverness and it takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. From Inverness, you can take the train and taxi to Torridon, though it is easiest to hire/share a car journey.

By Train:
There are regular trains and buses that travel to Inverness. (www.travelinescotland.com). From Inverness it is best to hire a car, though it is possible to take a train to Strathcarron and then arrange to be collected by someone driving through, en-route to the retreat. Once we have the retreat group formed, we help people to arrange car shares from Inverness / other cities, and help people taking the train to get a ride.

BOOKING:

For more information and to register your interest for a space, please contact Daniela –
info@alunahealing.co.uk
07475 749 967 (please leave a message if voicemail)

This is a small group retreat (max 10 participants), and as spaces are limited it is advised to get in touch soon.

 

TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS RETREATS:

How people have described Aluna Healing retreats:

“Healing, Connected (to nature), Extraordinary” – Amelia

 “Restful, Rewarding, Intense” – Alexia

 “Touching, Profound, Inspiring” – Michela

“Gentle, Deep, Transformative” – Nicole

“Deep, Enriching, Insightful” – Meriel

“Care, Space and Connection” – Wendy

“Profound, Healing, Gifted” – Veerle

“Detoxifying, Grounding, Energizing”

“Expansion, Connection, Love”  – Ingrid

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What has been your favourite part of the retreat and why?

“Your unfailing non-judgemental support, your wisdom and your kindness, all of which fill me with confidence and a sense of the possibilities before me.” – Ingrid

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“A space filled with love that allows you to connect back with where you are from, creating time and room for reconnecting with your body, heart and nature, realizing what stops you from doing this more often so you can go back to the “real world” feeling a bit stronger and equipped to live a more fulfilling life more in tune with Mother Earth” – Wendy

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“It is almost impossible to separate a ‘favorite part’ as the beauty of the retreat was its weave into an integrated whole; the magnificent land that held us; the deep gentle physical work with our bodies; the cleansing nourishment; the reflections within our circle of women; the prayer and remembering of the sacredness of life.  

In the miasma of forgetting, they are deeply precious reminders of who we are on this earth, what is our calling, our work, our joy.” – Nicole

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“I feel that this way of teaching and understanding myself and my place in the world is deeply wise. I would lie to learn more. Life is short and these opportunities to grow and heal are precious.” – Amelia

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“I finally understand the correlation between a healthy, clean body and a clear spiritual life. My connection with the Great Mother is much stronger since the retreat. I practise the Great Thanks meditation throughout the day. The brightness surrounding me has diminished, but I can access the light more readily. 

The retreat reignited my love of yoga. I have become more flexible, stronger and quieter with daily practice, which is helped by fewer toxins in my body. I don’t go a day without yoga now. My diet remains light and focused on fresh fruit and vegetables and more or less wheat and dairy free. I like the way I feel and I want to stay elevated. 

I have set myself higher standards in so many ways. More and more often I stop myself from thinking badly about someone or gossiping. I recognise when I want to eat out of boredom, stress or because I’m thirsty. I recognise when I’m being lazy instead of tired. 

I am both softer and stronger today. My heart has expanded beyond the universe, while my thoughts are clearer and more grounded. Although no outward circumstances have changed, I am the happiest I have ever been. I am undaunted by thoughts of the big change that will happen soon; I know I will be supported. I know I am on a good path. Thank you so much, Daniela” – Ingrid

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What have been some new learnings you have gained from this retreat?

“To find stillness and peace in order move on in unbalanced times. To be grateful and give back more. There is no limit to giving love and thanks.” ~ Michela

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“This retreat was a jewel in the thread in a journey of returning to sanity and sacredness. Held in an awesome landscape of mountains, lakes, rocks and forests, we are held and guided as we cleanse ourselves with deeply nourishing food; stretch into and release the blockages held in body through deep and gentle yoga; receive reflections on our patterns and pains as we sit in circle; learn to give thanks and revere and honour the life we hold and the life that surrounds us. In great gratitude!” – Nicole Freris

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“The indigenous messages and the connection with Mother Earth came to me with a very strong awakening call. The Mother Spirit who is sustaining us here for millions of life and who is in danger. Of course this message isn’t new for me, but the practices to connect and listen to Mother Earth opened to me, like I heard a new message, got access to a higher wisdom that need to be spread in to the world. I come from the Yoga, Buddhism tradition where the teachings are merely focussed on training of the mind and connecting with the Higher Divine, whereas with the message from the indigenous elder brothers, I felt a new dimension of connecting with the real earth and nature around us, outside the mind and the Higher Divine, but beneath us and around us. A more spiritual ecological insight, and a call to action with it.” – Veerle

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 “Thank you Daniela for this beautiful retreat. Thank you for all these aspects lovingly interwoven. It inspires me how you integrate that which you have passion for, teaching and being in service to others and the Earth. Thank you for your gentle encouragement, your total trust, your deep wisdom, your composure, your clarity, and your peaceful and loving nature. With much love, light and gratitude” ~ Anja

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“I felt that Daniela and the group we made were incredibly in tune with what we were there for and with higher spirits. The land, the location, the teachings of Daniela and wisdom of all the other students  created a retreat with such a profound healing power, both physically, as emotionally, spiritually and karmic. I gained access to insights I wasn’t able to get on my own and learned so much more about my own karmic circles and experiences in this and past lives, how they are all inter-connected and how I am part and responsible in it. I felt a rebirth/opening happening into another dimension or spiritual realm, something I am deeply grateful for.” – Veerle Geuens – www.namoyoga.co.uk

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“I was looking for a retreat that would shift and move things for me, energetically and spiritually as well as one that would take me away from the tug of daily commitments and life. I wanted to retreat from my normal life and have some space to learn.

