FREEDOM OF BEING RETREAT: discover the power of presence and natural joy

4 day 3 night fully catered retreat surrounded by nature

facilitated by well-known Buddhist Psychologist, PENNY FENNER

Restart the new year in beautiful Hepburn Springs, inspired by teachings and practices to awaken unconditional inner freedom. Be nourished in comfortable accommodation (shared or single), delicious meals and optional massage. Relax deeply in a space with like-minded others.

A retreat is such an ideal way to gain real skills and practices that foster natural presence and joy, and awaken deep wisdom and fierce compassion, qualities that will continue to unfold and mature. 

There will be group work, paired exercise, guided meditations, accompanied by Penny’s teachings that make Buddhist wisdom accessible and able to be integrated and lived as they are braided with western psychology. There will be ample time for discussion, quiet time, walks in nature. In the evenings enjoy relaxed group activities.

Small group size enables intimacy and personal support.

PD HOURS for psychologists and other helping professionals: receive up to 18 PD hours in one retreat.

Learning outcomes:

• Go beyond “mindfulness” and realise the power of fierce compassion.
• Discover how to activate inner stillness and peace amidst the challenges of life.
• Recognise and transform your limiting beliefs and emotions.
• Experience guided practices that not only clear the mind and awaken the heart, but enable freedom of being.
• Realise the power in embodying loving kindness.
• Deepen your relationship with yourself and others.
• Learn to organically apply Buddhist philosophy and practices in life.

ABOUT PENNY FENNER

Penny is a well-seasoned Buddhist Psychologist with over 3 decades’ training and experience in Buddhism and other timeless wisdom traditions and depth psychology. She teaches, supervises and guides others globally through group work, retreats and individual sessions. Penny maintains a busy private practice, as well as offering weekly online meditation and regular group webinars. 

Penny is passionate about awakening our indestructible capacity for wholeness and well-being. She is committed to making Buddhist wisdom and psychological teachings readily accessible and able to be embodied in life. 

She loves imparting what she has learned over decades of deep immersion, cutting through any spiritual confusion or bypassing, awakening clarity, compassion and wisdom. She teaches with humour and joy.

Penny’s approach is passionate, practical and real, her enthusiasm infectious, her understanding deep.

Penny is the author of Essential Wisdom Teachings – the way to inner peace (with Peter Fenner) and Healing from the Heart in Listening from the heart of Silence (ed Prendergast and Bradford). More writings are in the oven cooking.

DON'T WAIT - BOOK YOUR DEEP DIVE INTO PRESENCE AND JOY NOW...

TO REGISTER:

Either register directly with Penny (and save the booking fee on this site) or via the booking link that follows for this 4 day, 3 night retreat, including all teachings, comfortable accommodation with en suite, all linen, toiletries and towels and delicious lovingly prepared meals by our caterer Sophie.

TO SECURE YOUR PLACE, contact Penny directly and pay $500 deposit now with EB balance due by January 31 or after January 31, balance an additional $100. OR BOOK DIRECTLY ON THE SITE HERE.

Your place will be confirmed when deposit or full payment is received; receipts will then be issued. Payment plan possible on request.

Single room: $1195* EB full payment by January 31; $1295* after this.

Shared room pp:    $1085* EB full payment by January 31; $1185* after this.   

*PLUS BOOKING FEE ON THIS SITE

NOTE: Shared room MUST be booked with sharing roommate. Shared room will be either a double/queen or two singles. Must advise what configuration preferred and with whom you will share when booking.

LATE BOOKINGS only POSSIBLE if places remain.

Change of mind cancellations MUST be received by Feb 3 to receive refund less $500 deposit (or by negotiation).

REFUNDS: If this retreat is CANCELLED DUE TO COVID full refund. If unable to attend due to lockdown in your State or territory, full refund up to January 28 only. After this, your payment will be forfeited so please insure yourself for this unlikely event.

POSSIBLE SCHEDULE will look like this:

Thursday March 3

3:00pm onward: Register and settle in (relax, walk, unwind, stretch, just be, sip tea)

5:30pm: Welcome circle

6:30pm: Dinner

8:00pm: Intro and guided meditation

Friday and Saturday

Pre breakfast: time for you: self-directed yoga, stretching, meditation, walking, resting.

7:45-845am: breakfast

9am – 1pm: group work, experiential processes, dyadic inquiries (with tea break)

1-3pm: Lunch and free time

3pm – 5:30pm: group work, guided processes and meditations (with tea break)

6:30pm: Dinner

8-9pm: group get together – singing, chanting, discussions – free flow

Sunday March 6

Pre breakfast: time for self-directed yoga, stretching, meditation, walking etc.

7:45-845am: breakfast

9am – 1pm: group work, guided processes, inquiries (with tea break)

1-2:15pm LUNCH and wrap up retreat.

ABOUT THE VENUE:

Continental house (https://www.continentalhouse.com.au/) is at 9 Lone Pine Avenue, Hepburn Springs, the spa centre of Victoria, just over an hour from Melbourne’s CBD. This quirky, fully restored 1920’s guest house comes with modern comforts, divine spa experience and a rich history. It has 12 ensuite bedrooms, fully equipped yoga room, hamman and a full commercial kitchen where Sophie Davey, our caterer will prepare delicious bespoke meals for our group. There are many areas to relax, be with others or nurture quiet alone time. Nature surrounds. There is a hamman on site with optional (extra) massage if time permits.