My Personal Retreat.
Tailored for you.
If you're feeling the weight of a busy, noisy life with way too many things coming at you, or feel lost in the maze of life and aren't sure how to find your direction again, this is an opportunity to make space for stillness, silence, and reflection so you can make thoughtful decisions.
By the time you leave you will feel more grounded, be in touch with your purpose, with tools to find a rhythm so you're ready to step back into everyday life refreshed.
If this rings true for you, read on…..
Wouldn't it be great to lose that tight feeling in your shoulders as you step away from all that is threatening to drown you. Take a deep breath, in a space that nourishes you in many ways: from the quiet bushland, grazing wallabies, open skies and a comfortable bed?
Find a path through what now feels like a maze rather than a life (mazes are meant to confuse you).
How good would it be to find your direction again?
Imagine being able to calm the chatter of your mind, slowing it down, stopping it going round and round with all those pressures pushing in on you?
How freeing would it be to get off that treadmill you're on, scared and not knowing how to get off ? Let us help you explore different tools to make change and create a new path, so you are no longer stuck.
Picture yourself on the verandah having had a gentle wake up, knowing you have time and space to work out what things you can step away from and what you need to keep in your life.
This is for you if....
You feel life is too busy and overwhelming.
You're feeling numb inside.
Life's so full it’s hard to find the space to make thoughtful decisions.
That still small voice gets smothered too often.
It is hard to find time and space for deeper moments of reflection.
You are worried that you are on a treadmill and will wake up one day only to find you missed out on following your passions.
The luxury of stillness sounds fantastic.
Choose to:
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Step away for a while, turn down the noise and listen well: to yourself, to nature (it has its own sounds), and your Still Small voice.
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Spend quiet time in this beautiful natural environment designed to support nervous system recovery and your total wellness.
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Immerse yourself in natures healing presence.
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Discover more of your inner self through guided reflective exercises so you practice mindfulness and refocus on your purpose.
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Book in for your own peaceful, individually tailored retreat that gives you time to breathe deeply.
When you return home you will:
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Feel refreshed, renewed and with a clearer sense of your purpose.
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Understand your passion so you can keep it in focus.
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Carry a sense of calm to make thoughtful decisions in everyday life.
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Enjoy some tools to help you carve out moments of stillness in the busy-noisy world you return to.
Join us in the quiet setting of a bushland environment at Fosterton Retreat, sharing the 100 acres of all kinds of trees, birds, wallabies and other healing elements of nature.
Sleep in the safety of a dark night, cocooned in a comfortable bed without the noise of the city, town or busy world.
Meet with retreat facilitators Bronwyn or Max at the start of your stay to decide on your intention for this retreat.
Together pick from a selection of gentle, guided reflective exercises to help you slow down and move from your busy life to being present .
Walk one of the 4 labyrinths on the property as a full-body way to reflect.
Take a bushwalk on one of the tracks on the property.
Deepen your awareness of what matters in your life by heightening your senses as you notice things you would often not see.
Practice mindfulness and patience as you visit the river nearby and build your own rock tower- incredibly satisfying.
Sit under the stars (which are often hidden in towns) and absorb the stillness night brings, allowing you clarity for your decisions.
“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.” Brené Brown
Choose what suits you
With a minimum of 2 days & 2 nights.
(Research shows that a number of short breaks throughout the year can lead to better well-being.)
Option 1: Self cater- bring your food, cook what you like, eat when you want.
Option 2: We cater for you. Enjoy delicious vegetarian food that someone else has prepared.
Breakfast and lunch is supplied, eat when you want. Dinner will be prepared & delivered to your cabin.
Please note: This is a personal transformation retreat, not one based in spiritual practises except your own.
Your investment:
Option 1: $380/day (includes accommodation.)
Option 2: $450/day (includes accommodation.)
*9am - 6pm is a day
All personal retreats include:
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A boutique retreat experience tailored for your needs and life,
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Tea, coffee,
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Night time under the stars, around the fire pit (weather permitting)
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Sunset reflections- questions provided.
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Accommodation in a cabin at Fosterton Retreat (see options below) with all linen provided,
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Up to 1 one-to-one reflective session every day
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Choose (with guidance) from the reflective exercises provided, e.g: facilitated labyrinth walk.
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Reflective tools that you can use at home.
Option 2 with catering includes:
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Help yourself breakfast, afternoon tea, supper, lunch,
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A simple vegetarian evening meal provided for every full day you're booked.
Retreats do not include:
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Alcohol & soft drinks.
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Transport to & from the retreat.
If you want to come by train we can pick you up & drop you off at Dungog train station. A small fee applies.
