Hybrid Daylong Mindfulness Retreat – Magnetic Island & Online

Hit the reset button with this day of mostly silent, guided mindfulness practice. 

IN-PERSON and ON-LINE

Presented by acclaimed mindfulness teacher, Dr Sharn Rocco, in the seclusion of the picturesque Water Garden Oasis, this hybrid retreat is the circuit breaker you know you need.   

It's the perfect space for you to rest, reflect, reset and re-imagine – from the comfort of your own home, connected from a location of your choice or with Sharn, in-person.

You'll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to embrace the festive season with a light heart, a clear mind and a smile on your dial.

This retreat is a gift! 

Since 2023 Sharn has facilitated daylong, and longer, retreats in in various locations within Australia and internationally. Typically $95–$145, this first ever hybrid daylong retreat is her gift to you. 

You can pay whatever you like or nothing at all. YES! If you want it to be, it's …FREE!

Click on the 'GET TICKETS' tab above to secure your place.

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. After you purchase your ticket, you will receive an invitation to attend an online session to ensure that you approach the retreat with confidence. 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. 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.
• Retreat Recording. The retreat will be recorded. An unedited copy of the recording will be available on request within 5 days after the retreat.

“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

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.

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 meditations

Don't miss this rare opportunity to step off the treadmill of chronic reactivity and enjoy the calm, clarity and light-heartedness you've been longing.

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. 

“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,

Many wise teachers including the Dalai Lama, Tara Brach and Thich Naht Hahn, have said again and again that we can only love others to the degree that we can love yourself.

When you give yourself the gift of retreat it also a gift to those you love. It’s an opportunity to practice giving and receiving, as an act of generosity.

Generosity of spirit, opening the heart and mind to the bounty we are blessed with, in all it’s forms – people, place, animal, vegetable, mineral, relationships of all kinds, is the spirit of the festive season. The gift of time and space – to be still and quiet, to dial down radio non-stop thinking, is the perfect beginning.

This special end of year daylong retreat is timed to give you the break you need to end the year with clarity, calm and gratitude.

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

This is a precious opportunity. 

The timing is perfect, the location is perfectly preferable and, if you want it to be, it’s free! 

Simply donate whatever feels right for you.

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

PLACES are STRICTLY LIMITED

Got Questions? Here's some answered to the most frequently asked questions (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.