Rest & Restore, the first Janki Foundation retreat at the Global Retreat Centre in years, began with a guided meditation by Julia Ronder and a soulful song by Ann Malone. Participants explored the theme of balance and self-care in their busy lives, engaging in activities like yoga, panel discussions, and reflective exercises.

 

Speakers like Renee Van der Vloodt, Dr. Ramya Mohan, and Dr. Pavan Kumar shared their insights on finding inner strength, self-practice, and maintaining balance in their professions. Small group discussions and exercises, such as Forest Bathing and Sound Bath, allowed participants to connect with nature and tap into their creativity for healing.

 

Sarah Kuipers addressed the challenge of burnout and the importance of practicing true self-care, emphasizing the need to set boundaries and say no when necessary. The session led to a discussion on cultural, gender, and generational pressures that can make saying no difficult.

 

The retreat also included sessions on self-reflection, compassion, and creativity, culminating in a touching exercise where participants wrote compassionate messages to themselves to be posted back in a month. Feedback from participants expressed deep gratitude for the nurturing environment, diverse program, and personal growth experienced during the retreat.

 

Sister Jasmin from the Global Retreat Centre highlighted the importance of connecting to the light within ourselves and valuing both ourselves and the service we do. She emphasized the practice of connecting to the Light and the love within, encouraging participants to continue this journey of self-discovery and self-care beyond the retreat.

 

The weekend retreat provided a transformative experience for participants, allowing them to reconnect with themselves, find inner peace, and gain valuable insights into self-care and personal growth. Through a blend of meditation, reflection, and creative activities, participants were able to cultivate a sense of balance, healing, and self-compassion to carry forward in their daily lives.

 

For the full report please click here

For audio recording of the panel discussion please click here