Well equipped kitchenette
Your own firepit
Accommodation options
Choose from 2 lovely cabins
Valley View cabin with queen bed, bathroom spa (shower over bath), your own firepit, kitchenette and loungeroom.
Mountain View cabin- with queen bed, bathroom spa, walk in shower, your own firepit, kitchenette and loungeroom.
Queen bed in both cabins
Your own spa.
Retreat terms & conditions
We want you to be clear about our terms & conditions,
but we've tried to make them easy & fun to read!
Bookings:
· A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at least 3 weeks before a retreat to secure your place. Payment of the deposit constitutes the guest's acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
· Balance of payment must be received in full at least 14 days prior to the start of a retreat. If not, the owners will contact you, but without payment we have the right to cancel the booking and attempt to re-book your place.
Cancellations & Refunds:
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Cancellation by participants made up to 4 weeks before a retreat receive a refund minus10% fee.
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Cancellations by participants between 4-2 weeks prior to a retreat receive a 50% refund,
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Cancellations by participants within 2 weeks of a retreat receive no refund, unless person is found to replace you (like for like),
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If a retreat is not run by Max & Bronwyn Greive cancellations and refunds are between the retreat organiser and the client.
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If you want to "pull out of" a retreat and move to another one at a different time it will be treated as a cancellation. Rebooking will be subject to availability & at the listed price for that next retreat (even if it has increased).
Note: If extreme things happen outside of your control, (we know what it's like to have sudden tragedies) we understand that variations to these may be possible, so contact us- Yes talk to us!
We might have a waitlist.
Other issues:
· We care about our participants so it is important that anyone registering to attend a retreat discloses any health or related issues which might impact on their involvement, so we can take great care (eg: physical, psychological, spiritual, dependencies or family issues). To not do so could result on the cancellation of a booking/place at a retreat,
· The number of guests should not exceed the number stated on the confirmation notice/email or the number subsequently agreed in writing or email. Fees will apply for additional guests not agreed to with the owner in advance,
· While there have never been any problems with theft, personal items are the guest's responsibility during their stay,
· However anything found at the conclusion of the stay is collected by the cleaners and we contact you and ask what you want to do about it,
Alcohol: Fosterton Retreat does not have a liquor license. Some retreats are dry, others are not. It will be listed on the individual retreat page. You are welcome to bring alcohol to a retreat that is not dry but moderation is expected and unruly behaviour is not okay (see next point).
· Disturbance to other visitors or our neighbours, including trespassing on their property or excessive noise, is prohibited and may result in termination of your place at a retreat,
· Linen for residential guests is supplied by Fosterton Retreat except for extras agreed between the owner and visitor in writing (email included),
· Pets are not allowed unless specific arrangements have been made in writing with the owner (Guide and assistance dogs excepted of course with consultation).
· Smoking is not allowed inside any buildings or within 5 metres of buildings.
· Times to vacate rooms will be stipulated in each retreat and need to be adhered to for the sake of other guests.
Each retreat is different but Fosterton Retreat does not have a liquor license, if it is not a dry retreat you can bring alcohol and we expect moderation in its use.
Each retreat has a minimum number of participants required, which may vary for each retreat. The date for any cancellation of a retreat due to lack of numbers will vary but will be listed in the information for each retreat. Registered (paid) participants will be notified asap.
We will make every effort to ensure our retreats are available as advertised. However, the owner reserves the right to make alterations due to rare and extreme unforeseen circumstances. Max and Bronwyn will contact you soon as possible if such a situation arises and every attempt will be made to accommodate you at another suitable retreat in the next 12 months or money paid will be refunded.
What can I expect?
Your outcome will be unique but there are common experiences.
You come with your own background, knowledge, beliefs and spiritual practices, while we provide opportunities to nurture your soul. Everyone is different so the schedule is set by you to suit your rhythm, including booking reflective sessions with Max or Bronwyn who will gently help you choose from a collection of exercises.
Beginning:
Whatever day you chose to come, everyone starts by turning off their phone (if you even brought it) and do a walking meditation on one of our 4 labyrinths. Max will guide you in this. This helps you bring your inner and outer worlds into sync.
Choose your adventure:
A collection of exercises will be available to choose from, so you can create your own rhythm, such as: sitting, breathing, creative reflections, nature connection, using labyrinths- walking or handheld, body scan and sensory meditations. All our retreats use the healing power of creativity and nature. Yes we don't all have to be artists but everyone can be creative.
Walk our labyrinths
Come find yourself on the path in one of our labyrinths, to ground yourself, contemplate, centre, pray, meditate- you can't get lost. Or, if walking is difficult use a handheld one. These practices are well researched as being helpful for well being. There are different ways to use these exercises, of course you can bring your own practices too.
Meet one-to-one for some suggestions.