During the week I had a profound experience of dropping into my heart. This is Daniela’s gift – she held the space most eloquently. I felt that Daniela held the Space throughout the week in Yoga, throughout meals, during walks and circle with a gentle and profound dedication that allowed me and others to open up to a new possibility of living. One that is connected to nature and to our own hearts. She also offered us teachings in Shamanism that felt accessible and “do-able”.  Mid-retreat I was shown an aspect of myself that is darker and needs much practice to fully disengage from. This was a shocking and ultimately illuminating experience.

Returning home I have continued with my gratitude practice and feel a deeper connection to Nature, enjoying my walks in the woods with my Dog in a deeper, happier Way. I have become softer with myself and my family. I have continued to have morning smoothie and mostly Vegetarian (not strict) and no grains. It feels great – i’m lighter and need less sleep. I have embraced some of the Yoga Practices and incorporated them into my Practice and Teaching.

I am grateful for the work that Daniela put into serving us on the retreat. I feel this is a connection I want to maintain and strengthen. With love and gratitude for your presence in my life. Thank You” – Amelia

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“For me the retreat started the week before as I connected to  my intention and what I wanted to clear and be shown during the retreat. On retreat I received so much clarity and wisdom, from Daniela, the land and the other retreatees. It was challenging at times as the cleanse really allowed me to see what needed to be looked at and how much I was choosing not to “See” in my daily life. I received so much support and guidance that has carried me into a place of deep surrender when I came home and has allowed me to start working on myself in a way that I would not have been able to unless I had attended this retreat. It has been truly life changing for me and has directed me into a more aligned lighter way of looking at myself and the use of my energy in daily life.” ~ Mez Ainscow www.mezholistics.com

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 “I simply love the yoga – it is intense in a way that I have not found anywhere else. The time in nature was very special as well.” – Wendy

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“I love yoga but don’t practice often, so it was rewarding to feel my body and mind opening as the days progressed.   It taught me how to breathe through tension, how to release into the practice and how to focus my mind on the present while doing so.  It was a wonderful reminder of how to meditate.  I loved your guidance through the poses, your explanations of how fresh blood was flowing through the muscles and I did achieve a meditative state in one particular session which hasn’t happened in ages!

I also enjoyed the nutritional aspect, eating clean vegan foods.  Learning about your recipes (I’m a tiger nut milk convert, it’s the most delicious thing ever and yes, I also use a stocking) and our lovely walks through the stunning countryside.  The medicine walk was a special day I’ve talked a lot about since I’ve been back. I still get tense when I think about how slowly I had to walk but am grateful for the lessons it taught me.” – Alexia

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“Dear Daniela, I want to really thank you for all of your kindness and teachings at the retreat, I am extremely grateful. The week was really special, as you know, and powerful for me – I so enjoyed learning from you and I feel like it has helped me to put together the missing piece of the jigsaw.” ~Katrina

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“I found Aluna Healing at a very difficult time and I feel with all my heart that without it I would not be in the place that I am today. It has helped me re-connect to myself and to the Earth through many beautiful yoga classes as well as healing retreats and weekends which have never failed to inspire me and transform me into the best version of myself that I can be. I owe an awful lot of gratitude for the soul work I have received from Aluna Healing and it will always remain a big part of me.” ~Bethany

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“As part of the experience I came to realise what I connected to the most, and that was the yoga, meditation and any discussions we had about nutrition and mental outlook. You’re one of the best yoga teachers I have ever had and it’s usually when I felt the most connected to you and the group.  

I am as a person interested in spiritual practices and feel I have retained a deeper sense of spirituality and appreciation for Nature on the back of my experience, just need to carve out my own means of practicing it.

I’m thankful for the experience, for meeting you and all the wonderful people in our group.  It has benefited me on so many levels and taught me many lessons.  The card I got on the last day in particular has stuck with me, that change comes about slowly and I need to be patient.  So I’ve decided to focus on food first before moving onto yoga as part of my daily practice.  Thanks Daniela for all of the lessons, but mostly for the one of patience.” – Alexia

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“I loved the silent walks, because it was practice as well as deep relaxation at the same time.” – Michela

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“I found it very hard at times, and wanted to give up near the beginning as it really challenged me in ways I did not expect but the effects after the 6 days were so wonderful that it was worth it.” – Sarah

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“I arrived at ‘Replenishing the soul’ retreat at a very difficult time of my life – I had just completed a year of breast cancer treatment; then my partner left me. I felt rather emotionally broken and was in desperate need of a reflective sanctuary. As Daniella opened the door to a beautiful cottage in Dartmoor I was greeted by her immediate warmth. I went into what I would later refer to as the ‘womb room’ to find a group of women lying on yoga mats, wrapped in blankets, by candle light with soothing Amina music playing – then Daniela led us in meditation. My tears began to fall in that room as I felt myself begin to be held by the nurturing calm I had been craving.

