Aruna Giri's short retreats have become essential time-outs in my hectic life, helping me to regularly rejuvenate and find calmness in the middle of even stressful situations. Aruna's approach is refreshingly simple and focuses on the core of meditation - sitting quietly in beautiful surroundings.

Robert Leach.

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Thank-you Aruna, for your teaching and instruction this weekend. Your words and presence has brought a great deal of healing and nourishment to this soul. I feel so blessed to have experienced so much love, acceptance and support by the group and by the Maitripa space and surrounds.

I find myself deeply humbled by the poetic simplicity of how Stillness gives way to direct perception and the poignancy of how glimpses and insights come without the need for the minds analytical churning.

As I observed the usual projections, I found they could not manifest to their full potential, rather than take pleasure from this relief, I love how this lends itself to a gentler and more compassionate way of seeing.

Rob's words as we sat in the closing circle really resonated with me, that even if the outer self, what we show to the world crumbles, what lies beneath is never changing and constant. This really encapsulates the sense of Being I got to connect with over the weekend. I feel tender as i open, yet I'm lighter.

With sincere and deep-felt gratitude,
Ana

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Hi Aruna

Thank you once again for the retreat, it was a very special weekend - beautiful connected healing space. I am really grateful for having had the experience of being surrounded by a warm accepting and open group of people. I really appreciated your calm easy presence, your relaxed and inclusive manner- your authenticity.
It was lovely to meet you and spend time in the beautiful surroundings at the centre.

The fire was definitely ignited for me - it burnt but it was cleansing! I have gained key insights and healing - To my surprise I have experienced a deeper sense of acceptance and contentment.

So thank you.

With gratitude,
Sharon

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Just some further feedback which I would love to share.  

I struggled for most of the retreat. I found each session hard – some easier than others, but in every session, there were some 10-20 second spurts of very deep stillness. Waves of endorphins flooded every cell (bliss perhaps?).

But despite the struggle like a strenuous yoga class I guess, I’ve come away feeling incredibly light and unencumbered. Physically and mentally. I honestly feel five kilos lighter. 

Specifically, the problem I had been obsessing over for two years resolved itself in two days. It haunted me in each session but brought about two significant breakthroughs - AHA! moments. Everything clicked and fell into place and made so much sense.  

A huge load has been lifted. Things have become amazingly uncomplicated and easy.  

I had another 30mins thins morning and found it easier – less effort.    

Thanks to you Aruna, the group and Jo.”

David S.

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One Heart Urban Retreat:

I am just writing to say thank you for the retreat yesterday. It was a very peaceful space and a great experience.What you said about letting things be, and to embrace the unknown, and that the aches and pains of the body were part of the process, sunk home for me yesterday. Prior to that, I felt that I wasn't very good at meditation, because I had so many thoughts and body aches. Once I could let go and allow things to be, I was able to reach a state of peace and could feel the warmth of the energy flow. Thanks once again and I am very grateful.

Kind regards,
Wendy

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Hi Aruna,

Thank you again for a wonderful retreat. Although parts of the 4 days were very challenging, my experience was amazing and I’m feeling very grateful for the opportunity.
Hope to see you again sometime soon.

Sarah

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I feel that after the retreat my meditation practice is now a necessary part of my daily life in which I will continue with wherever I am on the path. Thanks again for the many insightful moments throughout our 5 day journey.

With gratitude & love, Stefanie.

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Hi Aruna,

Thank you for a wonderful experience over the four day retreat. Together the venue, yourself and fellow members of the retreat provided a very peaceful and safe environment in which to be still and reflect. I learnt through the discussions which hepled to guide my reflections.

This retreat was something that I have been meaning to do for a long time and it has started a very positive journey for me that will continue through the rest of my life. To be truly at peace with ourselves must help us to be more compassionate with others, especially during trying times when we have to dig deep to maintain our own sense of peace and calm. On Wednesday, while still on leave, I received a distressing call from a work colleague. They noted the calm with which I received the news and I realized that in fact I did feel calm, still very concerned and ready to assist as usual, but with a calmness that would not necessarily have been there before. I can only put this down to the effects of the retreat and the commencement of a new journey and perspective.

Thank you once again.

Warm regards
Irene

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Hello Aruna,

Thank you for a very positive uplifting experience. It was lovely to share this retreat with such a great group of people, enriching my time on this retreat. I found your approach to meditation very open, enabling me to broadened my own practice without feeling like I have to follow a particular technique.
Before the retreat my meditation practice was becoming too much like a routine, becoming a bit stuck. I now feel refreshed and my approach is renewed!

Thanks again.
Demelza.

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South India Retreat:
During this retreat I felt increasingly calm and alive at the same time. If needed, there was ample support available from Aruna and, via him, the group. The retreat centre is run by a warm couple who were focused on us having a comfortable stay and happily tried to solve any problems that arose. The centre sits amongst rice fields and paddocks, so we heard and witnessed the rhythms of farm life; a different and grounding experience of India.

Sarah F.

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Aruna's retreats are simple, unpretentious and get to the heart of meditation - sitting quietly in beautiful surroundings. On a basic level, Aruna's retreats are genuinely restorative time-outs from a hectic life that bring me back to calmness and happiness. On another level, changes happen that I can't explain.

Rob

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I love Aruna’s retreats and sits. Aruna creates a beautiful, open, peaceful space whether it is at a retreat or during weekly sessions.

Sarah Bonning.

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The Experience

Why live in the curated past?  Antiquity.

Why live in the managed future?

Next weeks and laser beams.  Obsolete.

So many clumsily confected stories, repeating.

Life as a hulking non state between the distant

Sugar rushes, or shin kicks

Of past, future, fantasy.

Walk out of the movie.

You've seen this one.

Anticipation and dread are already well fed.

Feel your honest weight as you press into the earth

at this unrepeatable moment.

Let tears and laughter echo.

Occupy now- it's vacant.

B. Williams.