You're invited to a face-to-face session with Max or Bronwyn each day, where we use reflective listening with contemplative practices of compassion., This can be planned to suit your rhythm: if you're a morning person, from 6am on. If you love afternoons, make it then. And if the night is where you go deep, anytime up until 8.30pm can be scheduled. You get the idea. How many sessions will depend on how many days you go on retreat and what you need (everyone should have at least 2- 1 at the start and 1 at the end).
Journalling.
Whether it is visual, or written, focusing on insights or gratitude, each person is encouraged to find some way to journal while on retreat. This is for you, unless you want to share it with us. Materials are provided so anyone can visually journal or incorporate colour and symbols (as used in mind mapping).
Finish well.
You might have come for any number of reasons: life challenges, looking for direction, family difficulties, time for reflection, or.....
One session will be at the end.
Continue the journey.
Post retreat sessions are available*, in person or online. Once again we use reflective listening and contemplative practices of compassion, with a future focus, to help consolidate and integrate your retreat insights and experiences into your ongoing daily life.
*Costs apply.
A retreat isn't just a stand-alone thing, it's part of your whole life.
"If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will" Geoff McKeown.
A retreat has many benefits...
Switch off the noise
Stop running... get off the treadmill.... step away from distraction... switch off your phone. (You could hand it in or leave it at home.)
Take time to notice, go deeper, reflect, and help create calm, peace and contentment. Silence can also be a first step towards the awakening of more creativity, or the start of deep listening.
Fresh air is good for you.
Breathe in deeply, send your gaze out over the acres of rolling hills all the way to the Barrington Tops National Park. Become aware of the sounds, fragrances and sights around you, either during the day or under the stars at night.
Be nurtured by nature.
Restore your connection with the beauty and wonder of nature. Listen to your heartbeat among our 101 acres. Centre yourself as part of the environment, noticing the surrounding hillsides and mountains, local flora and fauna, waterways of creeks and the nearby river. All available while you retreat.
Discover a new path.
We won't lie to you, being intentional and shedding distractions makes space for the deep work of transformation. Discover new thoughts, ideas and emotions (positive and negative). Of course this can be uncomfortable. Retreats can help us stay with the 'uncomfortable' long enough to listen to it, learn from it and even befriend it. A chance to heal.
Become intentional.
Set a new path of choice and direct your life, with purpose, rather than just rolling along.
“Silence is a source of Great Strength.”
Lao Tzu https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/silence
Thankyou Philip for this lovely photo taken when you stayed at Fosterton Retreat.
Who is it for?
This is for anyone who:
Wants to make space to go deeper,
Are committed to the work of inner transformation,
Feels drained from life (but there's no medical cause for it),
Often find themselves distracted by the noise of life,
Wants to get in touch with a deeper self, nature, and/or a higher power,
Has something personal they want to work on.
We need to care for you and everyone who comes, so if you have any mental health concerns we need to know about it and discuss these with you.
If you are under the care of a doctor, counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist for any mental health issues you need to speak with them before attending. They might like to know more about us before advising you, please give them our contact details.
Answering some of your questions
“My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music, and silence.”
― Edith Sitwell https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/silence
If I turn off my phone (or hand it in) what if my family needs me?
Families can contact Max and Bronwyn directly if there is an emergency, we have coverage with our phones. And of course we will pass it on straight away.
Will I be just sitting around all day?
That will be up to you. There will be a variety of activities/ reflective exercises available for you to chose from. Some of the activities/ reflective exercises will be walking meditations, others sitting, plus there is 100 acres for you to explore. The point is this will be reflective, that is the key.
Do I have to share a room?
No. Personal retreats use the cabins people can be in just by themselves.
Do I have to have sort of faith/religious belief?
No, come as you are. The reflective exercises do not assume any kind of faith/religious belief. It is for people who want to go deeper though. Some people will have faith/religious beliefs, and some of the contemplations might involve quotes or sacred text but just like the quotes on this website it will be varied. You will carry your own worldview into everything you do through this time.
Do I have to stay on the property?
No. There are some lovely walks nearby and the river with beautiful rocks (great for rock towers, a very centring practice). However, we do ask people to sign out when leaving, and sign in when returning. We'd hate anything to happen to you and us not realise where you were.
Will there be any television or media?
There is a television in the cabin and it will be up to you how it is used. We recommend it not be turned on. We check the news twice a day and can give you notice about anything important.
On Dec 26, 2004 we were flying to the USA when the tsunami happened, the world completely changed between leaving and landing, it was important to us to know this. That is something we would put a notice up about.
If you don't want to know about such events, let us know and of course anything personally important we will pass on to you directly.
Still not sure if this is a good fit for you?
Email, ring us to discuss it further, Details below.
Or send us an enquiry form.
