RETREAT PHILOSOPHY

The retreat is based on self-orientation; it is completely your individual choice which activities you wish to participate in, which exercises to do or whether you want to take advantage of the opportunity for therapeutic conversation and guidance during the retreat. You can also come to Utula Nature simply to rest! Shared silent periods and digital fasting are the only solid elements of the retreat that are common to all. ​

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When we exclude stimuli such as smart devices, speech and social interactions, the sensual experiences offered by nature become emphasized and we also return to a naturally sensual connection with bodily sensations; we taste the flavors of delicious food better, we notice the song of the bird, we more sensitively feel the gentle steams of the sauna and the cool caress of the lake water on our skin. We open ourselves again to the simple and natural pleasures offered by life. Sensing and body awareness are also an essential gateway to connection with oneself, one's own needs and feelings.

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The therapeutic support in 1-to-1 talks is based on combination of two frameworks; solution-focused brief therapy and value and meaning-centered therapies (logotherapy). Orienting towards solutions means directing attention to possibilities and ways to move towards goals that are meaningful to you. Meaning-centeredness is based on the idea that people have an innate will to live a purposeful life by clarifying one's own values ​​and finding ways to implement them more fully in one's daily life. As a combined effect of these trends, you will realize what is important to you and will bring a strong internal motivation to make the necessary changes and find effective and realistic ways to implement the changes in your everyday life.

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RETREAT ELEMENTS

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STIMULI FAST

 

During speech fasting, we refrain from talking to each other, so our inner speech, thoughts and feelings naturally rise to our consciousness. A common speaking fast also gives freedom from social expectations, when the pressure to small-talk is removed. For many, it is a liberating feeling not to speak and to be allowed to turn towards yourself, but without being alone. The silent period is daily from 21-12, that is from evening to next days lunch. Sundays is a fully silent reflective day until dinner time 18:00.

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Digital fasting supports silence and a deepening of self-awareness when we are not exposed to external content - thoughts and content produced by others. In this case, what we ourselves think about ourselves, our activities and our life in general takes center stage. Reading books at the retreat is of course allowed, but even when reading books it is good to remain aware that books are also external content and thus can prevent the deepening of self-encounter.

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NATURE CONNECTION

 

Being in nature tunes us effortlessly to the frequency of nature, which for many is reflected in the experiences of peace and presence. Nature is in no rush for anything, no need to do anything even though growth does happen, nature accepts everything as it is and does not try to be anything other than what it is. In nature we see a never-ending natural cycle; birth, growth and decay and death. After being in nature long enough, these natural qualities begin to be internalized in us as well and we feel a new kind of comforting acceptance towards ourselves, each other and life. Nature also offers endless enjoyment through beauty, warmth, scents and tactile sensations.

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If you want to exercise your body or explore the surrounding area, we have for your use a rowing boat, bikes and SUP boards for self-guided nature activities. By water you can explore the nearby islands or Huuhanranta's 2 km long beautiful natural sand beach. From our property there is also a marked walking route (in the direction of approx. 2 km) to Huuhanranta and (in the direction of approx. 4 km) to the lake viewpoint. By bike you can work up a sweat or explore the surrounding area along forest trails.

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CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

 

Guided activities (min. 2/max. 4 per week) are about 2 hour activities which that vary in content and duration, depend on the size of the group and the weather, but always support  your wellness and restoration. As community, we might go to collect mushrooms in silence, do nature connection exercises or a deeply relaxing yin yoga class, or go on an excursion to the island in rowing boats. Next week's activities will be detailed and announced on Monday evenings on the notice board. 

 

Sharing in a peer group is possible on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  In the circle, you can share your experiences from the retreat in your own language or just listen to others in silence. In the circle, we do not comment on the experiences of others, but practice listening to each other with an open mind and heart. Before the circle, there is a short introduction on the topic related to restorativeness, and time is also left for joint reflection.​

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INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

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