Achieving inner peace is intricately connected with two key elements: granting oneself permission (to be peaceful) and organizing one's internal world.

Discovering spiritual intelligence is about moving beyond your limited awareness through meditation practise and understanding how to shape a fulfilling life.

Meditation involves a gradual process of bringing the awareness of soul back to one’s self.

Don’t lose your happiness in the process of making effort.

Am I wasting my time trying to make others into a version of myself? It’s much easier to look outwards than to keep my attention on me. But that’s ego for you.

For the most part, we struggle with our defects with limited success. If we can last for a day without drowning in negativity its a job well done. However we underestimate our powers.

Well, that’s a stretch perhaps. Still, the dam and environs does host a variety of animal and bird life. Among them some fairly skittish water hens.

The garden is not only a source of nourishment but inspiration for artistic expression. Every season we’re presented with a new variety of flowering plant.

Everyone knows a healthy garden needs nourishment just like we do. We’re in the process of growing our own veggies here and to that end we have created a couple of growing environments.

Many times on the completion of our retreats we offer participants the opportunity to volunteer for future events or for outdoor help like gardening and maintenance. If you benefit from a service why not be an encouragement to others.

It’s funny how when we want something we think we’re going to enjoy we get busy in preparation and anticipation of attaining it. But when it comes to doing something that will bring significant change or benefit in our lives we put it off.

On the third Sunday of each month we host a WMH event. Beginning at 3pm with an introductory talk there is a one hour break (for sticky buns and chai) followed by a hour of meditation with thoughts directed to troubled areas of our globe (almost everywhere).

…is a wonderful thing. It’s the core of creativity. There’s fluidity of thought…uninhibited, a bit like dreams. The question is when to put a stop or recognize what is imagination and what is real.

Every now and then on a Thursday morning if we’re lucky enough to have experienced teachers, we hold an art class. You can practise your creativity with some useful tips from those in the know.

OK, if you recognised that one of them is not a lizard - well done. I had to put another photo in the corner to fill the gap.

Ayako Ichimaru - Famed Japanese violinist with too many awards and accomplishments to name. Ayako visited our Leura retreat centre a few years back with her family.