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Retreats at Sunshine House

In our material world where we are overrun by consumerism, technology and speed, we are easily made blind to our true selves, to the people we pass on the street and to the cries of nature. Our world is in a spiritual crisis, having lost touch with what it means to really love. This is why we need a retreat from time to time.. to recenter ourselves and remember our values and true needs of body, mind and spirit! To reconnect with fellow humans and raise our awareness together! To be close to nature and recharge our batteries!

Feeling that need, we decided to create this environment at Sunshine House and share it with whoever has the same inquiry. All of our courses are in the form of a retreat. It is a chance to tap into our spiritual essence and a time to come together with other like-minded people to learn and practice a new skill as well as support each other through the rough and the smooth and of course to let go and play! Many people go through transformations during their time here, but most importantly they may open their hearts and often make deeper changes in their lives afterwards.

This is what to expect when you come to spend some days at Sunshine House:

A Typical Daily Schedule (varies slightly from course to course)

06:00 Wake up gong
06:30 – 07:15 Morning meditation
07:30 – 08:45 Yoga/movement
08:45 – 10:30 Breakfast (in Summer beach swim sometimes)
10:30 – 13:30 Main class – Session 1
13:30 – 16:00 Lunch & siesta
16:00 – 19:00 Main class – Session 2
19:00 – 20:00 Steam bath/Qi Gong/beach/ free time
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner
21:15 – 21:45 Metta meditation/chanting
22:30 Quiet time

Exact schedule varies depending on the season and the course instructor…but generally we like to visit beaches in Summer and hot springs in Winter (half day excursion during a course) and depending on the moon and the mood, rituals by the sacred fire, a day of fasting in the Summer, a cooking/nutrition class, a day of silence, an evening at a local Greek taverna…we like to flow with the needs of the teacher and students.

Community Spirit and Karma Yoga

We wish Sunshine House to be a place which thrives on community spirit, where we are all operating to serve one another. Our courses are run by a small group of staff and volunteer karma yogis – people who like to be immersed in this kind of environment.

We all take part in daily tasks and are expected to be aware of our environment, to wash our own cups and dishes, and to respect the quiet times. Sometimes there is a need for helping hands in the garden or cleaning up the kitchen after a meal and we really encourage all our guests to offer their help if they wish, with the spirit of Karma Yoga/ selfless service.

 

 

Children and Animals

Little humans and pets are valuable members of our community and we are all expected to protect them, keep the gate closed, and be aware of them. Parents and pet owners are the ones responsible for their food and schedule so you don’t need to worry about it.

 

Spiritual Practice

With the practice of meditation, yoga and Thai massage among other traditional spiritual practices, our hope is to increase our vitality, transform our fears into loving kindness and let go of judgments – both of ourselves and of others. This in turn creates the space we need to reconnect with ourselves, with nature and with our own spiritual essence. For only when we are deeply connected to the Divine can we be open to receive the information we need to lead a blissful life. Our prayer is that we may come together in community, with simplicity, creativity and with Divinity.

Meals

Our meals are prepared with organic/locally grown produce (where possible) and are cooked with love and in accordance with the needs of the season. We offer healthy vegetarian meals and try to minimize the use of wheat, gluten, dairy and sugar.

For the love of our own bodies and to develop awareness of others, we try to be humble with our food intake. Being thankful for our food in times where there are so many starving in the world is the biggest blessing we can give to our meals. Usually our first meal of the day, breakfast, is in silence so that we can really appreciate and be aware of the nurturing that we offer to our body after the meditation and the morning practice.

 

Accommodation and facilities

Accommodation is mostly in cozy shared rooms for 2-7 people and shared bathrooms, where we all learn how to live with others in harmony and mutual respect. There is a possibility for single accommodation with bathroom, if you request it in advance.

There are spacious common areas for relaxation and meals, a swimming pool, a large yoga shala of 108sm, a steam bath and camping area. There are also bikes that you can freely use to visit the beach or explore the surroundings and we happily give u a ride for the nearest village if you need ATM, pharmacy or you want to visit the local market.

There is free WiFi in the kitchen area to use if needed, but we suggest to keep away from technology in order to take all the benefits in your retreat.

We have a little shop, where we sell local, handmade products and cosmetics, clothes and other stuff from our travels, and sunshine t-shirts.

Sunshine House is a smoke and alcohol free property and if you are a smoker you will be kindly asked to use the area provided outside of the gate. While on retreat we always suggest to moderate and be aware of all addictions.

 

What to bring with you:

  • Yoga Mat (if not possible we provide yoga mats)
  • Re-usable Water Bottle
  • Comfortable Clothes
  • Slippers or warm socks in winter (we don’t use shoes inside)
  • Towel
  • Notebook and pen
  • Organic (chemical-free) cosmetics, shampoos etc..
  • Musical instruments if you like
  • Your smile and open mind for new adventures.

Being on retreat we learn to see inside ourselves, which in turn allows us to form brothers and sisters with whom we can live, share and love. It is only through loving ourselves that we can truly learn to love others, accept them and offer ourselves unconditionally.

* Give everything, expect nothing *

The only way something can flow into you, is if it flows out of you. The eternal teachings of Karma. This is the way to make global change. We start from the inside, then the outside will follow. If we listen to the message of Mother Nature, the change has to happen now. There is no time to waste! We are looking forward to welcome you at Sunshine House!!!

Come come whoever you are…

 

Find out about our courses here.
And if you wish to combine a retreat with some outdoor activities and exploration of our beutiful island, click here to read an article with our suggestions!