'The quieter you become, the more you can hear' – Ram Dass

October 2022…/ If the events of the past year have you craving peace and quiet, or you're anticipating needing space to breathe after Christmas, a retreat at Mandali in Italy could be just the experience you need. Every year in January, this spiritual sanctuary set high on an Italian hilltop uses stillness and silence to gently ease guests into the new year by offering all Mandali retreats in total silence. Those who can't get there in time can find more silent retreats throughout the year, as well as non-silent retreat options. Visit www.mandali.org for the full schedule.

Just over an hour's drive from Milan, Mandali is designed to be as low-impact and sustainable as possible. Overlooking Lake Orta with spectacular views across to the Swiss Alps, it's an idyllic setting in which to rest, reflect and reset in preparation for the year ahead.

The power of silence

The beginning of the year at Mandali is dedicated to moving inwards and setting intentions in the calm of winter. A time where the senses can take a rest and energy can be replenished. With the help of teachers at Mandali, guests learn to feel at home in themselves and to listen to their inner voice. What might seem uncomfortable at first, soon becomes natural as they learn to lean in and observe, to see the beauty and detail in the surroundings. To feel the warmth of the cup of tea in their hand, the texture of the air to the skin, and to marvel at the vastness of the view. Slowly guests see beyond themselves and notice how everything is connected: us and the natural world and beyond. A few days of containing energy inwards without the need to share everything, soon allows for a deep sense of calm to settle in the body and mind.

The Mandali silent retreats are a unique opportunity to allow total disconnection from the daily stresses of life and to find deep peace and reconnection within. In this sacred space of silence, guests will be lovingly supported in finding inner stillness and held throughout all classes and activities by the retreat's experienced teachers.

Other retreat programmes

Mandali Experience Retreats are the centre's signature retreats. They are simple but profound and designed for all levels. Taking place over three, five, or seven days, all activities are optional and include meditation, yoga, breathwork and qigong, combined with personal growth workshops, group sessions and periods of silence. The centre also runs a series of themed retreats throughout the year, led by international visiting teachers from all traditions and lineages.

Caring for the body is integral to any retreat experience at Mandali. Fuel up on nourishing vegetarian food which is served daily using locally sourced and mostly organic ingredients. Connect with nature and take a gentle walk outside, take in Mandali's beautiful alpine surroundings, and release stress at the body care centre, where facilities include a Turkish bath, sauna and swimming pool, and access to expert therapists offering holistic body treatments using natural products.

For more information about Mandali's 2023 retreat schedule visit www.mandali.org.

Download images of Mandali here (credit: William Joshua Templeton).

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Notes to Editor:

About the Founders

Mandali was founded by two entrepreneurial friends, Wouter Tavecchio and Wildrik Timmerman, who had high-flying careers as organisers of international dance festivals. The success of their businesses filled their fast-paced lives with ever-increasing abundance. But with this came the nagging feeling that there was something 'missing'.

After walking the spiritual path, they wanted to build a retreat centre which would help people experience inner peace, wellbeing and transformation in a safe and supportive environment.

After a long search for the right location and the right architect, Mandali finally opened its doors in March 2017. The centre welcomes teachers, groups and students of all traditions and from all over the world – beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

The Centre is created by the Mandali Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation set up by Wouter and Wildrik, alongside one of their teachers, Cali Ornelas.

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