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Luka is a caring, empathetic trainer. I attended my first silent retreat with her. She guided me through the process step by step in a calm and pleasant manner. I would love to take another mindfulness course or silent retreat with her.
- Maaike
The best commitment you can make is the one you make to yourself. — Thich Nhat Hanh
Take some time to reconnect with yourself: Group retreats
Retreats in the Netherlands & Malawi
A moment of pause in your busy life. Whether you are attending a retreat for the first time or already have experience: there is always a suitable option for everyone. From an accessible day retreat in nature to an in-depth 5-day silent experience in the Netherlands or Malawi; there is something for everyone.
WHAT IS A RETREAT?
Retreat literally means 'to withdraw'. When you go on a retreat, you take a break from daily life. You essentially withdraw from all daily routines and obligations in order to be fully present with yourself. There are various forms of retreats and the duration can vary from one day to several days, or sometimes even weeks.
My retreats are specifically focused on mindfulness and silence. Mindfulness is being consciously present in the here and now with kindness and without judgment. Silence offers a beautiful way to integrate and practice these skills. Without this silence, we tend to be externally focused, seeking distraction or focusing on others. During a retreat, I invite you to come home to yourself; you are welcome exactly as you are to experience the power of 'being'.
I will guide you throughout the entire process. This means you won’t have to navigate everything on your own in total silence. During meditation, I offer suggestions or lead you through the exercise completely. I remain available for any questions you may have. During multi-day retreats, there is also time for a brief moment of exchange to share your experiences or ask a question.
Retreats in the Netherlands & Malawi (1, 3, or 5 days)
Slow down your way
Whether you choose a one-day retreat or a multi-day journey inward; the essence of my retreats always remains the same. In the agenda you will find the current locations (the Netherlands or Malawi) and the specific programme per date.
What can you expect?
The programme will only be revealed upon arrival. Naturally you would like to know what you are signing up for. During the retreat we will seek out silence. We do this by entering into silence after an introduction with the group. Do not worry, I will be guiding the day and will therefore not be completely silent myself. This means I remain accessible for questions and support throughout. What does a retreat roughly look like?
⭢ Guided meditations: Sitting and walking meditations where I guide you through the entire practice, or with more silence and brief prompts.
⭢ Self-compassion: Exercises focused on kindness and making peace with yourself.
⭢ Exercise: Gentle movement exercises to help you clear your mind and ground yourself in your body.
⭢ Unique special offer: Depending on the location, there may be a specific additional activity, such as silent horseback riding (for example, in Malawi). Or an introduction to breathwork or a forest bath. You can always find details about these in the calendar for the specific retreat.
The investment varies per retreat and depends on the location and duration. Go to calendar for the next upcoming retreat and the associated costs.
Preliminary Information
It is always fijn om te weten waar we aan toe zijn. Alhoewel het programma nooit van tevoren volledig bekend is, zijn er zaken die bij elke retraite vooraf duidelijk zijn, zoals:
VEGETARIAN DIET
All meals are included and always vegetarian. This aligns with my philosophy of mindfulness: taking care of ourselves and the nature around us.
ONE-DAY RETREAT
The day retreat includes lunch, a healthy snack, tea, and water.
MULTIPLE-DAY RETREAT
Includes all meals, tea, water, and accommodation in a single or shared room. Check the calendar for specific room details by location.
Language
Retreats in the Netherlands are guided in Dutch; retreats in Malawi are guided in English.
Materials
You don’t have to carry anything; yoga mats and meditation cushions are provided at every location. However, you’re always welcome to bring your own equipment. Sometimes additional equipment is recommended, or it’s helpful to consider your clothing and the weather conditions; this kind of practical information is always shared via email after you register
Journey to Malawi
For the retreats in Malawi, your flight, transfer, (travel) insurance, vaccinations, and visa costs are not included. Naturally, I am happy to help you think through your travel preparations. If you would like to brainstorm how to combine the retreat with your dream holiday in Malawi or one of the other beautiful countries in Africa, please contact 1-2-travel Africa, they can tailor your vacation to your needs, have a keen eye for sustainability, and ensure that your money doesn’t go to big chains but instead benefits the local community.
You sign up, and then what?
