In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace and quiet, Mindful Puzzles’ own Nicole Kennedy set off for a weekend of self-care.
The afternoon winter light filtering through the trees gave the hinterland a calm, quiet glow, and as I sat, nestled in a blanket with a cup of tea in hand, watching the sun slowly sink towards the horizon, I truly felt like the rest of the world was, well, a world away. I had come to Billabong Retreat to reflect and recharge, and from the very first moments I knew that this would be the place to do it.
The location
Approximately 45 minutes from Sydney and a little over an hour from my home on the Central Coast, the beautiful Billabong Retreat is located on 12 acres of stunning Australian bush abundant with native flowers, birds, and other local wildlife. The billabong after which the retreat is named is adorned with bright lily pads and you can tell just by looking at it that it is a haven for the creatures that call it home.
With a vision to create a space where people could come to reconnect to nature and the life within and around them, Billabong Retreat certainly is a place to find peace of mind and body. Nestled in the trees, the complex has a sprawling treehouse feel, and the communal meeting and sharing space is adorned with a large, comfy lounge and cosy armchairs, all decked out with cushions and throw blankets around a combustion fireplace. The retreat’s eco-friendly architecture blends seamlessly with the landscape, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, and I was impressed by the clear commitment to sustainability and attempts to minimise the retreat’s ecological impact.
Digital detoxing & self-reflection
I arrived on Friday afternoon after a long week and was immediately captivated by the simple beauty of it all, eager to let go and sink into the serenity. The ‘no mobile phones in the communal areas’ rule was particularly exciting, not because of any personal addiction to social media but for the simple excuse to be relieved of my normal responsibilities. After being warmly greeted at reception and given the grand tour, I joined a guided meditation session where I was encouraged to cultivate awareness of the present moment and allow myself the chance to observe thoughts and emotions without judgement. After that, I was free to wander and explore in whatever way I saw fit.
Activities: Yoga & mediation
From yoga and meditation essentials to help guests find stillness and calm, to programs about stress relief and how to live mindfully, Billabong Retreat offers a range of different options for people to focus on their different needs. The retreat program I booked into was called Taking Care of You, with a focus on self-care and what it means for the mind, body, and spirit, and included workshops about caring for ourselves and daily yoga and meditation sessions. Saturday dawned and from a cosy spot in the comfortable bed in my treehouse cabin, I watched the sun rise over the billabong. I was looking forward to the day’s workshop and the promise of connecting with like-minded strangers – as well as breakfast, which after the delicious dinner of the previous night I knew would nourish my body and soul.
The menu
The wholefood, plant-based menu was delicious as well as nutritious and I appreciated the philosophy that underpins the retreat’s approach to food: that good nutrition is one of the foundations of good health and longevity, and it shouldn’t be complicated. I particularly appreciated the obvious passion that the chefs had for their craft – our dining experiences were prefaced with an explanation about the fresh and locally sourced ingredients and you could just about taste the care and dedication that went into the creation of each meal. Mealtimes were not just about nourishing our bodies but also provided an opportunity for connection and camaraderie. As we sat together, sharing stories and laughter, we formed a bond, albeit fleeting, as we realised that we were all on this journey of self-care and self-discovery together.
Finding relaxation through self-care
Relaxing – that is, the art of doing nothing much at all for no real purpose – has never come particularly easy to me. Attempting to unwind can often become its own ordeal – I usually end up worrying about all the other things I could be doing, all the responsibilities, or, at least, the perceived responsibilities, that I’m overlooking. Turns out, I’m not alone in this frustrating paradox, as I learned during the self-care workshop. Many of the other participants, from mothers of small children to businesspeople caught in the corporate rat race, shared the feelings of guilt and stress that they experienced upon trying to relax. We were reminded that self-care doesn’t have to be a fancy indulgence or in any way convoluted, and it isn’t something we should do once we’re already stressed or need to recharge. Instead, self-care should become part of a regular, everyday routine – as second nature and ordinary as brushing your teeth.
For more information about Billabong Retreat, visit billabongretreat.com.au
The writer was a guest of Billabong Retreat.
