Retreat @ Neelambari
Healing the 5 elements
What is in for me?
Immerse yourself in a life-altering journey in our 5-day healing retreat from February 12 to 16, 2025. It’s not just a retreat, it’s a reawakening of your authenticity. As you delve deep within, a remarkable transformation unfolds: you reconnect with your authentic self, bursting with boundless love and potential. The solitude turns into soulful companionship; loneliness morphs into a sacred space where you find yourself nurtured, loved, and radically accepted. It is blossoming from within!
What will I experience?
According to Ayurveda, our human body is made of the 5 elements: earth – prithvi, air – vayu, water – jal, fire – agni and space – akash (Sanskrit name for each element mentioned alongside). Each day of the retreat is designed to focus on a specific element that will foster healing of that element within us. To go within, we will engage in deep energy healing, yin yoga, mindfulness, deep reflection, experience local art with and culture.
We explore the ever-nurturing nature, experiencing energetically charged spaces in and around Neelambari that are meant to open us more deeply. You will experience the culture of the surrounding village, visit ancient sites and temples, sunset river cruise, engage in rituals with water, fire and earth and more. The retreat and practices are done to support your spiritual and inner journey, no activity is done to promote any religious beliefs or ideologies.
Day to Day Plan
Day 1
Embrace Your Roots
Ground Yourself with the Earth – Prithvi
On your first day, you will engage with the earth element to ground and stabilize. We begin the transformational journey by seeking blessings from nature and our higher self. Spending time connecting with the earth will allow us to also connect with our body, other retreat participants, and the environment around us.
Day 2
Awaken to Transformation
Dance with the Air – Vayu
Day 2 is an expedition to change and transformation through the element of Air. You’ll travel to local historic sites, uncovering hidden energies and dormant potentials. This day focuses on identifying both known and unknown patterns and issues that have been lurking in the shadows.
Day 3
Wash Away the Old
Flow with the Water – Jal
The element of Water teaches us to flow and cleanse. On this day, we’ll embrace Jal by visiting a natural swimming pool, letting go of all that hinders our authentic selves. You’ll engage in healing rituals designed to cleanse, release, and balance the water element within you.
Day 4
Ignite Your Inner Flame
Transform with the Fire – Agni
Fire is the agent of transmutation. On the fourth day, you’ll harness the transformative power of Agni through rituals and practices designed to elevate your inner vibrations. You’ll participate in processes that allow the fire, both within and outside, to transmute lower energies into higher forms.
Day 5
Embrace Your Vastness
Expand with the Space – Akash
The culmination of our journey rests in the vastness of Space. On this day, you’ll embrace Akash, the element that holds all others. You’ll find the courage to show your authentic self to the world, creating a harmonious connection with your environment and the people around you.
What will your day entail, although not limited to these practices, could be changed based on what I am guided:
7.30 am to 8.30 am – Healing Yin Yoga and Pranayama
8.30 am to 10.00 am – Breakfast
11.00 am to 1.00 pm – Deep Healing Practices
1.00 pm to 2.30 pm – Lunch
2.30 pm to 5.30 pm – Personal time / Nature time / excursions
5.30 pm to 6.00 pm – Tea break
6.00 pm to 7.00 pm – Personal time / cultural events
7.00 pm to 7.30 pm – Yoga Nidra / Personal time
7.30 pm to 8.30 pm – Dinner
8.30 pm onwards – Personal time / sleep
Discover the Full Spectrum
Before the retreat: Your transformational journey begins even before you arrive in Neelambari. Pre-retreat one-on-one online discussions with your facilitator and a group healing session with the fellow participants will set the emotional and intellectual stage for the days ahead. You will engage in critical reflection exercises to gain clarity on the areas of self you wish to explore during the retreat.
During the retreat: In addition to our daily itinerary of energy healing, yoga, meditation, visiting the various spaces, engaging in local art and culture, you will have a personal time of silence to deepen your self-exploration, providing a sanctuary to immerse in the inner silence. You can also use personal time to explore the nearby village, go on a bike ride or go for a walk.
After the retreat: The retreat might be over, but your journey isn’t. To counteract the common feeling of emptiness that sometimes follows a transformative experience, we provide a carefully curated post-retreat program. You’ll have one online group healing session with the facilitator within the first four weeks after the retreat. This will allow you to ensure a smooth transition back to everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of this healing retreat?
This 5-day transformative healing retreat (from February 12 to 16, 2025) is designed to reconnect with the 5 elements (fire, earth, water, air and ether) that constitute us. During the retreat, you will engage in powerful energy healing, yin yoga, rituals with earth, water, & fire, deep reflection and yoga nidra to reconnect and heal the 5 elements within. You will also explore the ever-nurturing nature, experience energetically charged spaces in the surrounding village, visit ancient sites & temples, sunset cruise, village walking tours and art & culture while enjoying lovely Kerala hospitality.
How long is the retreat?
It is for 5 days / 4 nights, which includes the day you arrive, and you will leave on the 5th day. The retreat begins on February 12 @ 3 pm. You are expected to arrive by noon on February 12th, you can have lunch and settle down. Please plan to leave on the 16th by 12pm.
Where is the retreat?