The sharing circles with the other women, each who were exploring the juncture of their lives that had brought them there, were deeply transformative for me. I feel so privileged to have been able to share my story there which helped me reflect on unhelpful ingrained patterns of behaviour. Daniella’s unflinching gaze saw into each of us and reflected back what we needed to see inside ourselves through our discussions. The writing tasks exploring what was causing disharmony in our lives were also very powerful.

The detox food was delicious consisting of a smoothie for breakfast, soup & salad for lunch, then a juice for dinner which left me feeling cleansed and filled with nutrition. Sharing meals together felt very uniting. Doing yoga every morning felt like I was infusing life back into my body that had gone through so many medical procedures that year. As a beginner in yoga I was led and helped by Daniela who was sensitive and gentle in her teaching. The exercise took me into my body, away from my repetitive thoughts which was very much needed.

The walks through Dartmoor, especially the silent ‘medicine walk’ where we saw the stone circles enabled a deep connection with nature. Daniella taught me to see nature in a new way which felt deeply healing and grounding. I feel connection still to the women and that time at the retreat when I look up at the sun.

I smile to myself remembering as we all stood together, each morning, looking up at the sky or walking down to the little stream to welcome the new day in together. The retreat was life changing – I am still moved by it and all that I learnt there. I am so grateful that at such a challenging time of my life I found such a healing sanctuary with such caring women.” ~ Catherine

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“Again, thank you so much for letting me join the retreat and I cannot emphasize enough at how a profound effect your work has had on me. Thank you for being there, for answering my questions and for letting me learn from you. I feel so many positive effects, and have so much more clarity (which I so craved), that I can hardly believe that it is happening and on an occasion worry that I’ll wake up one day and will feel like I used to. A friend of mine is saying that I have inspired her to try out going living raw too and told her family about it and her family is also on board. This is how your beautiful work is flowing through the world! Please do not ever stop”  ~ Neyla

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“I have recently returned from a week’s retreat in the Scottish Highlands with Daniela and eight other wonderful women. The experience was a challenge for me on many levels, but the beauty and peace of the place and the strong, wise and heartfelt guidance from Daniela combined to provide a fertile space for such deep work to be done. Daniela is deeply insightful, sensitive and strong and her connection to Love, God, the Mother (however we choose to name It) means that she held the space that was needed; such a precious gift for which I’m truly grateful.” ~ Karen

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“Daniela works deeply on many levels beyond the physical, and although this can sometimes be quite painful for me – where I hold a lot of tension, Daniela’s insights into my emotional blocks – stored in the body – have challenged and encouraged me to look deeper and more clearly at myself in a way that is completely loving and non-judgmental, allowing me to move on gracefully into my peace, truth, whatever is going on around me in this life journey.” ~ Katy

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“I cannot thank you enough for yet another rewarding, thought-proving weekend. Your wisdom and knowledge challenges and guides in a way that gives me an opportunity to get back in touch with my inner self.

With every day life and world troubles it is necessary to be trusting and understanding rather than judgmental and cynical. Your unique, quiet approach creates a safe environment that nurtures inner growth and self-belief, gently taking me by the hand and leading me back on my pathway again. Thank you.” ~ Lizzie

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“So grateful for our magical retreat that has redirected me on my path . I feel renewed, Happy and hopeful. Thank you.”

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“I must say the retreat has changed my life. I have been practicing yoga every day since the Easter retreat. It is like a new-born mind. The weekend was really amazing! Your yoga techniques are very good and how you teach and correct positions for us were very helpful and useful. But what I was most inspired from you was the spiritual aspect. I kept thinking who I am and what I would want to achieve in my life during the weekend. I have very busy life style so I didn’t really think about it so instead I was just working and working like a machine for money.

After a terrible breakup with my ex, I decided come to the retreat but probably that was the best thing that has happened to me. I remember lots of things you said but one of my favourite was- strong body makes strong mind. It’s very true but I didn’t realize until you said it. I understand now I don’t need expensive shoes, bags, clothes and jewellery. I should be confident without those because those are just materials which can’t belong to me forever. All I want to have now is strong body and mind therefore I am practicing every day. I absolutely loved your cooking, especially salads all were amazing. Thank you so much” ~ Motoko

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“Thank you Daniela, for another profound and life transforming week. Each time I work with you, there is a deepening and revealing of more and more intricate layers of myself that you always seem to find a way to lovingly (but unwaveringly) confront and challenge me with. I am finding more and more that I can witness myself in an honest and humble way, and am feeling a strength and connection with the great mother growing day by day. Thank you for being such an inspiration.” ~ Mark