Create a New Reality –
Become a New Reality
A Rustic Retreat at Maitripa Centre, Healesville
March 14-16, 2025
Each of us has an extraordinary superpower:
the power of choice.
In every moment, regardless of the situation, we can tap into this ability to uplift and nourish ourselves and those around us by deciding what way we respond to life’s challenges.
But, how do we unlock this power?
Our experience of reality is shaped by what we believe to be true. Yet, even as we assume our experience is real, questions arise: Is it truly so? How do factors like conditioning, attention, intention, and imagination influence our experience? And how do the stories our minds create shape what we accept as real, ultimately affecting the quality of our lives?
Many of us become convinced that the limiting constructs created by our minds are the only reality accessible to us, believing there is no alternative or other choice.
But is it possible to create a new reality—one where outdated thought patterns no longer govern our self-experience or our perception of the world?
Absolutely, it is. We possess the inner resources to radically transform our experience of reality and free ourselves from the burdens and suffering that come with identifying with old beliefs.
As the visionary inventor and philosopher Buckminster Fuller once said,
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality.
To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
Together, we can create a new reality, become that new reality, and fulfil our heart’s deepest longing to experience the pure wonder and beauty of what it truly means to be human.
Lisa, John and Rob, as IllumineNation, are inspired to share with you their many years of combined experience of study and teaching in the fields of yoga, meditation and mindfulness, yoga philosophy, coaching and mentoring.
The retreat will offer daily practices of yoga and mindful movement, daily meditation, contemplative practices, powerful group processes together with time for introspection and hearty chats over cups of chai and delicious warming vegetarian food.
“I appreciated how much you really challenged us to push through boundaries, finding the courage to be vulnerable and share things with the group. So much of what was shared was so deeply personal and profound that I think that is what made the retreat so significant”
“I am very grateful for the eloquent teachings on integral theory, the yoga philosophy of the Kleshas - both were incredibly insightful”
“I really enjoyed the variety in the yoga classes culminating in a very special Sunday morning session”
“Thank you from my heart for having put together such a wonderful, warm, deep and so highly relevant programme! I really loved it, and there were some moments that will be with me for the rest of my life”.
“I'm still feeling really grounded by it and have only positive feedback, the flow, content and delivery of the workshops scheduling and space to walk and chat. I really loved the venue too”
“It was clear to see that you have created a very special moment for us to cherish, and your attentiveness to each of us was obvious. Thank you “
“I loved the pared back monastic feel of the venue and really appreciated the wafting scent of incense every morning, a small thing but one that added to the experience”.
“Making space was one of my biggest take-aways, making space to quieten and soften the mind and body. Making space to listen deeply to my higher self. Making space so that I can grow. Making space so that I can give and receive more love and light. An enlightening weekend shared with beautiful souls realising all the love”
“What a weekend! You are truly amazing. Heartfelt thanks for the energy, love and light you bring to the world!”
“Very special experience to meditate in such a beautiful room and be in the presence of people who have such grounded energy.
Loved the yoga and flow of events. Beautiful calming weekend encouraging us all to dig deeper, live in a state of connection and loving awareness”
“My other highlight was the first half of Rob's session, including the two meditations that he guided us through. I felt that the experiential exercises that led to the process of getting in touch with our essence or awareness, and being able to explicitly separate that from the world of form, was super helpful”.
“As this was my first Retreat, I didn’t know what to expect, but I immediately felt welcome upon my arrival and over the course of the Retreat had the most transformative experience. I left feeling full of love and gratitude. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.” ❤️❤️❤️
“I felt so privileged to be part of this deep dive and inwards journey that you created for us all. After allowing this experience to settle and ripple through me I know that it’s learnings and effect will be long-lasting”
“This experience filled my heart and soul with abundance. I made some beautiful new friends, surrounded by nature whilst reconnecting with myself and the things that truly light me up. This is a must!”
“My highlights were the yoga sessions, and especially the dance session. I think that was wonderful, it definitely moved something in me. You made this fun and accessible, and had a wonderful choice of music and props that evoked a very emotional response”
“The opportunity to further connection with self, with others, and with the Divine, is an imperative often missed in the busyness of life. Yet here in this retreat, lay blessings hitherto unknown, in each of these. An opportunity like this, is not to be passed over lightly, I cannot commend this retreat highly enough”
Nestled amongst the trees in Healesville, Maitripa reflects a simple yet homely beauty; almost monastic in tone. A place to retreat, to restore, to reconnect to silence and the wonders of nature, to share stories and timeless practices. To celebrate the simple and profound peace and joy that comes when we reconnect to the deepest part of us, untouched as it remains by external circumstances.
Expect to be nurtured, inspired, lovingly challenged and compassionately supported.
WHERE
Maitripa Buddhist Contemplative Centre
528 Myers Road, Healesville, VIC 3777
WHEN
Fri 14th March 6.00 pm check in
to Sun 16th March 3.00 pm check out
INVESMENT
$200 non-refundable deposit to reserve your place
$890 Early bird plus GST (Paid by 30th December)
$990 plus GST (payments after 30th December - if spaces are available)
**Limited bookings are available for private coaching, mentoring and guidance sessions.
Please email to register your interest and for schedule of fees **
More Information
Cost is inclusive of 2 nights accommodation, all classes, workshops and meals.
Please let us know if you have special dietary requirements.
Single, double and triple share rooms are available. Please let us know if you want to share with a friend/s
All ages, stages and abilities are welcome and accommodated for within the safe container of our retreat.
All enquiries to lisa@illuminenation.org.
Cancellation policy
14 working days or more prior to workshop date: Full investment refunded less non refundable deposit
5-13 working days prior to workshop date: 50% course investment refunded.
Less than 5 working days prior to workshop: 100% of investment charged.
You may transfer your registration to another attendee (nominated by you) at no charge
““The retreat was so rejuvenating I floated home on Sunday feeling light and nourished”
Meet Your Teachers
Lisa is a Senior Yoga Teacher who lives amongst the trees in Mt Dandenong. She is passionate about embodying the practice, teachings and experience of yoga through everyday life
John is a senior Corporate Executive Coach and Leadership facilitator. He is a student of the human potential movement integrating work and spirituality for the upliftment of humanity
Rob served as a monk in the Saraswati order for over three decades. He's grounded in the ancient traditions of mantra, yoga philosophy and meditation, and is a professionally trained musician specialising in Shakuhachi flute