Sense of Sisterhood Retreat
An opportunity for women to reconnect with each other, unwind, indulge in self-care activities and engage in uplifting conversations
Australia | 1 - 5 December 2023
The retreat will begin on Friday 1 December at 3pm and conclude on Tuesday 5 December at 2pm.
A fully immersive 5-day retreat with Lauren Urquhart & Lies Okkerse that will refresh your spirit and soothe your soul.
Enjoy four nights of accommodation at Krishna Village, nestled in the foothills of the Wollumbin National Park in the heart of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. Daily yoga practices, a variety of meditation experiences, Kundalini Yoga Kriya, Ananda Mandala “Circle of Bliss” breathwork, women's circle, daily optional activities and much more...
When: 1 - 5 December 2023 | 4 nights | 5 days
Where: Krishna Village, Eungella, NSW Australia | less than 1 hour away from Gold Coast Airport
About Krishna Village
The Krishna Farm, "New Govardhana" serves as an ashram to a community of yogis who aspire to live according to their deepest vows and commitments on their path of service, spiritual contentment and happiness (Bhakti Yoga). Their service and dedication make this location a beautiful place of growth, healing and spiritual awakening. The temple is the beating heart of the community at New Govardhana and we encourage all who visit the property to come along and experience the lifestyle and philosophy reflected by the practice of Krishna consciousness.
What's included?
Yin, Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Classes
Kundalini Kriya
Breathwork Journey: Ananda Mandala “Circle of Bliss”
Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Meditation
R.A.I.N Meditation
Candlelit Yin Yoga with Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Bath
Easy yogic tech and self-care session: Learn about beauty & yogic hygiene techniques - a fun experience involving sesame oil (for daily yogic massage + facial), neti pots and answers to all of your tongue scraping questions!
Daily Morning mantra meditation: 20 minutes offered as a daily optional sadhana. You will learn the mantra on day 1. Easy to learn and a beautiful way to start your day.
Bhakti Yoga Lecture by guest facilitator Michael Kubitzky 'Laxmivan'
Self Explorative Journaling
Poetry Workshop
Women's Sharing Circle
Q&A regarding ashram lifestyle, asana, pranayama, meditation, the farm
Silent Nature Walk / Japa Meditation Walk on the farm
Kirtan
“We have a few treats up our sleeve in terms of the activities, including showing you one of our favourite secluded beaches. We can't wait to share our love for Krishna Village and the surroundings with you and support your retreat journey".
Accommodation options
Krishna Village is located on a beautiful organic farm in the scenic foothills of Mt. Warning, half way between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. The closest town is Murwillumbah, and the nearest airport Coolangatta (the Gold Coast airport).
Our Retreat Center is spread out across a beautiful natural farm setting, which means that some of our facilities and accommodation require a bit of walking. We offer a range of accommodation options from camping spots to creatively renovated container rooms, private pine cabins set in the hills overlooking the valley and more.
Cost & Payment
Last minute savings: Use Discount Code: Sisterhood2023 to save $200.
The investment below includes: tuition, 3 meals/day and accommodation.
Commuter: AU $790 (no room)
Camping (Tent): AU $914
Camping (Van): AU $930
Budget Single Room: AU $1050
Lotus Pod or Bhakti Guest House: AU $1190 (1 person) OR AU$1010 each (2 people)
Cabin with ensuite: AU $1250 (1 person) OR AU$1040 each (2 people)
Payments - We require a $200 deposit to hold your spot in the course. The full payment is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the start of your course. Please visit our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Not from Australia? Figure out your rate with the XE currency converter.
Not included: flights, transfers, add-on treatments & insurance.
Meet your facilitators
Lies Okkerse (E-RYT 500) is a devoted practitioner and teacher of yoga and mental health, having learned that an important aspect of wellness and belonging is in creating a reciprocal relationship with the world we live in. She was a teacher at Krishna Village in Australia from 2017 for several years, immersing herself in ashram living and the study of Bhaktivedanta Yogic Science, and assisting on several 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings.
Lies is also certified in Yoga for Mental Health and in Yin Yoga and deeply passionate about creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect directly with their body, mind and spirit via the yogic path. She teaches Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Yin and Yoga Nidra. In addition, she facilitates yoga retreats, trainings and workshops internationally. She truly believes that through simple living and daily spiritual practice, we can connect with the sacredness of life and find peace within ourselves and the world around us. She looks forward to guiding you on your journey. “Yoga is the art and science of living.”
Lies (Co lead facilitator)
Lauren is deeply inspired by the study of both yoga and ecopsychology. She likes to study various schools of yogic and eastern teachings, to understand the roots of yoga and how yoga is applied in both a western and current setting. As a facilitator, Lauren likes to provide a safe, inclusive, non-hierarchical space for all participants.
Lauren trained originally in the Hatha/Vinyasa style at Krishna Village, where she remained on site for over a year to immerse herself in ashram living and the study of Bhaktivedanta. Her other yoga trainings include: Kundalini Yoga levels 1 and 2, Yin, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Meditation, and is now completing her 500 RYT application after having taught regularly in Melbourne studios over the last few years. She has taught and assisted on Hatha and Kundalini yoga teacher trainings. Lauren is currently teaching hatha yoga online for FORME, at her local community hall and studying a post graduate diploma of Ecotherapy/Contemplative Psychology.
"We are all just walking each other home." - Ram Dass
Lauren (Co lead facilitator)
Michael began his yoga journey at the age of 20 when he left his profession as a studio musician and joined a Bhakti Yoga Monastery. For the next 10 years he travelled Australia, New Zealand and India as a celibate monk, daily studying the traditional yogic canons and engaging in strict daily yogic sadhana. Then after another 6 years as a traditional Vedic (Hindu) priest, he took an interest in the more physical aspects of yoga.
He successfully completed a 3-year diploma course with Satyananda Yoga before finally finding his passion with Power Vinyasa. Since then he’s been certified by Baron Baptiste, became certified with Anti Gravity level 2, founded one of Australia’s most successful regional yoga studios, and has helped pioneer, develop and facilitate many teacher training programs here in Australia. As a teacher trainer, Michael brings with him great integrity and depth, forged by more than 31 years of strict, yet joyful daily practice. His teaching is full of compassion, humour and authenticity, with a deep respect for tradition, but without being over zealous.
Michael 'Laxmivan' (Guest facilitator: Bhakti Yoga)
Delicious Vegetarian Food
At Krishna Village, we offer 3x delicious vegetarian meals per day.
Start your day with a warm and satisfying breakfast, including the popular Ayurvedic dish of kitchari, made with rice, lentils, vegetables and spices. We also offer porridge and fresh fruits, including vegan options.
For lunch, enjoy a delicious and healthy all-vegan spread, featuring vegetable dishes, fresh salads and a rotating selection of staple options such as quinoa, rice or pasta.
For dinner, we serve vegetable curries, lentil soups, or a pasta dishes, with rice/flatbreads and salad. We also offer preparations with oil or gluten, as well as vegan options.
If you have any specific dietary needs, please feel free to use the Krishna Village kitchen to prepare your meals.
