The Way of Natural Awareness

A 5-day retreat providing a pathway to deeper practice for those new to retreat. Suitable for experienced meditators also.

Natural awareness is an open and relaxed approach to meditation as a way of being in the world. Emphasising continuity of awareness throughout activities as the basis for the cultivation of insight, it dissolves the dichotomy between 'meditation' and 'everyday life'.

The retreat will take place in the beautiful rainforest surrounds of Flourish Sanctuary, and sitting and wandering in nature will be encouraged.

Please note: Flourish Sanctuary is in a beautiful and rustic rainforest setting. It is suitable for people who enjoy being in nature and can walk comfortably on uneven and sloping ground. 

Emma Pittaway first encountered the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) in India in 1999 and has practised intensively with Tibetan and Theravada teachers in India, Nepal, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and Australia over the past 25 years. Her main training is in the Burmese Mahasi lineage and her primary teacher and mentor is Patrick Kearney. She is heavily influenced Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Emma's home is Widjabul Wia-bal country in the Northern Rivers of NSW, and she is the principal insight teacher at the Kuan Yin Meditation Centre. 

Dana: Insight Meditation teachers give generously of their time and energy during retreats. They receive no payment for this and are supported by donations from those attending retreats. A Dana (donation) box will be placed inside the meditation hall for donations to support the teachers. 

Please arrive between 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Wednesday, 18th June 2025. The retreat will finish after lunch on Monday 23rd June at about 1.30pm.

Retreat Fees

1. 4 person per room - $756
2. Tent sites (small tents only please) - $596

Refund Policy
If you need to cancel your booking, a full refund will be offered up to 3 weeks before the retreat.
If the cancellation is less than 3 weeks before the retreat, you will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations from Tuesday 17th June will not be refunded.