A retreat is a gift to yourself, and I find it important that the journey towards it is also a relaxed one. Although every retreat differs in content, the process can be divided into three steps:
01
Registration & Your Spot
Once you sign up through the calendar, I will send you a brief questionnaire. In it, I’ll ask about things like your experience with mindfulness, so I can properly tailor the guidance to the group. The retreat will officially receive a 'green light' with a minimum of six participants. At that point, you will receive the invoice. Once payment is completed, your spot is guaranteed.
02
The Retreat & Information in Advance
In the run-up to the retreat you will receive a detailed information email with all practical details. During the retreat itself the programme will be revealed and I will ensure a gentle landing. I will guide you step by step through the silence, so that you can fully surrender to the moment.
03
Landing & Aftercare
After a retreat, ‘landing’ back into daily life can sometimes take a little time. Because I believe it's important for you to properly integrate these experiences, I won’t just let you go. A few days after the retreat ends, I will send you an email to see how you are doing and we can see if there is anything else I can do for you.
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DID YOU KNOW THAT…
I often organize the retreats in the Netherlands together with Ilona Heuver.
Ilona is a mindfulness trainer at Mindfulness Twenterand A fun fact: Ilona and I were colleagues for many years at Karakter (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), and I actually completed my basic mindfulness training with her.
The costs of a retreat vary depending on the location.
Since rental costs vary by location, I adjust the rates accordingly. My goal is to keep my retreats as accessible as possible. By aligning the price with the actual costs of the venue, you always pay a fair price that reflects the location.
Interested in the next retreat?
Take a look at the calendar for all the dates and more information about the specific retreat.
faq
Frequently Asked Questions About
the retreats
Do I need to have any prior experience with meditation or silence?
No, that’s not necessary. Whether this is your first time or you’ve been on a retreat before, the retreats are open to everyone, whether experienced or not.
Why do we eat vegetarian food and not drink coffee?
During a retreat, we aim to calm the nervous system. A vegetarian diet is often easier on the body and aligns with a non-violent approach to nature. Avoiding coffee helps you avoid being “wired” by caffeine and instead rely on your body’s natural state of calm.
Can I combine a retreat with a vacation in Malawi?
Absolutely! That’s actually a wonderful idea, so that your carbon footprint is as small as possible and you can contribute to the local tourism industry. If you’d like to discuss how to combine the retreat with your dream vacation in Malawi or one of the other beautiful countries in Africa, please contact 1-2-travel Africa, they can tailor your vacation to your needs, have a keen eye for sustainability, and ensure that your money doesn’t go to big chains but instead benefits the local community.
Is it okay for me to use my phone during the retreat?
I encourage you to put your phone on airplane mode or turn it off completely during the retreat. Our phones are a constant source of distraction and unconscious stress, causing us to constantly shift our focus outward.
Of course, it’s up to you to make a conscious decision about this. However, you are required to set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” during group sessions to ensure that all participants can enjoy the silence.
What if I find it hard to stay silent for so long, or if I start feeling a lot of emotions?
That’s perfectly normal and completely okay. Silence can be unsettling because you can no longer escape into distractions. That’s why I’m here as your guide. You don’t have to figure this out on your own; I provide a safe space and am available for a brief moment of reflection if you get stuck in your process.
I don't sit well on a meditation cushion—is that a problem?
Certainly not. Mindfulness isn’t about perfect posture, but about being awake and gentle in the moment. Chairs are always available, and you can also do the meditations lying down or standing up. Together, we’ll figure out what feels comfortable and supportive for your body at that moment.
What is the group size during a retreat?
I deliberately choose small, personal groups (usually between 8 and 14 people, depending on the location). This creates a safe atmosphere in which there is sufficient room for individual attention and in which the silence can truly be experienced as shared and supportive.
What should I bring to a retreat?
The most important thing is to bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (layers are recommended) and shoes that you can walk comfortably in nature with. The practical email you receive prior to the retreat will include a specific packing list, so that you know exactly what you need for that particular location.
Let's have a virtual cup of tea!
Does it feel like a “yes,” but you still have a few questions? Or would you like to explore together whether a specific retreat is right for you at this moment? Then feel free to book a free online introductory call. Together, with no obligation, we’ll see whether my offering aligns with what you need right now.