Yoga & NonViolent Communication (NVC) Residential Retreat

This retreat is a special and unique opportunity to bring the somatic (body based) practices of yoga, free movement, meditation and breathwork into conversation with the relational practices of NonViolent Communication (NVC).

In a supportive residential format and beautiful setting, join yoga teacher Katie Lane, certified NVC trainer Anna Groves, and meditation/breathwork facilitator Rob ten Broeke for a transformational six day journey in service of greater ease, presence, and fluency in your life and in all your relationships.

Watch this video about the retreat experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xchRJAr1Yww

About NVC:
Nonviolent Communication (otherwise known as NVC or Compassionate Communication) is a process that was developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s. Based on principles of nonviolence and the belief that we are essentially compassionate by nature, NVC reminds us how uplifting it feels to authentically connect with ourselves and other human beings.

The model is simple, yet powerfully transformative. We learn how to identify our feelings and understand our needs. We learn to listen deeply. NVC encourages the cultivation of presence, which is a quality that exists in all of us. Compassionate presence supports connection to occur effortlessly and for healing to unfold naturally.

Learn more about NVC here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F07VDu2VNbE

How Does Yoga Fit In?
Yoga is a body-based practice that brings us into a relationship with ourselves on every level - body, mind, heart. While asana practice may undoubtedly give us longer hamstrings or stronger, more resilient back muscles, the essential gifts at the heart of practice are self connection and self awareness. In order to connect fully with others, we must first be able to connect with ourselves.

By bringing awareness to our body and to our body in movement, we uncover a rich landscape of sensation. The language of sensation, the somatic markers of our emotions, helps point us toward our inner feelings and supports the tender unearthing of our deepest needs. Since yoga practice happens in the body, it leads to the body becoming a vital tool through which we acknowledge, allow, and also regulate our emotions. We learn to use our own body to ground and anchor, to establish a safe stable centre from which we can respond rather then react, empowered by space and choice.

On Retreat
Over the 6 days of this retreat, we will offer a full foundational training in NonViolent Communication.
Woven into each day will be yoga and free movement practices structured to serve the daily components of the NVC learning and provide a resource to integrate and "land" the teachings.

Live guitar music offered by Rob will accompany these movement explorations. Breathwork and meditation sessions will be shared daily to further anchor the teachings and support deep and nourishing periods of rest and integration.

Shambhala Retreat & Guesthouse
Located in the hidden paradise of Golden Bay, Shambhala offers shared accommodation in a beautiful and rustic eco retreat setting. Peaceful and quiet settings, artistic surroundings, and the natural beauty of the land will make for an intimate and unforgettable stay.

There is a private beach for walks and swimming and a stunning hall for yoga and movement. We will enjoy three beautiful wholefood vegetarian meals each day.

Please note:
Accommodation is in shared rooms - single beds or bunk beds in shared rooms (no more than 3-4 beds in a room) - with a few options for twin room share and one queen room. If you prefer total privacy, you have the option to camp.

We have exclusive use of the grounds for this retreat and there are lovely spots to pitch a tent.

Bathrooms are shared, both standard and composting loos on-site.
Please note that cell phone coverage is patchy and there is no Wifi.