The Restory Retreat Centre

Photograph by George Angus This coming weekend we have our first mindfulness retreat here at Barrowfield. Earlier this week the one motor of the planer thicknesser burnt out. A major crisis. I am right in the middle of a big woodworking project and working with a very tight budget after December’s quiet and bonuses that were paid out to the employees. I knew for a fact that the motor either had to be replaced by a new one or if I am lucky it could be repaired. Either way, the project is delayed by days and money has to be spent. Lately Matilda and I often talk about the wide-spread perception that mindfulness and reality clash. A large number of people believe that the two actually just don’t go together: “Interesting, this mindfulness-thing you’re busy with. Maybe I’ll look into that when I’m retired and have more time. For now I do not have that luxury. I have to provide for my family and work hard to earn a living.” We do not have to quit our day job to be min...

Drawing by Kirstin Noelle We spend a long time wishing we were elsewhere and otherwise.  - Robert Farrar Capon The aim of the Mindfulness retreat is to explore ways to get to the “more” our souls yearn for. For us, the key lies in living with awareness or to coin the popular term; to live mindfully. Simply put this means to not live on “auto pilot” or as if you are sleepwalking. To become fully alive and to experience the present moment to the full. More than that: To experience the moment without judging it. Allowing it to be simply what it is. This sounds nonsensical to the rational, modern brain but it is paramount if it is a meaningful life you’re after. To live with such awareness from moment to moment is possible through the mindful implementation of elements as natural as breathing and silence. After all, we are equipped with a body with senses and a respiratory system with which to experience, stay alive and savour the world and our environment. W...

A historical ruin at The Restory shrouded in early morning mists. Photograph by Marinetha Marais To retreat quite literally means that we step out of our normal day to day life and responsibilities and isolate ourselves for a time to restore energy and to find renewed balance in life. This may be for a few hours only or extended periods of days or weeks. In our busy lives, this may sound like a complete waste of precious time. To the contrary, new perspectives arise by reconnecting to our inner selves through practices such as gentle exercise, rest, meditation and contemplation. This leads to higher levels of energy, creativity and productivity. Being in an environment dedicated to provide the necessary support and guidance can be of immeasurable value in bringing meaning to life. The mindfulness practices introduced at a retreat center can and should be continued in normal day to day life.  It holds the key to a heightened awareness of our moments and days which is life c...