29 May - 2 June 2023
Join Helen Heppingstone for 5 days of mind and body rejuvenation
Clearing the mind opens up a clearer and broader perception of what is going on around you.
With the stillness, peace, and calmness that comes with clearing your mind, you can release stress and rejuvenate your body, be present to feel the joy in life, and access a higher perspective and the maximum power of your mind when you need it most.
Helen knows what it’s like to operate at corporate speed. She was a successful corporate manager who took herself to the brink of burnout. This saw her turn to study eastern wisdom and western science, including neuroscience, and develop a rich array of simple and easy-to-use powerful techniques that have changed her life and the lives of her corporate clients and students
Helen will skilfully guide you out of the fast lane of your demanding busy life, to reconnect you back into your body, soothe your nervous system and calm your mind.
Using the quietness of Dirk Hartog Island, you will be skilfully guided to reconnect to the deep abiding stillness that is inside of you. This space of quietness and stillness is the inherent nature of being a human being.
You will learn the skills to gain mastery of your mind, strengthening your capacity to direct your mind where and when you want, no matter what is going on around you.
Helen, among many things, is a yoga teacher. Drawing on the tools of Yoga-no-one panic-you don’t have to touch your toes or stand on your head (you can, if it is there for you)!, you will be drawn into the state of Yoga-‘the definition of yoga is to, ‘release from the attachments of the thoughts in the mind’.
You will move, with interest and curiosity rather than with goals attached. This movement is to give you an opportunity to pay attention to and to understand how you are moving, taking note of where you may be holding, where there may be stagnation or openness. Recognising what you are walking around with.
All movement will be completely accessible for everyone.
You will also be guided to experience this state of quietness from busy-ness in the mind with the myriad of options available at the resort-sup boarding, walking, snorkelling, kayaking. You will learn through the island activities that there are opportunities available to you in your daily routine to experience piece, tranquility and a moment of rest from the coigmuir of thoughts.
You will connect into the experience of the natural ebb and flow of your breathing. Again, this will be with curiosity, rather than expectations. This is to learn that this connection to how you are breathing, offers you a window into what is going on inside of you (not how you would like to be, but rather observing the breath as a litmus test for what is actually happening inside). You will also learn techniques to work with the breath to influence your energy and your mood.
With the body and nervous system soothed and the mind’s attention quietly checking in (rather than checking out) you will utilise an ancient technique that is suited to busy minds. This gently draws your attention out of the quagmire of thoughts, so that you are able to rest, calm and quieten. You can experience the space of stillness and quietness that is inside of everyone
Weaved throughout the sessions will be explanations and analogies drawing from neuroscience, anatomy, physiology and ancient eastern practices, as well as personal experience.
2. A rested body. Utilising simple and accessible techniques your body will release into a deep rest. In this state of rest, energy returns from flowing outwards to the extremities, (to move us from one place to the next), to flowing back into the centre, nourishing our major organs. Deep rest strengthens our homeostatic function and brings the whole of our being into balance.
3. The ability to switch the mind on or off. This is an important self-directed skill to be able to settle the body, engage the nervous system and switch the mind on or off when required.
4. The ability to press the reset button anytime. You will learn how to implement moments of stillness into your existing daily routine to maintain your well mind.
5. Increased resilience and adaptability. Strengthening your homeostatic mechanism allows you to encompass a greater range of experiences whilst maintaining balance.
6. A sense of coherence and wholeness. In a deep state of rest, the different parts of your brain are harmonised, improving cognitive function and emotional stability. You will have an expanded perception and a more integrated experience of yourself, allowing you greater understanding of what is going on around you.
7. Enstasy. You will experience yourself without doing and striving. In a state of deep rest, your senses are quietened allowing you to experience yourself, (even just for a nanosecond!) as quiet and still. This gives you a different perspective of yourself – as a human being rather than a human doing.
Helen drew on her studies in health and her understanding of ancient wisdom too reset and bring the balance she needed into her life.
Today Helen has a yoga practice in Claremont, but is also a teacher to high school students, corporate leaders, politicians, magistrates, and retirees from high profile careers.
With ancient eastern practices supported by western neuroscience, she helps her clients get out of their busy minds, reconnect with their bodies, and calm their nervous system for deep restorative rest and to refuel.
These ancient, everyday practices are the tools to maintain balance and wellbeing and support us to continue to thrive in our fast-paced lives.
Helen’s wisdom and knowledge is grounded in formal studies in western science and ancient practices. Helen has a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and has also formally studied anatomy, physiology, human movement, occupational therapy, and neuroscience. She is also a trained yoga teacher (15 years) and is currently studying Sanskrit at ANU, whilst keeping up to date with developments in neuroscience at The Neuroscience Academy.
During the day, the white sands, hidden coves and miles of walkways through unspoilt vegetation with breathtaking views every way you turn, offer a chance for you to spend time alone in quiet reflection between the two dawn and sunset yoga and meditation classes.
Alternatively, there’s snorkelling on unspoilt reefs, SUP boarding in the crystal blue waters or guided walks along sheer and imposing cliffs to the blow holes and Surf Point marine sanctuary for those looking to be a bit more active.
Overview: Five nights’ premium accomodation in a sea facing room at Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge or Ocean-Side Glamping Tent Two group yoga sessions daily with Lara Dwyer. One 90 minute nourishing body treatment with massage therapist, Laure-Anne. Breakfast, lunch and healthy treats daily. Nightly dinners including some of the freshest and finest seafood and local ingredients. Australia’s “last sunset experience,” including a guided meditation and sundowner A group cooking class to learn how to take these delicious, fresh and healthy recipes home with you. A wildlife by night viewing (the Island, due to its isolation, is home to some of the most endangered marsupials and bird life in the world). Return transfers from Denham to the Island.
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Wellness Retreat attire is all about comfort and ease. The important thing is being able to strip down in the heat and keep warm if it gets a little cold in the evening, or at the end of class in Savasana/Meditation.
Embracing the dramatic beauty of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Dirk Hartog Island Eco Lodge is a rustic retreat where guests can escape, discover and explore. It blends simple elegance with rustic luxury and comfort, offering stunning ocean views and providing a destination in which to relax and reconnect with yourself and the natural environment.
Equipped with a bar area, open kitchen, undercover outdoor dining area, plenty of spots to lounge and private library, the Eco Lodge is a home away from home waiting to be enjoyed as the fresh ocean air fills its walls. It provides a comfortable holiday setting in an exclusive yet relaxed environment. Don’t forget to say hello to its friendly pets – there is a horse, sheep, cat, chickens and a dog.
Each room has it’s own shower and toilet with a range of products from Vasse Virgin, using only natural ingredients, including Australian extra virgin olive oil, plant extracts and essential oils to produce beautiful skincare.
Yes, we welcome solo travellers.
All our rooms are based on two people sharing. If you’d like to share with a particular person, please include their name at the time of booking.
Yes, everyone is welcome from beginners to experienced yogis, it does not matter where you are in your practice. Once you have confirmed your participation in the retreat, we will be sending you a questionnaire which will allow our yoga teacher and Island cook to best support your needs and ensure you get the most out of your participation in the Retreat. Due to the intimacy of the group, you will get the opportunity to have one on one time with your teacher, to explore your yoga practice and take it as deep or as simple and relaxing as you need.
All the meals will be fresh, local, healthy and delicious. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please ensure you list them on the questionnaire which we will email you upon receipt of your booking.
This Retreat is designed as a five night, six day experience. We would not suggest joining late or leaving early, but if you have a request for a shorter or longer wellness retreat in the future, please email islandliferetreats@dhi.com.au.
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