Tai Chi & Meditation Retreat 19-23 Apr 2019

Taking time out from our busy schedule is necessary for us in order to renew and reconnect ourselves to a more centred and contented state of being.  The pressure of modern day society makes it difficult to relax deeply.  When we are tired, we feel tense and more volatile emotionally.  Giving ourselves permission to retreat from the constant turmoil of modern day life is an important step in taking positive action and creating a space to nurture and nourish the mind, body and spirit.

SIBA is a special place that we have chosen to present a program of moving and sitting meditation that will give us greater freedom of movement and space for our mind and spirit to experience calmness and clarity.  This will be an opportunity for you to reclaim your health and well being while enjoying the company of like-minded people in an ideal setting. The delicious organic food and friendly staff at SIBA are second to none.  Accommodation is motel style and very comfortable.  The tranquillity of the location makes it the perfect place to take time out from the stress of the outside world while we explore our inner world.  We hope you can join us at SIBA where we will guide you through the process of renewing the mind, body and spirit.

The program we present has two streams.  One is based on movement with a meditative quality which helps to integrate the mind and body.  This will give you a strong sense of qi or energy flow.  The second stream is based on sitting meditation practice which builds awareness of the mind and emotions.  It looks directly at our feelings and how we project our thoughts.  This enables us to remain calm when facing difficult circumstances in daily life.

Nourish Your Inner Essence

Qigong morning session - details to be confirmed.

Tao, the Way

The style of Tai Chi that the Academy teaches is the Hun Yuan system developed by Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang (1928-2012).  His teacher, Chen Fa Ke (1887-1957), spread the Chen family Tai Chi to Beijing and eventually, to the outside world.  Chen Fa Ke was famous for his martial power, humble character and martial virtue.  Another teacher of Grandmaster Feng was Hu Yao Zhen (1879-1973), a famous traditional Chinese medical practitioner, a Taoist master skilled in the art of Xin Yi Chuan (Heart Mind Boxing).  Hu became known as the father of modern Qigong in China.

Grandmaster Feng combined the teachings of his two teachers to create the Chen style Xin Yi Hun Yuan Tai Chi system.  The characteristics of this system are circular, flowing movements which relax and open the body’s joints and tendons.  The movements promote the smooth flow of blood and qi throughout the body.

The principles of the Hun Yuan system are based on these Taoist principles:

1. Train the internal as well as the external.
2. Focus on stillness while moving.
3. Nourish jing (essence), qi (energy) and shen (spirit).

In other words, we learn to conserve energy, not waste it.  We train the mind or intention to lead the energy through the body which then guides the Tai Chi movements.  In this system, cultivating the gong or internal energy is emphasised from the very beginning.  Grandmaster Feng often says, “Without gong, one’s training is only empty forms.”

The Tai Chi will be taught according to your current level.  If you are a beginner, you will be taught separately in the beginner’s group with no experience necessary.

Meditation – the Way to Perfect Satisfaction

Apart from the moving meditation of Tai Chi, Fontane will present an in-depth sitting meditation practice.  The style of meditation is non-denominational.  It focuses on relaxing the body and calming the mind.

In the retreat, the following areas will be covered:

• the causes of frustration brought about by some
  common meditation techniques
• getting in touch with the natural effortless calm within
• turning daily activities into a meditation practice
• maintaining a successful meditation routine

Fontane takes you on a journey of self discovery.  Being aware of the rich tapestry of experiences during meditation will enable you to accept yourself and others.  This allows you to transform negative situations into positive experiences.  The effortless calm you will discover within will become part of your daily life.

The retreat is designed to give you a balance between sitting and moving states of meditation.  This will enable you to maintain a sense of deep relaxation, peace and calm experienced by both practices.  The skills learned and insight gained here will serve and inspire you for your whole life.  We warmly invite you to experience the awakening and healing for yourself! 

 

Workshop Presenters

Chief Instructor Brett Wagland established the Tai Chi Academy in Canberra in 1982.  Brett has over 39 years of teaching experience.  Brett’s teachers include Grandmaster Fu Sheng Yuan, a world recognised authority on Yang Style and Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang, the founder of the Hun Yuan Tai Chi system, who is known universally for his amazing feats of internal power.

