Meditation and Women's Song Circle - 2025

• Do you love to sing – even if only in the shower?
• Are you wanting to settle your over active mind and find your joy?
• Do you feel nourished by connection with open-hearted, fun loving women?
• Are you soothed by the presence of nature and things lovingly handmade – towering gums, rambling gardens, lotus ponds, mud-brick walls, brick-paved halls and delicious, nutritious meals? 

YES! YES! YES! And YES?   This retreat is for YOU!

Acclaimed mindfulness and meditation teacher and mentor, Sharn Rocco PhD and talented, heart-based songstress, Hester Fraser, GOLDHEIST, have combined their talents, wisdom and love of life, music and the strength of women to create a unique, uplifting retreat that is not to be missed.

“This retreat experience connected me deeply connected to my inner ‘sound’ and open to ‘harmony’. I loved all of it – the combo of mindful meditation to embody my energy - to let my breath rest in my body and sing from that place. I’ll definitely be back next year. It’s already in my calendar!" – Maura Luxford, TAFE Services Manager, Author, Speaker, Mid-Coast.

The Old Monastery Stroud is the perfect venue for retreating from the day to day hustle and bustle, and tapping into the wellspring of joy and ease that nourishes our human spirit. 

“Grounding and real! What a joy to be in a beautiful place among beautiful people supported by Sharn’s presence, wisdom and flexibility. This retreat was a profound and enriching gift of time away from my regular life to refocus and regroup. A powerful reminder that there is nothing to lose and much to gain from taking time out from the busyness and the superficial.” – Kathryn Gresham, Wingham

Singing is as ancient as the human ability to vocalise sound. In its simplest form, singing is a powerful form of communication and expression, a deeply ancient way for humans to connect, sooth and to heal. 

You will be supported and guided to settle your busy mind, find your voice and feel connected - inwardly and outwardly. Everything about the program is invitational and suitable for all levels of aptitude and experience. You will be invited to sit in silence, lift your voice in harmony and cacophony, wander among the towering gums, rest in the lounge, relax in the garden and enjoy nourishing, mindful meals.

Sharn and Hester are committed to making this experience uplifting and accessible for everyone. You can join the Meditation and Women's Song Circle for an immersive, two day retreat or simply come along on Wednesday for a joyful day of singing, meditation, delicious mindful meals and GOLDHEIST concert. 

You can pay up front or pay by instalments.

Whether you treat yourself to retreat for two days or just one day, you will be nourished and uplifted by connecting with open-hearted women in the resonant mud-brick Gunya Chiara hall. You will feel the peace of guided meditation and the joy of offering your voice to a circle of song.  

“Wonderful! I’m glad I took the plunge! The meditation, food, singing – everything about the two days was perfect. An absolutely joyful, fun, singing experience. Nourishing for mind and body. I’m so grateful to both Sharn and Hester for their knowledge and generosity. They are both true leaders. I’m leaving with a renewed sense of self and determination to put into daily practice each of the foundations of mindfulness.” – Jean Graham, Retired Teacher, Forster

Don't overthink it.

• Make time for you.
• Clear your calendar for a day or two.
  
• Reconnect, relax and replenish your joy.
  
  

Save Your Place NOW!

Register For One Day or Two.

*** Places Are Strictly Limited ***

12 places open for the full 2-day retreat and 4 places for Wednesday only 

You'll Receive… 

• Expertly guided singing and meditation instruction and practice 

Everything about the program is invitational. Each day, you'll be invited into a series of 60–75 minute song circles with Hester guiding you to explore and lift your voice with heart and harmony. Each song circle will begin and end with mindfulness meditation practice guided by Sharn – walking, sitting, listening, sensing. You will find your voice, your breath, your playfulness and your courage. You'll notice the sounds that sooth and uplift you, learn new songs and make new friends.

• Mindful Meals – Wednesday lunch and dinner –Thursday Breakfast and lunch

if you're a lover of good food, you'll be glad you came just for this. Served in the Old Monastery dining room, you will be presented with a selection of dishes to tempt you and tantalise your tastebuds. To enrich the experience and give you food for thought, Sharn will offer instructions for mindful eating that will sustain you long after you leave the retreat. 

• Accommodation at The Old Monastery Stroud - 2-Day Retreat only.

Staying at the monastery is an experience that will resonate deep and long. You will have your own room with a view of the garden, a writing desk and wardrobe. 

