CONDENSED RADIANCE RETREAT DETAILS
Welcome.
This page contains all the detailed information for the ‘Condensed Radiance’ Retreat, with Kate Henry being held at Soma Retreat Center in the Byron Bay hinterland September 11 - 15, 2022.
OUR INTENTION
Let yourself slow... slow... slow, right down. Let hands, nerve ends drop. Wash gentleness all over you.
Connect deeply within. And open. Slowly. First to the Earth below and then, one petal at a time to the soft rain, the sparkling sunlight, the sweet air.
We gather together in a place of abundant natural beauty, to take a sacred pause. We'll slow right down and, through the practices of yoga; including daily asana, pranayama, mantra, conscious relaxation and guided meditation; and time spent in nature, we'll nourish ourselves body and mind and deepen our connection to Soul.
This is a remembrance.
We're not here to transform or transcend. We're not here to fix ourselves. Rather, we're here to Be. To blossom. To open. To reconnect to the natural world and the source of all creativity - of which we are already a part.
Our time together uplifts our souls and renews in us a profound sense of the sacredness and auspiciousness of life and a sense of belonging and meaning within this vast Universe.
OUR TIME TOGETHER
Our time together is an opportunity to rest, replenish and connect with the condensed radiance of our being.
My hope is that you might connect to:
A sense of deep, deep relaxation
Feelings of ease in the body
A feeling of receiving nourishment for body, mind and spirit
A Renewal of spirit connection
A sense of possibility and purpose
A spark of creativity
A sense of belonging and connection to the world around you
We’ll participate in practices that support feelings of connection to our own bodies and the larger body of the Earth and, practices that support feelings of connection to the Mystery that has given birth to ourselves and the entire universe.
Some of the practices that we’ll draw on:
Mantra
Pranayama
Asana
Guided meditations (largely from the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra)
Yoga Nidra
Dharma talks, storytelling and sharing circles, journalling sessions
Nature walks
Somatic movement practices
Pinch pottery class
GRATITUDE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It is an honour and a privilege to be hosting this retreat at the beautiful Soma which is located on unceded Indigenous land belonging to the Arakwal people, part of the Bundjalung Nation.
I offer deep respect and acknowledgement to the Arakwal leaders past, present and emerging and also extend that respect and acknowledgement to the other 14 First Nations groups that make up the Bundjalung Nation; the Banbai, Birbai, Galiabal, Gidabal, Gumbainggeri, Jigara, Jugambal, Jugumbir (Yugembeh), Jungai, Minjungbal, Ngacu, Ngamba, Nyangbal and Widjabal people and to the First Nations people across this great land who have belonged to Country for many more than 65,000 years.
My thanks and gratitude to Soma for hosting us for our retreat - especially Alex who is so naturally warm and attentive and who is welcoming us to Soma on behalf of the owners Gary and Peter.
And, a most heartfelt thank you to those who will be joining us here for our Condensed Radiance retreat.
RETREAT DETAILS
Here is the detailed information about the Retreat location and facilities. At the bottom of this page are the payment details and how to sign up!
Address
221 Kennedys Ln, Ewingsdale NSW 2481
Check-in / Check-out
Check-in time is 3:00 pm on Sunday September 11 and check out is 10:00 am on Thursday 15th of September.
Property Details
In Ayurveda Soma refers to Lunar energy, the subtlest and most rarefied matter that creates ojas - the essence of vitality and wellbeing. And indeed, this beautiful retreat property holds a healing potential. The lush grounds are nestled in the hills of the Byron Bay Hinterland. Bamboo and Lychee forests, majestic ancient fig trees, a freshwater spring and more are among the treasures of the 22 acres of rainforest.
Our accommodation is stunning, modern and beautiful, featuring natural finishes such as stone, wood, glass and brass. Large crystal center pieces and artwork by celebrated Australian artists feature throughout.
Rooms and Amenities
All rooms have King beds with 100% linen bedspreads and a private ensuite with rainforest shower.
The rooms are spacious (30m squared) with expansive windows and outlook to the Byron hinterland or the rainforest. Organic Soma x Mukti toiletries (100ml) are provided in each room.
Cleaning & Laundry
Fresh towels are available if needed, however the rooms will not be serviced during our retreat.
Deck & Freshwater Infinity Pool
A large deck overlooks the rural landscape with a freshwater infinity pool (heated in winter only).
Pool/Beach towels are provided in the rooms for each guest.
Yoga Dome
We practice in a geodesic dome, in the middle of the rainforest. Your mat, blocks and blankets are provided, as well as a chair for meditation. If you prefer to bring your own mat or blanket, of course you are more than welcome.
