The Awakening to Life Dyad Meditation Retreat
With Nicholas Burnand (CNVC-ct, IFS-p) and Sarah Dekker
October 27 - November 3, 2023
7 Day Intensive Experiential Retreat with Sarah Dekker and Nicholas Burnand
We are inviting you on a journey of
- direct experiencing, sensing and being
- embodying our deepest authenticity
- venturing beyond head-centred thinking to reclaim wholeness
- witnessing the mystery of existence unfold
Deepen your connection to yourself and life. Come and experience a meditation practice that supports staying fully present with your inner world. Learn how you can stay focused like never before by developing your capacity for mindfulness through Dyad meditation.
The Awakening to Life Intensive Retreat was developed by fellow CNVC trainers Robert Gonzales and Robert Krzisnik out of their shared history of facilitating Enlightenment Intensives and interest in the embodiment and spirituality of Nonviolent Communication.
We, Nic and Sarah, are both very excited and passionate about facilitating this intensive retreat, in which we, as a community, witness and support the embodiment of our deepest authenticity.
Fully experiential retreat
The main focus of the retreat will be on direct experiencing primarily through dyad work but also through individual and group processes, including body movement and integration time in nature. Facilitators will be there not to teach, but to offer guidance and support.
Intensity and dedication
This retreat will be held as a sacred time for our deepest Self. By “intensive retreat” we mean that: – we will be working from around 7:00 in the morning to around 10:00 in the evening; – we ask you to refrain from using the internet (including email & cell phone), unless absolutely urgent, for the duration of the entire retreat; – we will be inviting you, during breaks and free time, to keep your intention and focus on conscious inquiry into your deepest authenticity (rather than engaging in casual socializing).
Embracing what is
This is not a self-improvement workshop, in which certain aspects of ourselves would be perceived as needing change, fixing, or healing. The participants will be continuously encouraged to experience and embrace the Whole, rather than move from an “imperfect” state to a “better” one.
The location
The Domain of Château Frandeux is quietly located, on the edge of the Belgian Ardennes. The area is also known as the Land of the Valleys. A land of castles with a rich and varied heritage.
The Château is located directly on the lake and surrounded by beautiful nature. Bring some walking shoes for a forest walk!
As you enter there is a spacious lounge with a majestic fireplace and a piano. From here you have a fantastic view over the grand lake.
There will be an opportunity to enjoy the sauna. (optional).
See www.chateaufrandeux.be for more information about the venue.
Pre-requisites
Please note that admission to this retreat is subject to a screening process.
Retreat Fees
- Supporter Rate – If you’re able, please consider giving an additional amount to support concessions for others who cannot pay the full price
- Concession places by application
- Note that 5% of proceeds go to the family of Robert Krzisnik for his mentorship and support in preparing this Awakening to Life Intensive. 5% of proceeds are paid to Robert Gonzales’ wife to help cover medical and funeral bills.
Typical Daily Schedule
* Lighting the candle, bell, 10 minute silence
* Opening circle & logistical announcements
* Dyad meditation
* Breakfast
* Dyad meditation
* Silent integration time in nature
* Tea break
* Dyad meditation
* Extended Lunch
* Afternoon circle
* Dyad meditation
* Movement exploration
* Silent Integration time in nature
* Tea break
* Dyad meditation
* Movement Dyad
* Dinner
* Dyad
* Check-out homegroups
* Silence & Evening call
* Putting out candle ritual
* Free time by the fireplace / sauna
What others had to say
“The realisation: I am allowed to be there, I am allowed to show myself with a smile and a tear. Thank you for the guidance! This retreat was palpable proof for me “my path is mine to walk, AND I don’t have to walk it alone”. Nele Mestdagh
“I experienced Nic and Sarah’s guidance as clear, soft & comfortable in a strong and solid way. Which gave me the opportunity to go deep, relax, let go, feel openness, love and most of all great joy.” Petra van Hauwaert
“The Dyad retreat with Sarah and Nic brought me to a surprisingly deep silence. After the retreat, I felt more space to remain calm in situations and to react from a more relaxed place.” Stijn van Hulle
“I want to thank you both for the retreat. For your expertise and professionalism, and the clarity with which you provided the information and instructions. That brought incredible peace and clarity to me and allowed me to surrender in confidence and flow of the day and all the dyads brought. For safety too, thanks in part to your loving and open presence. And then I haven’t even mentioned the beautiful surroundings in autumn colours, and the pure food, both so welcome and supportive of the process of slowing down and getting closer to myself.” Liesbeth Fivez
“This retreat reminded me of what is essential to me. Nic and Sarah created the opportunity to remind us of who we really are. I encountered myself and the other participants in many ways and I am very grateful for that. I feel deeply nourished.” Hilde van Gool
About the Leaders
Nicholas Burnand (CNVC-ct, IFS-p)
Nic was born in South Africa, travelled the world and currently lives in the North of Belgium. He is a certified NVC trainer at the Center for Nonviolent Communication. His focus as a trainer/coach is on offering workshops and retreats to support people through deeply transformative inner journeys. He combines inner parts processes (IFS) and […]
Learn more about Nicholas Burnand (CNVC-ct, IFS-p)Sarah Dekker
Sarah Dekker is a certified Nonviolent Communication (NVC) trainer and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, therapeutic coach and retreat facilitator. She is passionate about integrating NVC with embodied spirituality and draws on the work of Robert Gonzales and Robert Krzisnik. Her workshops offer ways to cultivate daily practices for living life fully and authentically, deeply […]
Learn more about Sarah DekkerCategory : Dyad retreats