Are you ready to be your own best friend?

Start with this gift: A day of mostly silent, guided mindfulness practice and personal reflection.

IN-PERSON and ON-LINE

Discover what is calling for your attention and how to transform what is no longer serving you well.

Guided by acclaimed mindfulness and meditation teacher, Dr Sharn Rocco, in the seclusion of the picturesque Water Garden Oasis, or in the comfort of your own home, this short retreat will help you navigate the inevitable challenges, opportunities and obligations of life with calm, clarity and confidence.

This short retreat will give your the inner and outer space needed to let go of expectations and regrets and simply be with what is, to reflect, and to re-imagine.

A rare opportunity…

You can pay whatever you like or nothing at all.

YES! If you want it to be, it's …FREE!

Encouraged by the success of the first hybrid retreat, Sharn is offering this retreat free from attachment to outcome or income, as a gesture of appreciation for her teachers, the teachings and the hundreds of people who have joined her for retreats, in Australia and internationally. It is an acknowledgment of her commitment to practicing the perfection of generosity and to trust the inherent goodwill of others.

Click on the 'GET TICKETS' tab above to give and receive this gift.

Whether you're a curious beginner, or an occasional or experienced meditator wanting to refresh or deepen your mindfulness practice, this daylong retreat is for you.

All you need to bring is a yoga mat, a firm cushion for sitting on the floor (chairs are provided), a packed lunch, hat and sunscreen for walking outdoors, and your journal/notebook and pen.

Don't miss this precious opportunity to practice giving and receiving.

You'll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and inspired to be kind to yourself and love the life you live.

What's included:

5 hours of expertly guided mindfulness meditation practice – including sitting, standing, walking, reclining and mindful eating.
Optional on-line introductory information session. To ensure that you approach the retreat with confidence, after you purchase your ticket, you will receive an invitation to attend an online session Sharn will answer your questions and give a brief overview of what to expect and what to bring. This session will be particularly helpful for people attending on-line.
PDF Program Overview for online attendees. This outline of the retreat schedule will be helpful for people attending online - particularly in the event of an unstable internet connection and/or if the retreat inspires you to plan a personal, self guided retreat in the future.

Throughout this day of mostly silent practice you will be guided to:

• Dial down Radio Non-Stop thinking

• Reconnect with what really matters

• Learn and practice the fundamentals of mindfulness and the postures of meditation

• Experience the deep calm of mindful sitting, walking, eating and compassion meditation.

“Sharn has a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on …her non-threatening, non-judgmental and insightful approach is very encouraging and inspirational. – Tove Lemberget, JCU Team Leader/ Research Librarian

Nourish your innate capacity to give the gift of non-judgmental presence to those you love and feel responsible for, and to receive all that life has to offer, with an open heart and an open mind.

“The strategies Sharn shared during the daylong retreat have been a big help to me to keep me focused and calm at work and home. … I am much more patient and am valuing my time with my children and family, a definite benefit for us all.” – Narelle Rudling,

‘We thoroughly enjoyed the daylong retreat … “excellent” in every way.’ – Jenny and John Ross

This short retreat will return you to yourself – giving you the quiet, space and time to reconnect with the inner voice of love and understanding that knows just how you want to proceed.

Get your tickets now before your diary is full or they are sold out.

Simply offer whatever feels right for you.

PLACES are STRICTLY LIMITED

Got Questions? Here's some answers to the ones most frequently asked (FAQS):

Do I need to sit on the floor?

No. Sitting on a chair is perfectly okay.

Does it matter if I am completely new to mindfulness and meditation?

Not at all. Whether you are completely new to the concept and practice or have been working with it for years, this short day of guided practice will meet you where you’re at.

Is the program religious?

No. The program is entirely secular. However, as well as being a scholar of contemporary mindfulness research and practice, and a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Calm Abiding Meditation instructor, Sharn's teaching is informed by more than 20 years of studying traditional Buddhist texts and receiving instruction from some of the most distinguished meditation masters of our time, including the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Is this a silent retreat?

Yes and No. There will be periods of silence and opportunities to talk. After the introductory session you will be invited to maintain 'noble silence' until after lunch when there will be a question and answer session and closing circle. Everything is invitational. You are here to learn to be your own best friend and guide.

How do I get there?

If you're participating online, immediately after you purchase your ticket you'll will be sent a link to the dedicated Zoom room. Plan to spend the retreat somewhere that you will have a quiet, uninterrupted space to yourself and a reliable internet connection.

If you're lucky enough to participate at The Water Garden Oasis, secluded in the walled garden behind the Picnic Bay Hotel, there is a bus from the ferry terminal or from anywhere along the bus route to Picnic Bay and plenty of parking nearby if you're driving. If you're coming from Townsville, the ferry departing at 9.30 from the SeaLink terminal on Sir Lesley Theiss Drive will get you there on time. The retreat will finish in time for you to get the 3.55 bus to the ferry departing for Townsville at 4.25.

Is lunch included in the ticket price?

No. Please prepare and bring a packed lunch.

What do I need to bring?

Water bottle. Packed lunch. A hat and sunblock for walking outdoors. Notebook/journal and pen. A yoga mat and firm cushion for sitting &/or lying on the floor. If you're participating online, you might like to also have suitable, upright chair. The Water Garden Oasis will have chairs available.

What do I wear?

Loose, cool, comfortable clothing - suitable for sitting and/or lying on floor. Shoes that are easily slipped off and on.

Can I arrive the night before and/or stay Sunday night? Yes, of course. The natural beauty of Magnetic Island makes it an ideal location for a weekend getaway. There are a wide variety of holiday accommodation options near the venue and along the bus route. If you're participating online and want to extend the retreat, you might like to start with practicing noble silence beginning the night before and/or continuing until the morning after.

Still got questions? Send an email.