Since the dome is located in the rainforest, it’s a good idea to bring some slip on footwear that you can wear from the house to the yoga room. A small torch might also be handy for returning to the house after evening practice.
Catering
We’ll gather to share nourishing, organic, vegetarian meals at the magnificent seven meter long wooden dining table.
Expect to enjoy a wholesome, nourishing and creative collection of plant-based dishes, prepared with love from seasonal, organic and local market produce.
The meals will be free from meat, dairy and refined sugar. If you have other special dietary needs, please let us know via email so we can provide for you.
Getting There
Soma is located a 10 minute drive from Byron Bay and 15 minutes by car from Mullumbimby. It’s about 30 minutes from Ballina airport.
There is a code for entry at the gate, which will be sent to you before you arrive.
The car park is located near the house at the top of the drive. If you are arriving via Uber or Cab, it’s best to ask your driver to take you all the way up the driveway to the main house, so that you do not have to trek with your bags. Then they can park at the top and drive out again when you have disembarked, without needing a code to exit.
MY PACKING LIST
Comfortable clothes for movement (we’ll participate in yoga classes each day, so perhaps a fresh set for each day)
Please note: mats, blocks, blankets and straps are all provided, so you don’t have to travel with them but please feel free to bring any other items of comfort such as an eye pillow or favourite wrapComfortable loose clothing for evening meditation practices (plus socks and a jumper, wrap or cardi)
Slip on shoes to walk from accommodation to the yoga dome and back.
Small torch for walking in evening back from the yoga dome.
Bathers for the pool, hat, longsleeve shirt, kaftan or wrap.
Shoes for exploring the property (sandals or sneaker would be fine)
Pyjamas
Undies
A wrap, jumper or cardigan in case of cool weather.
A raincoat in case of rain.
Toothbrush and paste, facewash and moisturiser, sunscreen
A great book
A fresh journal and pen
Old tee to wear after a massage treatment
Please note:
Packing lightly is recommended. In your room there is a hook for you to hang one or two items only and a little other shelf for belongings. Keeping it minimal may help you to feel more spacious and easeful.
If you are traveling before or after the retreat and have extra things, it might help to pack your retreat items separately so that we can store what you don’t need in the storage room for you. Please let us know if you may need to do that so we can arrange access to the storage room.
SIGN ME UP!
If this retreat is calling your name and you are ready to commit, then please read the Terms and Conditions Page and agree to the Liability Waiver. Then, you can make payment to secure your place, noting the Cancellation Policy and Covid Cancellation Policy (bottom of this page).
PAYMENT DETAILS
Payments can be made via Paypal or Direct Deposit.
Payment via Paypal
Payment via Direct Deposit
Kate L Henry
BSB: 193-879
Account: 495 041 989
If paying via Direct Deposit, please send remittance advice to Kate via email.
Amount to Pay
The cost for the Retreat is:
$3,500 per individual in a private King bed room with ensuite
or,
$4,995 per couple sharing King bed room with ensuite
To secure your place, a 25% non-refundable deposit (ie. $875 per individual or $1248.75 per couple) is required to confirm the booking.
The balance is due by 11th July, 2022.
Note: There are no discounts for late arrivals or early departures. Retreat prices are in $AU.
Booking Confirmation
Bookings will be confirmed once payment is received and you have agreed to the Liability Waiver.
Once you have paid via Paypal or Direct Deposit, please let us know via email and also, by submitting the Liability Waiver. We will then confirm your booking via email with a receipt.
Confirmed bookings may be transferred to another person should you be unable to attend. Please inform us in writing and supply their contact details.
If you wish to share with a friend and they book separately, please let us know so we can put you in the same room.
Cancellations and Refunds
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. Once the deposit is received via Paypal or Direct Deposit you will receive an email advising your place is confirmed.
Final payment is due by 11th July 2022.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing to Kate via email thisiskatehenry@gmail.com
Cancellations made before July 11, 2022 will be issued a full refund for monies paid, less the deposit.
After July 11, 2022 and before August 11, 2022 if you cancel, you will receive 50% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel after August 11, 2022 and you will receive no refund.
COVID 19 Cancellation Policy
If the NSW government’s travel and gathering restrictions (not any other Australian states' government's restrictions) proscribe social gatherings like a retreat, Soma management will postpone all retreats.
In that case we’ll have to find a new date for the retreat. When new dates are confirmed, we’ll reconfirm your booking and transfer any deposits and payments to the new dates. In the event that the new dates are no longer suitable for you, we will refund you.