Nestled in the foothills of The Barrington Tops built and constructed from mud bricks made onsite by a dedicated group of Sisters of St Clair and volunteers lead by acclaimed sculptress, Sr Angela, The Old Monastery Stroud, is the perfect place for women to gather in song and meditation.

• Meditation and Womens Song Circle Handbook

To keep you on track bringing mindfulness, ease, joy, harmony and song to every day during the retreat and beyond, Sharn and Hester have created a handbook packed with information, instruction, daily exercises, songs and references. 

• Guided Mindfulness Practice Recordings

Everyone leaves a Mindful Works retreat wanting to make mindfulness and meditation a part of their daily routine. Simple but not easy. To support your good intentions, you will receive three mindfulness meditation recordings guided by Sharn. One that is just three minutes long, one 10 minutes and a 20 minute body scan that will help you sleep better than you have in years! 

PLUS…

 • Goldheist 'Spellbound' Concert – BONUS!

Wednesday evening, Hester, aka 'Goldheist', will perform her original songs and stories in a solo concert open to the local community.

• Seeing Through The Eyes of Love CD

Sign up for both days and receive a copy of the latest GOLDHEIST CD, 'Seeing Through The Eyes of Love'. 

$595 – All Inclusive 

$275 – Wednesday Only

“Thank you so much for the wonderful workshop. I left feeling calm and revived. I really loved the whole day and the beautiful mix of meditation and mindfulness, music, food, quiet time and fabulous conversations with gorgeous people. A perfect day.” – Liza Pezzano, ESL Educator, Stroud Road

$525 – All Inclusive – Early-bird Registration Closes 2nd February

$225 – Wednesday Only – Early-bird Registration Closes 2nd February

$35 – Concert Only 7pm Wednesday

Clear your schedule and give yourself this gift, nourish your wellbeing and your relationships - with yourself and others. Feel  uplifted as you join your voice and open-hearted presence with meditation and song circle sessions, walk amongst the trees, listen to the birds, share mindful meals. Leave feeling relaxed, energised and joyful with a copy of the Meditation & Women's Song Circle Handbook and guided meditation recordings.

Payment Plans Available  

This is an opportunity to sense into what feels right for you and practice being your own best friend.

Click on the 'Get Tickets' link above to secure your place. 

FAQs

Do I need to sit on the floor? NO. There will be a chair there for everyone.

Will there be much singing? YES. Each of the 50–75 minute song circles will include 35–55 minutes of singing. You will be expertly guided to playfully explore and expand your voice, find harmony and learn new songs. 

Do I need to be a good or experienced singer? NO. Whether you've sung on stage or never sung outside the shower, this is an invitation to find and lift your voice in joyful connection with the voices around you. Hester is an in-demand singing teacher working with choirs, small ensembles and individuals of all ages.

Do I need to know how to meditate? NO. The meditation and mindfulness practices – including mindful, sitting, moving, walking and eating, will benefit complete beginners, experienced meditators and everyone in between. Each of the four daily 60–75 minute song circles will begin and end with simple, expertly guided meditations for befriending the breathe, opening the heart and focusing on sound.

Do I need an open heart and open mind? YES & NO. These are your best travelling companions. But if you arrive without them, they'll be there for you by the time you leave.

Will my special dietary requirements be catered for? YES. Once you purchase your ticket, you'll be sent an email inviting you to answer a few questions that will let Sharn and Hester plan to meet your needs - including your dietary requirements.

Can I pay by instalments? YES. Pay $150 up and pay the remainder before 1st May. Simply select 'Payment Plan' as your ticket type. Sharn will be in touch to personalise your payment plan.

Is the venue suitable for people with limited mobility? YES and NO. Accommodation at the monastery and the path between the accommodation and the hall are sloping and uneven. However, the hall has ramp access. If you have limited mobility contact Sharn to find out more about whether this can work for you.

What do I need to bring? Once you purchase your ticket, you'll be sent an email with more information including what to bring and how to find the monastery.

Can I attend the Wednesday night concert if I am not attending the retreat? YES. Tickets are available for the concert only

Click on the 'GET TICKETS' link above to purchase your preferred ticket and secure your place. 

If you have other questions, simply email info@mindfulworks.com.au or give Sharn a call: 0458 111 373

Satisfaction Guaranteed

If after participating in the event you feel that it was a waste of your time and money, simply write to us within 48 hours explaining why and we'll refund you in full. No questions asked

Here's a taste of what it's like to attend a nourishing mindfulness retreat with Sharn: