During the potent and endarkened time leading up to the *WINTER SOLSTICE*, let's gather to consciously connect with ourselves, each other and Mother Earth on a journey of *RENEWAL AND REFLECTION* through :

* yoga * mindfulness * massage * cacao and kirtan * women's circle * art * nature, and * community.

The colder, damper and darker days invite us to go inwards and explore our rich inner landscape and acknowledge our wisdom, creativity, emotions and the healing potential that lies within. Now is the time, as we approach the longest night of the year to illuminate that which no longer serves us, feel it, integrate it and let it go, so we can move forward into the light and the changing seasons with more clarity, power and vision. When we are consciously aware of nature's cycles, we can experience a deeper and more intimate understanding of our own personal growth cycles.

******************************** “THE CAVE YOU FEAR TO ENTER HOLDS THE TREASURE YOU SEEK!" - Joseph Campbell ********************************

This weekend retreat is held at Origins Retreat Centre, a hidden gem in the South West, surrounded by natural forest, streams, gardens and starlit nights. Immerse yourself in nature and connect to this auspicious time where ‘all of you’ is welcome in your realness.

******************** MELINDA AND MARS ********************

Your facilitators are Melinda and Mars, friends for 20 years and whose life journeys have reconnected after many years of travel and study. Melinda is a kinesiologist, mindfulness teacher and manager at Origins. Mars is a yoga teacher and massage therapist based in Bunbury. Origins was a place that these women visited regularly together during their twenties to seek inspiration, self inquiry and nature. After all these years, they're honoured to be coming together at Origins to share their gifts and experience with you.

************************ NOURISHING PRACTICES ************************

You’ll be guided through nourishing dynamic and restorative daily yoga practices, as well as an opening ceremony, mindfulness, massage, cacao and kirtan, mandala art and an embodied women’s circle/farewell. Gather tools to help you live an energised and engaged life, and learn how to tune into your deep inner knowingness and divine feminine wisdom. Our offerings suit all levels, so everyone is welcome.

********************** DEEP REST IN NATURE **********************

The schedule offers you some quiet-time, so you can be with yourself and settle deeply into nature. Go hiking on the Bibbulmun Track, journal, read, create, nap, star gaze, meet new friends, or visit and explore Balingup town and the surrounds.

*************** DIGITAL DETOX ***************

You’re invited to use this time to detox from the digital world, so please refrain from bringing unnecessary technology to the Centre. There is no wifi onsite.

************************************* EATING DELICIOUS - PARTLY CATERED *************************************

You’ll receive delicious, warm and nourishing Ayurveda inspired vegan/vegetarian dinners on both Friday and Saturday night, as well as wholesome breakfasts of porridge, homemade sourdough bread, teas, coffee and fresh cold press fruit juices on Saturday and Sunday morning, as well as a closing spread. However, you’ll need to bring lunch for Saturday and Sunday and any snacks. Origins has a fully equipped kitchen for you to use, but you’re encouraged to bring pre prepared meals so you have more time to enjoy the space. Balingup or Mullalyup are only a few minutes drive away, if you want to get lunch at a local cafe. At the time of booking, please let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies. The Centre is drug and alcohol free.

******************** STAYING AT ORIGINS ********************

Your stay at Origins invites you to get back to basics, living in harmony with nature (which means respecting a sustainable way of living), preparing meals together and being a part of a community of women interested in promoting healthy, healing change in the world. Origins is not a 5 star retreat centre. It invites simple rustic living. The facilities are basic but clean, and water is considered gold. Mindful showers and compost toilets help the Centre reduce its water use. There is a beautiful communal kitchen and living space for you to use and relax in with plenty of books, board games and musical instruments. The wooden Rotunda overlooking the forest is our sacred space for all of our group activities, which you are also invited to use during your free time.

******************* ROOMS AT ORIGINS *******************

The Centre has nine basic but clean rooms, most with two single beds, as well as a few double beds and one room with bunk beds. If you are coming on your own we will do our best to accommodate you in your own room, however if you are open to sharing with someone, please let us know during the time of booking, so we can open the retreat up to more wonderful women like yourself. If you are coming with a friend, we encourage you to bunk up together. Rooms with double beds will first be offered to women who prefer to stay on their own or to partners or friends who are happy to share a bed together.

********************* WINTERS AT ORIGINS *********************

Balingup winters can be veeeery cold!!! Please be sure to bring a hot water bottle/heat wheat pack, sleeping bag, extra blankets (an electric blanket if you are extra prone to the cold), thermal clothing, warm jacket, beanie, gloves, thick socks, rain coat, gumboots and an umbrella.

