Pocket Full of Happiness 😊

So, what exactly is being happy? It is fostering an inner state of peace and wellbeing that doesn’t depend on your external circumstances, a deep inner fulfilment that comes from a profound connection to your own nature. It’s not just about ‘positive thinking’ and then sitting back and waiting for things to magically improve for you. It means deeply looking at your life, what brings it meaning, what you enjoy or don’t, what is stopping you from really living your life and committing to do something to change. This retreat will provide you with some valuable ideas and tools to change your own level of happiness.

Our first session will be a chance to experience Feldenkrais presented by Emma Leaks. Feldenkrais method is designed to help people reconnect with their bodies and learn new ways to move with greater efficiency. It can help to increase vitality, coordination, and achieve overall improved well-being. It is gentle and can be done seated, lying or standing and provides people with a better sense of their bodies. It can provide empowerment and improvement in physical activities providing newfound confidence in one’s own ability to heal. For more information on the Feldenkrais method please check the following website https://www.feldenkrais.org.au/

Next will be a cooking demonstration by Just Eat Plants. They focus on the importance of nutrition and its impact on cancer. They have presented at conferences and workshops to GPs and other health professionals on evidence-based nutrition which can improve overall health and increase energy levels. There will be plenty of time for questions and these presenters will also provide our delicious lunch. For more information check https://www.justeatplants.com.au/

After lunch Cancer Care Centre volunteer counsellor Helene will present an interactive workshop ‘Happiness is an Inside Job’. Helene explains some basic happiness principles and explores the Happiness Continuum which outlines the different ‘types’ or levels of happiness. She also discusses the happiness set point, the genetic and learned tendency to remain at a particular happiness point over time. Helene will look at some of the 7 major areas that we can address to improve our own happiness: taking responsibility for your life, being aware of what we think, letting love lead, caring for your body, plugging into your spirit, living a life inspired by purpose and cultivating nourishing relationships. She will also explore the huge benefits of cultivating gratitude. To find out more about Helene’s workshop see www.lifesnextchapter.com.au

We will end the day with ‘The Joy of Singing’ session run by Kathy Pike. Kathy is a talented singer, songwriter, singing teacher and performer. The research on the health and wellbeing benefits of singing are overwhelming. Singing lowers cortisol, relieves stress and tension, increases endorphins and oxytocin, improves social cohesion, can be a powerful tool to enhance emotion focussed coping, strengthens immunity, improves breathing and stimulates the vagus nerve. If there was a pill that we could all pop that did even half of that – wouldn’t we all be popping it? Most of all singing is just plain fun. This session is sure to be just that – no pressure, no worry about performance anxiety – just enjoyment, laughter and group singing with no prior musical experience necessary. For more on Kathy see https://www.facebook.com/kathypikemusic/

Please join us for the day, enjoy the activities mentioned, plus meditations, lovely food and great company. Make this retreat part of your new year’s resolution to enjoy life, have more fun and find happiness and well being in every moment. See you there.