Walking retreat Spain
16-20 October 2023, 11-15 March ,19-23 May, 20-24 June 2024
The rhythm of walking mindfully calms the mind and opens the heart,
connecting deeply with the world around and the world within
Walking
This retreat invites you to stop running! Slow down and enjoy walking in nature without needing to arrive anywhere… Walking is a powerful way to deeply connect with yourself, your body, and nature around. Each step taken mindfully brings you back to the present moment. It is a way to find peace, insight, and a greater sense of connection. We walk with respect for the Earth, with gratitude for life, knowing that we are exactly where we need to be. The home base for all walks is the land of Kausay Community, located in a beautiful green valley an hour south of Valencia.
Silent walking retreat
We stay on the land of Kausay Community, located in a green valley surrounded by nature and enjoy four days of hiking through the beautiful scenery. The landscape is diverse, as we walk through hills, forests, fields, and farms. We meditate under the trees, swim in crystal-clear water at a natural spring, and shower under a waterfall.
On arrival day, we take a short walk in the valley, the other days, we make a day walk, stopping along the way for meditation, lunch, rest, and a refreshing swim! Each day starts with yoga and a healthy breakfast. In the evenings, you can enjoy a meditative dance night, sing mantras, attend a sound healing concert, and, of course, gaze at the vast starry sky.
You will sleep in a traditional Mongolian yurt that you share with others. The meals are freshly prepared with vegetarian ingredients, using as many vegetables as possible from our ecological garden or from farmers in the surrounding area.
Kausay is situated in a valley with no mobile reception, a unique oppertunity that can provide an enormous amount of peace.
Guidance
The retreat is led by Ellen van Iersel. “Meditation has been an important foundation in my life for over 20 years. I have done many vipassana retreats, often in the sanga of Christopher Titmuss, one of my most inspiring teachers. In 2014, I completed the training to become a mindfulness trainer (MBSR mindfulness based stress reduction) at the Center for Mindfulness in Amsterdam.
I am also a member of the VMBN professional association for Mindfulness trainers. Sharing this training has given me an even deeper understanding of the workings of the mind and the challenges of our high pace, goal-driven society.
It has also deepened my love for silence, nature and Buddhism. Over the years, I have shared this love in silent meditation retreats, silent walking retreats and spiritual journeys to India. In 2018, I moved to Spain and founded Kausay Community with others. It is wonderful to be able to share what I love so much in these beautiful surroundings; retreats in Silence & Nature.”
Testimonials
"For whom?"
“Would you like to spend a week of nature? Are you physically fit and love a challenge here and there? Then you are welcome to participate in this retreat. The retreat will be guided in English.”
Sleeping in a yurt!
Come and experience life in a traditional Mongolian yurt! The yurts of Kausay are cozy and comfortable, providing a beautiful circular living space where everyone is equal. For the retreat, we will use three large yurts, two of which will serve as sleeping accommodations with comfortable beds and a cozy couch. These yurts will be shared by a maximum of seven participants. The third yurt will be used as a space for yoga and meditation, equipped with yoga mats, foldable mattresses, and meditation cushions. On colder days, all yurts are heated by a wood stove, providing a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Showers with hot water and ecological composting toilets are located near the yurts. There is also a beautiful lounge area, hammocks, and nature as far as the eye can see, making it delightful to spend time outside and enjoy the sunny Spanish climate.
Practical information
Walking retreat Spain
The retreat starts at 2:00 p.m. on the first day with a shared lunch. There is time to get to know each other and settle in. Around 4:00 p.m., we gather in the meditation yurt, where the retreat setup is explained, and then we take our first walk.
After breakfast on the last day, the retreat ends. It is usually possible to stay for an extra night before and/or after the retreat.
Dates
– March 11-15, 2024
– May 19-23, 2024
– June 20-24, 2024
Costs
The cost of participating in this retreat is €450, which includes the program, delicious healthy meals, accommodation, and pick up from Xativa train station.
Travel info
We will arrange a free pick up from Xativa train station at 1 pm. The nearest airports are Valencia and Alicante. From there you can travel to the city of Xativa by public transport, taking about 2 hours from Valencia and 3 hours from Alicante. After registration, you will receive a clear travel description. If you are coming by car, we will send you directions. We can arrange a taxi from the airport for an additional cost.
After registration, you will receive a confirmation and practical information on what you need to bring and how to travel to the pickup location.
