2023 Awakening to Life Intensive, Retreat in Belgium

6 1/2 Day Intensive Experiential Retreat with Sarah Dekker and Nicholas Burnand

We are inviting you on a journey of

• direct experiencing, sensing and being
• embodying our deepest authenticity
• venturing beyond head-centred thinking to reclaim wholeness
• witnessing the mystery of existence unfold

Deepen your connection to yourself and life. Come and experience a meditation practice that supports staying fully present with your inner world. Learn how you can stay focused like never before by developing your capacity for mindfulness through Dyad meditation.

The Awakening to Life Intensive Retreat was developed by fellow CNVC trainers Robert Gonzales and Robert Krzisnik out of their shared history of facilitating Enlightenment Intensives and interest in the embodiment and spirituality of Nonviolent Communication.

We, Nic and Sarah, are both very excited and passionate about facilitating this intensive retreat, in which we, as a community, witness and support the embodiment of our deepest authenticity. 

Fully experiential retreat

The main focus of the retreat will be on direct experiencing primarily through dyad work but also through individual and group processes, including body movement and integration time in nature. Facilitators will be there not to teach, but to offer guidance and support. 

Intensity and dedication

This retreat will be held as a sacred time for our deepest Self. By “intensive retreat” we mean that:  – we will be working from around 7:00 in the morning to around 10:00 in the evening; – we ask you to refrain from using the internet (including email & cell phone), unless absolutely urgent, for the duration of the entire retreat; – we will be inviting you, during breaks and free time, to keep your intention and focus on conscious inquiry into your deepest authenticity (rather than engaging in casual socializing).

Embracing what is

This is not a self-improvement workshop, in which certain aspects of ourselves would be perceived as needing change, fixing, or healing. The participants will be continuously encouraged to experience and embrace the Whole, rather than move from an “imperfect” state to a “better” one.

Pre-requisites

While this is not a classical Nonviolent Communication training, basic Nonviolent Communication skills of honest self-expression, empathic listening and self-empathy are required.

Therefore, we would like the participants to have had at least four (4) full days of training in Nonviolent Communication with a CNVC certified trainer.

 

Retreat Fees 

• Retreat fees are 980 euros (incl vat) for the facilitation and organisation of the retreat. 
• We offer a 15% Early Bird rate for bookings paid by the 30th June 2023.
• Accommodation prices range between €887p.p. for a single room and €695p.p. for a double/shared room. These prices are including VAT, meals and accommodation for the entire week.
• Accommodation & meals are charged separately, depending on the choice of rooms.
• 250 euros deposit required with registration to secure your place
• Supporter Rate – If you’re able, please consider giving an additional amount to support concessions for others who cannot pay the full price
• Concession places by application
• All payments due in full by 1st August 2023
• Note that 10% of proceeds go to Robert Krzisnik for his mentorship and support in preparing this Awakening to Life Intensive. 5% of proceeds are paid to Robert Gonzales' wife to help cover medical and funeral bills.

About the venue:

The Domain of Château Frandeux is quietly located on the edge of the Belgian Ardennes, in the region of "Les Famennes" and belongs to the province of Namur in Wallonia. The area is also known as the Land of the Valleys. A land of castles with a rich and varied heritage. The hamlet of Frandeux consists of 40 houses and is located in the valley of the Vachau, about 6 km from Rochefort.

The Chateau looks out over a little lake and is surrounded by beautiful nature. We recommend that you bring some walking shoes and a coat. In the evenings you may warm yourself by the fireplace in the salon or make use of the sauna.

About the Facilitators:

Sarah Dekker is a certified Nonviolent Communication (NVC) trainer and facilitator offering training and retreats internationally. She is passionate about integrating NVC with embodied spirituality and draws on the work of Robert Gonzales and Robert Krzisnik. Her workshops offer ways to cultivate daily practices for living life fully and authentically, deeply grounded in compassion for one’s self and others. Sarah’s interest in individual and collective trauma healing has had her exploring Internal Family Systems therapy, Dyad meditation practice, Mondo Zen, gender reconciliation training, Biodynamic Breathwork & Trauma Release Systems, and other modalities.

Sarah is known for creating safe spaces for self-exploration and healing. She has an authentic, clear and friendly presentation style. Her humor, warmth and pleasant calm approach in her sharing of NVC and Dyad meditation supports participants to really slow down and ease into self-connection and awareness.

Nicholas Burnand lives in Belgium, where he is a certified Nonviolent Communication trainer and Internal Family Systems therapeutic coach. His journey has taken him to remote places, spending hundreds of days in retreats, ceremonies, and workshops around the world. He is focused on creating safe spaces which foster transformation and awakening. He has found the Dyad process to be a deeply transformative practice. Through it, he has discovered that empathy and authentic self-expression are a path to freedom from suffering and awakening.

"Although your path is your to walk, you do not have to do it alone"