A retreat is a stepping back (not running away) for the purpose of going deeper within.
Is 1 day long enough to go to a retreat?
It is what happens while there that counts, not just the length of time. As long as there is a focus, some reflection and exercises to help people sink into the topic and place, then that is a retreat.
Art Retreats have the art teaching component as well as reflective times.
Transformational Retreats
You can do a retreat at home, (see our Stay-at Home Retreat in our blog from during covid lockdown) BUT if you're like us, it helps to be away from our normal distractions.
A typical 2-3 day retreat...includes
Sunset reflections- a great experience
Leaving your responsibilities and cares behind you for the time being, turn down the white noise of busyness and spend some time in the serenity of FR, overlooking the stunning Barrington Tops National Park.
Come by car or train (arrangements can be made to pick you up),
Stop in the quaint town of Dungog for a meal on the way, or if driving, pack yourself a picnic dinner and eat on the edge of the Williams River (at Newells Crossing on Fosterton Road). You could have a dip in the river.
Arrive while the wallabies graze and settle into the comfortably and artfully decorated FH with Max and Bronwyn to show you around.
Have a quick swim in the pool and in summer join others to sit on the front verandah to watch the sun set.
In winter gather around the outdoor firepit under the stars.
We heard a great saying the other year: "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago-the second best time is now."
This also applies to retreats, people often say "One day I'll do a retreat" or "I've often thought about doing a retreat."
Well this is a good year for it.
An experiential time:
After sunset comes an opening exercise, meeting the people you will share this space with over the weekend and each work out your personal focus for this time. Good news, there is no right or wrong answer to this quest, actually you can’t get it wrong.
Begin a time of silence with supper under the stars.
Breakfast will be silent, set out so you can help yourself and enjoy eating at one of the number of spectacular viewpoints.
Some retreats are activity based, like an art retreat or one with a special focus, such as the end-of-year Wrapping up retreats.
Each day spend contemplative time with guided exercises to help you be present, connect through nature, deepening your self-awareness and sense of being at the retreat but also of use in everyday life. Or being led and guided in your taught creativity. Activities are either individual or sometimes as a group, depending on the retreat format.
There is also opportunity throughout a retreat to unpack some of your insights through one-to-one consult with retreat directors Max or Bronwyn.
A one day guided retreat, will have time for exercises, experiencing nature, learning and reflection. Special accommodation rates are available for participants staying overnight at a retreat.
Connection with nature and the art of silence are part of each retreat we run. It's ideal for people who have never practiced the art of silence or those who have a lot of experience and want a window of time to practice more.
You don't have to come by car!
Come from north or south by train, alighting at the historic Dungog Station - the longest country platform still in use. Be picked up from the station or explore and picked up in the interesting township of Dungog.
Phone 0439 500 909 or 0490 663 228 or fill in to learn more about these great opportunities
FAQ:
Is it suitable for me?
Suitable for all ages, yes anyone, who wants to deepen their relationships and understandings of themselves and others.
I have never practised silence except when I'm asleep, is it suitable for me?
No matter who you are or what you do, silence is a great opportunity to go deeper.
Is this just for people of faith? We don't have to have the same worldview to learn from each other. Click here for more FAQ
Hear what others have to say about our retreats:
I cannot wait to experience another retreat with
Bronwyn and Max. They were very gifted in the way they
helped myself and the other participants overcome our perceived inadequacies to really give of ourselves, open up, and feel so protected when we shared. Lucy
Bronwyn and Max's life experiences have enabled them to really reach out to people in a compassionate and non-judgemental way. Every participant was considered important, listened to and given support. The setting and accommodation was absolutely beautiful, and the hospitality relaxed with lovely home-made breakfasts and lunches. Cath
I really enjoyed mixing with the locals in Dungog for dinner. Highlights for me were the teaching, the lovely sunsets with prayer, chatting around the campfire, the gorgeous views, meeting new people on their journeys, and the feeling of hope that I left with.
Who are Bronwyn and Max?
Fosterton retreat is run by Bronwyn and Max Greive, both are artists with decades of experience in creativity, spiritual and personal growth and developing creative and interactive practices which feed your soul. Bronwyn and Max have been pastors, community workers and counsellors, as well as parents and grandparents.
Bronwyn has a PhD in Natural History Illustration practice, a vehicle to foster the love of the local environment. producing a book "MORE THAN COAL: Exploring Significant Natural History of the Lower Hunter Valley and creative ways to love it." This book is not an academic one (that work's at the University) but a book for anyone. There is a mixture of anecdotes, information, artworks and creative exercises anyone can do, even if there is not 'a creative bone in your body'.
MORE QUESTIONS? Visit the FAQ for retreats, or find out more about us and our values.
Or give us a ring to see if it fits for you Max 0490 663 228 Bronwyn 0439 500 909
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