This retreat will be held at Neelambari, a beautiful boutique resort nestled in a village close to Thrissur, Kerala. It has 8 beautiful cottages, a massage centre, a theatre for art, healing and yoga sessions, all designed based on classical Kerala architecture. The resort is 50 meters away from a river and has a natural swimming pool on the premises. The place serves delectable home-cooked Kerala cuisine. Please visit their website for more details. https://www.neelambari.co.in
How many people will be there for the retreat?
There will be a maximum of 12 people. The small size of the group will foster easy engagement and deep inner work required during the retreat.
What is the cost of the healing retreat?
The energy exchange (fees) is based on a sliding scale. You can pay anything within that range according to your abundance.
When we give from abundance, we share abundance with another and what remains with us is abundance! Abundance has a different energy than lack, it only grows.
- Twin sharing – INR 49,500 – 65,500 or USD 620 – 830
- Single occupancy – INR 63,500 – 78,500 or USD 795 – 980
What is included in the retreat package?
The 5-day, 4-night healing retreat includes the following:
- Boarding for 5 days and 4 nights, twin sharing, AC rooms
- Daily Kerala style 3 vegetarian meals, snacks and herbal drinks
- A total of 5 group energy healing sessions (daily 1)
- 4 yoga sessions over 5 days
- 3 yoga nidra sessions over 5 days
- Sunset river cruise
- Guided village walking tour
- 1 pre-retreat online group healing
- 1 post-retreat online group healing
- Art & cultural events*
- Excursion to ancient temples*
What is not included in the twin-sharing cost?
- Single occupancy room
- Ayurvedic massage
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Meals outside the retreat schedule
- Travel costs to and from the retreat venue
Is the travel/transport included?
No, you will need to make your own travel arrangements. We can share the contact number of a taxi that can take you to the venue from the airport/railway station. You can also seek help from the Neelambari for further guidance.
How can I register for the retreat?
Please contact Smita before registering to ensure all your questions are answered.
Once you are sure about your participation, then kindly fill the registration form as shared on the website https://forms.gle/T6xAvYk9fExa2yHcA and pay 50% of the fees by November 29, 2024.
How do I get to Neelambari?
There are different ways to get to the venue. Flight, Train, Bus or Taxi. Kochi, the nearest airport is 42 km away and the closest railway station Thrissur is about 13 km away.
Does the retreat entail excursions?
Yes, the retreat includes a sunset boat cruise, excursions to nearby ancient sites and temples, and a guided walking tour of the village. Depending on the group’s interest, we can plan other trips around Neelambari at an additional cost.
Will I have to share the accommodation?
We welcome you to be open to twin-sharing AC accommodation, this also helps in the healing journey. It supports you when needed and also reveals things about you that may be new. There will be 2 single occupancy rooms at a different cost.
Are couples welcome?
Yes, couples participating in the retreat are welcome and they can share a room.
Are non-participating partners welcome?
Keeping in mind the deep inner work required for this transformative retreat we only welcome members who will participate in the retreat.
Can I stay after the retreat?
Yes, you may stay after the retreat, you will need to make a prior arrangement with The Neelambari Ecotourism.
What kind of food will I get? Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Keeping in mind the nature of healing and inner work involved in the retreat, we will provide healthy and tasty Kerala-style vegetarian food. The food is cooked with local produce and made with love. If you have any specific dietary requirements, then please let us know while making the booking, and we will try to accommodate your dietary needs.
Who teaches at the retreat?
The retreat is taught by Dr. Smita Kumar who has a rich experience in healing work, yoga, and mindfulness. She has also published her research on mindfulness and has been immersed in personal healing for over 30 years. You can find more details about her on the website www.smitakumar.com
Will drinks be provided?
You can get herbal drinks, tea & coffee. You can get hot water in case you carry your favourite tea. It is suggested that you do not consume alcohol during the retreat as it will lower your energy and be counterproductive to your healing.
What language is used?
The retreat will be conducted in English.
What healing modalities are used? Can I opt for sessions that I want to participate in during the retreat?
There are several healing modalities used, mainly intuitive healing, energy healing, tapping, restorative and yin yoga, and yoga nidra. It is suggested that you attend all the sessions to have the maximum healing, however, if there is any reason you may not be able to attend, then do consult Smita before the retreat.
How do I know if the retreat will cater to my readiness and fitness levels?
The retreat is designed for all levels, especially the restorative and yin yoga classes cater to beginners and experienced practitioners. The small size of the retreat will allow the facilitator to work with each participant and provide modifications as needed. Other healing modalities are suited for all practitioners. In case you have any specific requirements, then please do connect with Smita before the retreat.
Can I attend the retreat if I have an injury or a prior health condition?
Please seek approval from your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to travel and attend the retreat. If you recently recovered from any illness, then please confirm with your doctor that it is safe to travel and keep Smita informed about it. However, do contact Smita in advance to ensure necessary modifications are offered and prior arrangements are made to ensure your safety and well-being.
What shall I pack for the retreat?
You will receive a welcome letter upon registration that will carry the details of things to bring for the retreat. However, remember it will be warm during the day and pleasant in the evenings and early mornings, so pack comfortable and loose cotton outfits, and essentials like insect repellent, your medicines, anti-allergies, etc.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancel with a full refund by November 29, 2024 (less any financial charges)
- No refunds after December 1, 2024
- If you paid the full retreat amount upon registration, and for some reason you are unable to attend, then you can get a refund of 50% before December 25, 2024.