“I came to the retreat to get some rest and do some yoga. What I got instead was a truly life-changing experience.
Words cannot convey the immense journey I have been guided through.
The location was the perfect setting.
The mixture of people and their varied stories gave us all the chance to remember that we all share the same truth:
that we want to love and be loved, to find the inner light and accept, nurture, and forgive the past…the Shadow.
On this journey I cherished all of Boonath’s words as he guided us through the asanas, mantras and meditations.
He took the sacred teachings and shared them with us wish such humble beauty.
It became a palpable, natural, logical, spiritual state to experience all of the ropes of life’s emotions.
To accept and love ourselves and to honour the Shadow as it reveals the Light.
In the sacred circle, when we shared eye contact I felt transported into another state of being, feeling more love than I have ever before.
My heart broke open and it filled the space. Thank you.”
Sophie
– Bodyworker, UK
*
“I loved this retreat and found it full of unexpected treasure!
I found Ben to be not only a skillful facilitator of therapeutic space but also able to share his ancient teachings
in a way that was both straightforward and yet profound.
He evoked the shamanic nature of the retreat powerfully and appeared to sustain this with ease over the few days.
I loved the way the practice seemed to unfurl over the days we spent as a group together,
offering opportunity after opportunity for change at an ever-deepening level.
Yes, at times this was disturbing, but I never felt that the challenge was too great that it became overwhelming,
and what was stirred up and brought out seemed also to be integrated.
I thought Ben was in equal measure mysterious and accessible,
and so clearly utterly dedicated to the possibility of healing in the group, it was quite humbling.
There was something quite beautiful about the experience of these ancient practices
and what they generated in us, a group of very different individuals.
The invitation seemed to be to enter the mystery rather than to stand to one side and comment,
and what a rare opportunity that is in our harshly lit, cognitive and over-rational western world!
If you’re thinking about going and what you want is a transformative experience,
I would encourage you to just go. Suspend doubts and disbelief and just be open to the encounter.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”
Sue
– Psychotherapist, UK
*
“A wonderful collective healing experience. The atmosphere created allowed much growth and nourishment to take place.
Physical and emotional comfort was attended with love and generosity.
Wisdom and insight was shared with such love by the teacher (Boonath) that the practice opened up new doors in my consciousness.
It was truly an honour to be lead through the practice by such a graceful and compassionate being.”
Joe
– Farmer, Entrepreneur and Activist, UK
*
“The retreat was perfect in every way, sometimes there may be one thing that could be altered… this was not the case!!!
From the moment I arrived the host was so friendly and helpful like a friend greeting you,
he made me feel very comfortable and any nervousness vanished.
The yoga was very authentic, unique and just how it was described when I booked, I certainly got what I was looking for.
The accommodation was really clean, high standard, and very comfortable; and the vegan food was first class…delicious!
It’s clear there is a lot of love and care that goes into the planning of these retreats, the only thing is I didn’t want to leave…
Thank you for such an amazing experience, one I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Viv
– Yoga Teacher, UK
*
“Two years ago I went on a deeply self- and life-affirming yoga retreat called “Working with the Shadow.”
Boonath, the teacher, shared a very different yoga experience than I had ever had
and it was profoundly beautiful…and challenging!
One of the chants we used very intensively stayed with me,
and ended up on the song “Remain the Sea” on my album Land of Gold.
I urge anyone interested to check out their upcoming retreats, which now take place in heavenly Tuscany.
Kim, who runs the retreats, is now a dear friend and I can promise he will take loving care of you!.”
Anoushka
– Musician (Sitarist), India
*
“I understand why so many people return to this retreat over and over again. It was an incredible experience from end to end: delicious vegan food( even for a non-veggie), a very safe, warm and welcoming environment (so important for single women travellers) all set in a jaw droppingly gorgeous location. Kim and Ben(Boonath) both went above and beyond to deliver the best experience for everyone. I found both to be incredibly warm, kind and honest individuals with a real power and energy to them. I loved my experience and feel lighter and happier as a person as a result of the retreat. I encourage anyone looking for something special and different to look into their work. I live in London where there are all manner of practices and I have also practiced around the world and what Healing in the Willows is doing is really special.”
Una
– Communications Expert, USA
*
“A once in a lifetime experience!”
This retreat will open your heart and mind in ways that you did not know were possible. It will challenge you…scare you a bit…make you feel uncomfortable. Trust the journey, lean into it. The truth of our human experience is really about connection. Connection with ourselves and others. Heart work is hard work and this place may not be for everyone, but if you are looking to expand your mind and your heart this kind of hard word is so worth it.
Sarah
– Businesswoman, Canada
*
“The retreat exceeded all expectations.
The location was beautiful, the food was locally sourced and deliciously prepared, and the yoga courses were exceptional.
I had been looking for a yoga retreat that respected and reflected the authentic teachings of yoga,
and I found it in these retreats!
They brought more of the East to the West and have created an authentic and incredible yoga practice for all its participants.
I would highly recommend the retreats of Healing in the Willows.
By the end of the retreat, my body and spirit were lighter and happier.”
