Nourishing the Soul: Janki Foundation (JF) Retreat 26-28 June 2026

The Janki Foundation’s “Nourishing the Soul” retreat, held at the Lighthouse Retreat Centre in Worthing from 26 – 28 June 2026, brought together sixteen JF volunteers for a weekend of reflection, creativity, community, and spiritual renewal.

An opening session with Sister Maureen Goodman of the Brahma Kumaris on “Soulful Intentions” for the weekend created a foundation of openness and shared purpose.

Saturday began with early morning meditation, contemplative thoughts, followed by yoga by the sea,
led by Sonia Thomas, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather and the calming presence of the ocean. Thereafter, through a Q&A facilitated by Suja Chandran, Sr Maureen shared a session on “Soulful Interactions,” exploring themes such as managing waste thoughts, understanding ingrained thought patterns, and supporting others with clarity and compassion. Participants engaged thoughtfully, contributing reflections drawn from their personal and professional experiences. Chrissie McGinn and Richard Hewitt, long-time contributors to the VIHASA programme, and previous JF Learning and Development Advisors visited during the retreat, adding to the sense of continuity and shared history.

After lunch, Marcia Osborne, from Lighthouse Retreat Centre, led a vibrant painting session, offering a wide range of materials and canvases — from glass to pebbles to paper - and everyone created colourful and imaginative artworks. Later, Marcia guided the group to Highdown Gardens for a gentle walk among flowers, trees, and winding paths. Small groups formed naturally, sharing conversations and enjoying the serene environment. A light picnic concluded the outing.
The late afternoon included small group session on “Deepening our Connections,” an interactive game that encouraged sharing across each table, followed by meditation and dinner. The day concluded with a joyful hour of dancing to a lively mix of music.
Sunday morning also began with meditation, contemplation, and yoga by the sea followed by an Open Space & Global Café session facilitated by Masana De Souza and Suja. Participants reflected on inner healing, harmonising vibrations, and personal growth, sharing insights in pairs and small groups.

During feedback, participants expressed appreciation for the retreat’s relaxed schedule and the interactive nature of the activities, which enabled everyone to unwind and reconnect with themselves and each other. Throughout the retreat, the atmosphere was one of friendship, familiarity, and joy. The beautiful weather, excellent meals, and welcoming environment offered by the wonderful Lighthouse Retreat Centre team contributed to a deeply nourishing experience, with energies replenished through soulful connections.