The Restory Retreat Centre

A mindful stroll in Kimiad, Moreleta Park, Pretoria When thinking of a retreat, images of retreat centers, nature, silence and even isolation, arise spontaneously. Although it is necessary to have this respite from the hustle and bustle of life in towns and cities, for many it may not be possible to attend a retreat at a remote location. Hectic schedules and unending demands cause havoc to our inner peace, resulting in a feeling of meaninglessness.    We strongly feel that the building blocks to mindful living should be readily available to city dwellers in order for them to see and experience how one can live and find meaning in an urban environment. To this purpose, the City retreat was developed which follows a parallel program to our Mindfulness Retreats  at The Restory.  We are available to facilitate this concept retreat where ever there is a need for it. Costs will be customised with regards to travelling distance and facilities. Please  Cont...

Photograph by George Angus You know you live in the country when: - You drive for kilometres on end on the wrong side of the dirt road because for some reason or the other that side has fewer ditches and muddy patches. And of course because there are no cars coming from the opposite direction; - “At least 3 km” is one way of pronouncing “Neighbour”. “Support” is another; - They tell you in town that you can bring the empty gas bottle next time you come in. And then let you pay for the refill as if you’ve already done that; - It is pitch dark when you switch off your lights at night. And dead silent. The call of the Spotted Eagle Owl does not count as noise; - You are constantly reminded that our solar system has a Milky Way; - People understand that you have a spanner in mind when you are looking for a “bobbejaan” (Afrikaans word for “Baboon”). And that you use that, a shifting and pliers often; - You cannot phone anybody wh...

Two months down the line, it is quite natural that a city slicker like myself will be drawing some comparison between life here on the farm and the life I grew accustomed to back in Pretoria, South Africa's capital city. And, please correct me if I'm mistaken, but so far it seems we're not missing out on much. Garden services "Phone booth"- The view from the only spot where we have mobile phone reception. Running water Free range beef   Dept of Water Affairs Security fences and gates Highway Tarred road for four legged pedestrians Big screen Matilda Note: Photographs by George, Marinetha Naude, Ralie du Preez and myself