Earth Institute Retreats - An Overview

"The word retreat suggests movement and reminds us that the spiritual life is a journey rather than a place... To take a retreat is to make a decision and to endeavour to carry it through. The decision has to do with trying to get in touch with your inner life to see how it relates to your everyday outer life and striving to bring the two into greater harmony. Essentially, that effort - together with the recognition that we relate to a higher reality with our whole being - is all that is meant by the word 'spirituality'. We are not spiritual beings because we have an inner life, nor does being spiritual involve denying the material. Rather, we become spiritual by bringing the two together into harmony with the third: divine reality." (Alan Walker). 

Our retreats connect you with the mystery, wisdom and gifts of the earth and your natural Self. Organise Your Own Retreat with us as an individual, couple, or group at our Northern Rivers retreat or anywhere in Australia! Our Vision Quest is a special nature-based rite of passage experience for those prepared to listen deeply in solitude. The Awakening Retreats are group gatherings held here each change of season where you can be with others. Our Ways of Knowing Retreat is for organisations who want their students or employees to be trained in key skills we teach. 

The Earth Institute retreat centre is beautifully set amidst sacred lands with views over the river valley to iconic Mount Warning (Northern Rivers, NSW). Clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation in natural surrounds is available for your stay with us by arrangement. Individuals and couples on these retreats have their own cabin to stay in. We also offer retreats in other locations when this is possible. Simply contact us and we can discuss this. 

Retreats are a time and place set apart from everyday life. They offer significant opportunities for Self-discovery, particularly through nature, the soul and the guidance of an experienced facilitator. Our retreats generally enables people to see themselves and their lives much more clearly. They tend to become more empowered to notice and respond to potential signs, gifts or challenges before them in life. One major intention we have as facilitators is to enable each person to be able to use the retreat as a direct means of moving toward the happiness and soulfulness they seek. This can involve hearing and responding to the echoes of your deepest knowing; questing for your personal myth and purpose; or discovering how to honour the living of your Self in new, sometimes profound ways. For couples the retreats offer the opportunity to appreciate what is taking place within and between each other, and to experience ways to empower and bring new joy to their relating and lives together.  

The practice and philosophy of the spiritual retreat has a long and venerable tradition. This involves withdrawing temporarily from the world in order to experience a return to yourself. Our retreats can draw on the practices of a number of wise traditions, or simply support your wish for an individual approach to the cultivation and illumination of your path.