Ben Lomond
Sequoia Retreat Centre, 11445 Alba Rd, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
The Sequoia Retreat Center is a magical place of healing amongst the Sequoias, with majestic waterfalls, walking paths, vegetarian meals, and cosy wooden cabins.
"The history of Sequoia is a history of seasons, beauty, spirit, and truth. This can never be communicated by facts or descriptions; it must be experienced first-hand."
Retreat from the outside world, go inside, work hard and uncover more of your great, bright light.
A 4 day Reiki Retreat is taught at this venue for students (and their students) of the International House of Reiki.
Arrive Friday by 10am and leave on Monday after 5pm. It is possible to book extra evenings if you need to arrive earlier or stay later.
The teacher at this venue is Frans Stiene.
Treatments and Private Teachings
Reiki Treatments and Private Teachings are available at the Retreat with Frans Stiene.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the Retreat cost. There is gorgeous mountain accommodation - see more here. Accommodation is in triple occupancy cabins.
You are also welcome to stay offsite and come in daily for the Retreat and meals.
Organisers
Joyce Leonard and Kathleen Prasad are the organisers for the Retreat. You can contact them at either of their email addresses.
Joyce Leonard: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Kathleen Prasad: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
A Typical Day
What will we be doing?
A typical day will look something like this....
7.00 am
Good morning!
Wake up, shower and get dressed for the day.
7.30 am - 8.30 am
Yummy breakfast
Enjoy your breakfast while you gaze out over the pond and into the garden and further still.
9 am - 12 am
Morning Zazen Meditation
Each day is spent focusing on expanding your inner energy and understanding by means of different meditations.
Kinhin - Walking Meditation
Undertake a traditional Japanese walking meditation which is normally practiced deep in the mountains in Japan. At Sequioa the walks will take you deep into the true nature of earth, water and heaven.
Group Discussion
This will vary each day depending upon the morning exercises.
12 noon - 2pm
Self-reflection followed by Vegetarian Lunch
Enjoy, reflect or talk with your fellow retreat participants about your own practice and understanding. Sharing helps to see things from a different perspective.
2 pm - 5 pm
Focusing on spiritual techniques from Japan that stem from Shugendo, Shinto and esoteric Japanese teachings to enhance and deepen your viewpoint of the system of Reiki.
One -on-one Hands-on Healing (Tenohira)
Group Instruction with Teacher
This time of the day will be divided between small groups of students over the four days to ensure students receive individual attention, guidance and instruction.
5 pm - 7 pm
Self-reflection followed by Vegetarian Dinner
Stretch your legs, reflect, eat or just chat with some of the other participants.
Evening
Share your experiences with your fellow participants in the relaxed and peaceful nature of the Sequoia Retreat.
Meals
Fabulous meals are provided throughout the retreat. They are vegetarian California-style with an emphasis on fresh organic, local foods (with some vegan and gluten-free options as well). Each day will consist of:
- Continental Breakfast
- Hot lunch with a sandwich bar
- Hot dinner
All meals and accommodation are included in the price.
Directions
Located in Ben Lomond (California State Highway 9), about ten miles north of Santa Cruz.
Coming from the north, Hwy 880 becomes Hwy 17 in San Jose (at Hwy 280 intersection). Take Hwy 17 South (toward Santa Cruz).
Take the Mt. Hermon Road exit. At the stoplight turn right on Mt. Hermon Road. Stay on Mt. Hermon Road 4.5 miles through Scotts Valley.
Turn right on Graham Hill Road. Take a quick right again at the next signal onto Hwy 9. Drive through Ben Lomond, past the Market and Fire Station.
Turn left on Alba Road (just after the Quaker Center sign). Proceed 1.5 miles up the hill, turning left into Retreat at the entrance sign.