Daniel
– Entrepreneur, USA
*
“I feel like I entered some sort of fairy-tale. It was simply magical. I cannot begin to describe how beautiful the location is.
The surroundings took my breath away and I felt loved and supported.
I was given the gift of hope that maybe the world and mother earth have a chance to heal.
The retreat surpassed by far my expectations.”
Kim
– Hotel Manager, UK
*
“I’ve entered a magical world, which is a perfect sanctuary from every day’s hustle and bustle of life.
This retreat has been an experience I will hold very dear”.
Naomy
– Early Years Teacher, UK
*
“The retreat greatly exceeded my expectations in terms of location,
nurture (including delicious vegan food) and sense of connection with other participants,
but I was unprepared for how profound and powerful the work would be.
I am a teacher and psychotherapist, and my many years of therapy,
engagement with complementary healing did not come close to the profound connection with my own need for healing,
and the possibility of achieving it, that I experienced.
Ben’s almost other worldly insight, clarity and compassionate approach to the shamanic yoga,
and Kim’s very human attention to the practical aspects of the retreat
meant that we all felt held in a very safe but very powerful process,
and I am enormously grateful to have found my way to this.
I have taken so much from the retreat, but will certainly be returning.”
Sarah
– Psychotherapist & Facilitator. UK
*
“I came to the retreat to have some yoga, meditation and healthy food.
What I received instead cannot be put into words.
Lets say… I found the way back to my heart!”
Heleen,
– Businesswoman and Phylantropist, Netherlands
*
“The space created to reach inwards and release outwards was vary rare and simply quite amazing!
The retreat was not easy, but certainly very valuable and I’m grateful to have been part of this collective healing experience!”
Aimée
– Grower, UK
*
“A place to embrace evolution”
This was unlike any experience I have had before. This is a unique retreat with serious work. Learned Yoga in a whole new way. I was challenged mind, body, soul. Furthered my journey to find my authentic voice. BEAST! Thank you Ben & Kim for all you shared.
Amanda, USA
*
“A unique experience ”
The program was challenging and unique, it took the participant on a journey that was least expected. The group dynamics was brilliant and expertly facilitated by the Leaders. I would highly recommend this retreat for those seeking deep changes to their life. As it is life changing. Kim and Boonath are very special people.
Carol, Australia
*
“Leave your expectations behind – something is bound to unearth from this magical experience.”
Kate
– Yoga Teacher, Australia
*
“I cannot thank you enough for the retreat.
I feel like I healed and progressed in leaps and bounds in the few days that we were all together.
The honesty and the sharing that was brought to the table inspired and encouraged me.
I came with an open mind and I left with an open heart.
After nearly a lifetime of constriction and restriction, I’ve found my voice again,
and with it, that wonderful aliveness in the centre of my chest.”
Mary
– Communications Specialist, USA
*
“The Yoga Retreat showed me again what had been hidden inside
and I am very thankful for it.
Kim and Boonath provided extensive support practically, spiritually as well as intellectually
as they dispose over a range of strategies and seemed to complement each other in an almost poetical way,
which reminding me of the famous friends Narcissus and Goldmund in the book by Hermann Hesse.
The retreat was very recreational, the food and surrounding nature absolutely fantastic,
and I can recommend the retreat to anyone who wants to explore
the playful and at the same time powerful side of human existence.”
Julia
– Switzerland
*
“On the first day I was a little intimidated with the system as i didn’t expect this line of healing.
It was quite an experience.
Frankly i thought it was a scene from some kind of horror movie with the chantings in the dark
and the way the words like “witch” were used quite so informally.
I only got over it the 3rd day, when the momentum got the better of me.
And then it was smooth sailing.
I got to understand Boonath and his mystical moves and the group gave me a lot of encouragement.
The way people talked to each other and interacted was for me an eye opener.
Organising and getting everyone on board and keep them happy was a formidable task.
And a big big thank you!”
Ajit
– Businessman, India
*
“Amazing! Gosh, what a great place, teaching and people. Great!
For me this retreat was a huge uplift and reminder of the great power of Yoga.
Luxury staying and authentic healthy home-cooked food.
And the group’s energy was so supportive.
And Boonath’s personality is so warm and gentle – he teaches with great passion
and gives every individual person on the retreat the attention they need.
Such a knowledgeable and humble being. A really inspiring person.”
Ioana
– Artists, Sweden
*
“Definitely a ‘must do’!
If some experiences in life must be shared, then this is one of them.
Although I felt out of my conform zone, the overall journey changed and healed me.”
Iain,
– Nurse, UK
*
“Such a rich and wonderful experience, one I will never forget.
I feel truly blessed to have had this opportunity to go deep into myself
while being surrounded by such beautiful authentic people in such a special place.”
John,
– Artist, UK
*
“I went very deep in ways that I did not expect.
I feel that I will discover more about this as I enter my busy world again in order to integrate it all.
Boonath is a very insightful teacher, very caring and authentic.
I have never met anyone like him before.
I certainly learned something very important about my own shadow from Boonath taking time to sit privately with me.
I will treasure these insights very dearly!”
Deborah,
– Educator, UK