Taking time to be still and calm the being is a healing in itself.
Being in silence allows a powerful experience of connecting deeply with oneself and life.
Resting in silence and nature
Step away from the rush of busy daily life and rest in the silence of Spanish nature!
Surrounded by olive yards, pine- and orange trees our place invites you to slow down and be present. By choosing not to speak you will connect deeply to your true self.
The retreat has a gentle schedule, beside yoga and meditations it allows time for walking, resting and connecting to nature. There are no goals to reach, you are invited to just be where you are, fully alive in the moment. In the meditations and the dharma talks Ellen guides you into the silence. During meditation we are aware of our experience here and now, knowing there is no need to judge or improve anything. We observe how sensations, thoughts, feelings and mind states are passing by, changing all the time. Great insight and a depth of awareness can rise offering inner peace, harmony and joy.
We start the days at 8 am waking up the body with a nice yoga class followed by a delicious healthy breakfast. In the morning period there will be a guided meditation on themes such as breath and body, the five sense gates, the four elements, feelings and thoughts and metta (loving kindness). In the afternoon Ellen will give a talk offering inspiration and understanding. The rest of the day we meditate in silence in one of the four postures sitting, walking, standing and reclining both indoor in the meditation yurt and outdoor in nature.
The retreats are open to people who have meditation experience as well as to people for whom this is a new experience, the only condition is that you are motivated to spend the days in entire silence, meditate a lot and dive into your own process. The retreat will be guided in English.
Silent walk, meditative dance & mantra’s
One day we will make a yatra, a silent walk in nature. Walking in silence will help to deeply connect with nature within and nature without. The rhythm of walking calms body and mind. One evening we will have a meditative dance and on the last evening we will wake up our voices with a singing circle and a sharing.
A magnificent place
The retreat will take place on the land land of Kausay Community situated in a green valley in the Valencian province of Spain. Together we live close to nature and would love to give you the experience of living in simplicity. You will sleep in a traditional Mongolian yurt which you will share with others.
Kausay shares a passion for living in a sustainable way close to nature, they are off-grid, making use of solar power and local water. They offer delicious freshly cooked vegetarian meals using veggies from their own ecological gardens as much as possbible.
Accommodation
Come and experience living in a traditional Mongolian yurt! The yurts at Kausay are very cosy and comfortable. It’s beautiful to live in a round space in which everyone in the circle is equal. For the retreat we will use 3 big yurts, two will serve as sleeping accommodation with comfortable beds and a cosy sofa. These yurts will be shared by maximum 7 participants. The third yurt is our practice space where we will gather for yoga and meditations, it is supplied with yogamats, foldable matrasses and meditation cushions. On colder days all yurts will be heated by a wood stove and will be cosy and warm. Showers with hot water and ecological compost toilets are located near the yurts. There is a nice lounge area, hammocks and nature as far as the eye can see. It is great to spend time outdoors and really enjoy the sunny Spanish climate.
Who we are
The retreat will be guided by Ellen van Iersel. “I have been practicing in the Buddhist tradition for over 20 years and sat many silent Vipassana retreats and joined various Yatras; silent meditative walks, often in the sanga of Christopher Titmuss, one of my most inspiring teachers.
In 2014 I completed the teacher training to share the MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) training developed by Jon Kabat Zinn. Sharing this training gave me a deeper understanding of the working of the mind and the challenges that lie in our high speed, goal orientated society. It also deepened my love for silence, nature and the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings. Over the years I have shared this love in silent meditation retreats, silent walks and spiritual journeys to India. In 2018 I moved to Spain, together with others created Kausay Community It is a wonderful place to share what I love, living in nature, silence, vipassana meditation and inspiring people.
Testimonials
If you would like an authentic, gentle introduction to silence and meditation in beautiful nature, come to Kausay. The land in this hidden valley will support you, as will the team who offer with love a well thought out program, fabulous food, while they live the life they teach!
Glenn
I didn’t know what to expect, I just came with a wish to look inside. It was a true and inspiring event which gave me the space to think about some of the questions flying around in my head. I opened up to be more present and became less restless. Ellen and her team brought their beautiful personalities and smiles to the retreat, which carried me through the silence.
Philip
Everyone at Kausay was so sweet and made me feel at home. Ellen’s talks and guidance were beautiful and helpful. She puts her heart into everything she does and I could feel that. Brother held beautiful morning yoga sessions and a great fire ceremony. I am happy I came to this retreat!
Shermine
The retreat at Kausay was life-altering for me. I found my joy again, and reconnected with who I really am. From the beautiful and magical green lands, to the cozy and sacred space they have built, my heart was fully nourished. Ellen is a beautiful teacher, and her mindfulness teachings were heart-opening and thoughtful. Definitely worth it if you are seeking a change in perspective, or just some inner peace!
Anna
Great location, greet food and most importantly great people gently guiding you on your journey. I recommend it to anyone returning to their practice or thinking of embarking on their journey
Jack
A really amazing place with lovely people. I was made to feel at home right away, in the perfect nature setting of Kausay. Everything from the food, accomodation, scenery and timetable was excellent. Thank you!
Charlie
Practical information
Dates
13-17 May 2024
24-28 June 2024
8-12 August 2024
2-6 September 2024
7-11 November 2024
3-7 Januari 2024
The retreat starts at 2 pm on the first day. We will have lunch together and get to know each other, there will be some explanation about the retreat and there is time to land. Around 4pm the silence starts with the first meditation. On the last evening we will break the silence with a sharing circle. After breakfast on the final date the retreat ends. It is possible to stay an extra night before and/or after the retreat.
Cost
The cost for your participation in this retreat is
€450,- for the 5-day retreat, including program, healthy delicious meals, accommodation, pick up and drop off Xativa train station.
How to get here
We arrange a free pickup at Xativa train station on the first day at 13.00 o’clock.
If you are traveling from abroad, you will want to fly into Valencia or Alicante. From there you travel by public transport Xativa city, which will take around 2 hours from Valencia and 3 from Alicante. After registration you will receive clear directions. . If you are driving, please let us know and directions will be provided. We can arrange an airport pick up for you for additional costs.
More information
After registration you will receive a confirmation and more practical information about what to bring etc. and how to travel to the pick up location.
To register send a what’s app to Ellen +31 683826145