Brett is the creator and presenter of the television series "Let's Get Fit", an innovative exercise program of 65 episodes, based on Tai Chi.  This most popular program on Foxtel's Lifestyle channel is the first of its kind in Australia.  The series is also broadcast in South America and Europe.

Fontane Ip is the assistant director of the Tai Chi Academy.  Fontane specialises in meditation practice and the integration of its wisdom in daily life.  She has over 28 years of teaching experience in relaxation techniques.  Fontane's method of teaching meditation makes it easy to learn.  Some of the significant aspects she speaks about are not commonly discussed.  Through her elucidation, she is able to bring people's attention to their own intrinsic nature.

 

Retreat Venue

SIBA is a purpose built retreat centre ideal for meditation and healing.  This 108 acre site is located in the mountains of East Gippsland, Victoria, surrounded by Australian bush.  The property grows its own organic vegetables.  All meals are prepared and cooked on the premises.  Just staying in this peaceful setting for a few days will calm your mind and renew your energy.

 

Meditation Hall and Dining Hall at SIBA

Duration of Retreat: 5pm Easter Friday 19 April to 1pm Tuesday 23 April 2019

Venue:

SIBA Retreat Centre (formerly known as ONTOS)
2592 Gelantipy Road, W Tree, East Gippsland, VIC
(25kms north of Buchan Caves)

Motel Style En-suite Rooms at SIBA

Cost:

• $720- per person for motel style en-suite shared room (twin share)
• $620- per person for camping site (toilet & shower amenities included)

Shared accommodation, delicious vegetarian meals (much of the food is sourced from the certified organic gardens on site) and Tai Chi and Meditation teachings are included in the above cost.  Great value!

The creative cook in SIBA is happy to cater for special dietary requirements (such as gluten free, etc.).  Please specify in your booking.

Dining Hall at SIBA

Retreat Schedule

Fri 19 Apr
6.00pm Dinner
7.15 to 8.45pm Welcome and Introduction - Brett and Fontane

Sat 20 Apr, Sun 21 Apr & Mon 22 Apr
7.00am Qigong
8.30am Breakfast
9.30am to 12.15pm Meditation and Talk (morning tea at 11am)
12.30pm Lunch
2.30 to 5.30pm Tai Chi Workshop (afternoon tea at 4pm)
5.45pm Dinner
6.45pm to 8.30pm Meditation and Talk

Tues 23 Apr
7.00am Qigong
8.30am Breakfast
9.30am Tai Chi
11am Morning Tea
11.30am Meditation and Talk
1pm Lunch

Bookings are essential as numbers are strictly limited. Book now! Please confirm your booking by paying the full retreat fee or a $220- deposit, with the balance due by Wednesday 27 March.

 

Links
► Reflections on the 2018 Tai Chi & Meditation Retreat
► Reflections on the 2016 Tai Chi & Meditation Retreat

 

Directions to SIBA

By Car from Canberra:
At Cooma, turn left at the roundabout to Bombala.
After Nimmitabel, turn right to Bombala.
Monaro Hwy A23 – 244km south to Cann River.
Turn right on Princes Hwy A1 110 km to Nowa Nowa.
Turn right at Nowa Nowa, then follow Bruthen Rd 7 km to Buchan turn-off on the right.
After Buchan (29 km), SIBA is 26 km north on the right hand side of Gelantipy Rd.
Tibetan prayer flags at the SIBA entrance.

By Car from Melbourne:
Princes Hwy M1/A1 – 294 km east to Bairnsdale.
Omeo Hwy A195 24 km to Bruthen.
Then follow Nowa Nowa Rd 22km to Buchan turn-off.
After Buchan (29 km), SIBA is 26 km north on the right hand side of Gelantipy Rd.
Tibetan prayer flags at the SIBA entrance.

By Train and Bus from Melbourne:
4 hours from Melbourne by train to Bairnsdale and
2 hours by bus (Mon, Wed, Fri) to W Tree.
Contact SIBA (ph 03 5155 0329) to confirm the bus timetable.

Book Now!

Everyone is welcome.  Reserve your place now by filling out this secure online payment form!

 

Certified Organic Vegetable Gardens at SIBA