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.

        The basis for this retreat is the opportunity to practise more deeply in a special environment away from the usual distractions and challenges of everyday life.  By practising more intensely, you will feel more and understand the requirements of the training.  This helps to facilitate a breakthrough in your practice and gain further benefits.

Stimulate and Nourish Your Energy

Waking up to clean, crisp air of the Victorian Mountains in peaceful surroundings is a great way to start the day.  To top it off, we have Qigong (energy cultivation) in the morning, leaving you energised and calm for the day ahead.  During our morning sessions, you will learn the core components from three qigong sets to energise your whole system.  The main one is the 5 Pillars of the Wudang Mountains.  This set comes from the sacred White Horse Mountain and is an immensely powerful way to start your day.  Some of the Eight Golden Treasures and one of the Wudang Five Animals will also be taught.  As usual, the peace and calming energy of the morning sessions will pervade your day. 

        The sages of antiquity would say that if you become skilful at nurturing, moving and regenerating your qi, you can protect your life.  If you can protect your life, you can restore your nature.  Tai Chi is considered beneficial for your body as well as your nature.  The ancient sages said that the ability to protect one’s life and regulate qi flow is the core of a trained body, a cultivated character and a restored nature.  In the learning of Tai Chi, the first stage is in remembering the form and laying the foundation, the second stage is in practising the form in a smooth and relaxed way, the third stage is in learning the applications to each movement and the fourth stage is in being able to express internal power (fa jin) and yet keep the form smooth and relaxed.