************************** ARRIVING AND DEPARTING ​************************** On Friday 18th June, you can arrive at Origins between 3pm and 6.30pm to settle in. We’ll host a welcome dinner, meet and greet and intention setting circle from 7pm to open the space. Please let us know if you will be arriving late. If you cannot make it on Friday night, please arrive early on Saturday morning, as the programme starts at 9am. The retreat ends at 3pm on Sunday 20th June after the women's circle.

**************** WHAT TO BRING ****************

You’ll need to bring along your own yoga mat and props, a pen and notebook, bedding (pillow, sleeping bag extra blankets/electric blanket), toiletries, yoga clothes, comfortable extra warm clothing and accessories, suitable shoes, a head torch, water bottle, bath towel, hot water bottle/heat wheat pack, rain coat, gumboots and an umbrella. You may also like to bring books, creative supplies, musical instruments etc. Don’t forget this is not a fully catered retreat, and you will need to bring lunch and snacks for both days.

********* COVID-19 *********

Everyone entering Origins will be required to scan in with the SafeWA app or record their details manually. Some basic rules to remember: Do not come to the venue if you have any symptoms, are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test, or if you have been instructed to quarantine for any reason – you will not be allowed in and you will be putting other people at risk Please try to stay 1.5 metres away from people you don’t know. Please use the hand sanitiser stations provided, often. Remember, we’re one tribe and we all want to protect our community.

*********** EXCHANGE *********** $350 waged and $300 unwaged/financial hardship

Includes accommodation, full programme of events, breakfast, dinner and a closing spread ​ ******************* WILL YOU JOIN US? *******************

Email Melinda (melinda.tupling.origins@gmail.com) to join this boutique Winter Weekend Retreat. Places are limited to 10 women. IMPORTANT: When emailing us, please let us know if you wish to come with a friend, and please 'cc' your friend into the email, so we can group you together. We require an $80 non refundable deposit to reserve your spot, that will go towards your final bill. You’ll then be required to pay the balance two weeks before the event to confirm your place. If you don’t pay the balance by this date, your place will be forfeited and you will lose your $80 deposit. Get in touch if you are having difficulties paying by the due date, we are happy to work with you. At the time of booking, please let us know if you’d like to extend your stay for an extra night and/or book in for a treatment on the Monday with either Melinda or Mars. www.happyandwellkinesiology.com www.marsyogaandwellness.com Closer to the retreat, you’ll receive more information from us.

*********************** MORE ABOUT MELINDA ***********************

Melinda serves in the role of Kinesiologist, Mindfulness facilitator and manager at the beautiful Origins retreat and community centre in Balingup. Melinda empowers people to reach their highest aspirations by supporting them to reconnect back to their healthy, creative, vibrant essential nature by offering comprehensive, supportive, integrative Kinesiology and Mindfulness sessions. A firm believer of “be the change you want to see in the world” Melinda is dedicated to the path of transformation and self-mastery through regular practice as well as being in service to resident elder and Dharma teacher Chime Shore. Some of the roles Melinda assists with at Origins Centre are building community both in-person and online through being a support person for workshops and retreats, curator and facilitator of retreats and workshops, facilitating Mindfulness classes and helping with the day-to-day management of the centre. During private 1:1 treatment sessions Melinda holds a space of compassion and non judgement assisting people by sharing gifts gleaned through both extensive study and life experience as she intuitively and insightfully weaves in aspects of Eastern wisdom teachings such as the Dharma, Tantra, Mindfulness and Western physiological science to allow people get to the root of what is hindering them from living a truly empowered, inspired, happy and well life. Some testimonials from clients after sessions include: "It changed my entire world" "Transformative" "Helped with self confidence and a deeper sense of wellbeing." "A hugely positive impact on my life." "I felt more like my real self again" "Healing & life affirming" "Melinda’s like an existential detective and gets right to the root of the issue" "A wonderful blissful experience!"

******************** MORE ABOUT MARS ******************** Bunbury born, Mars Gossi is a 500hr certified yoga teacher and massage therapist who’s happy to call Bunbury home again after many moons away. Her love affair with yoga began in 2007 as a student of the Ashtanga tradition. Since then she’s explored many lineages including vinyasa flow, hatha and yin, and has taught internationally for over seven years. Mars is a dedicated yoga student and travels regularly to India to further her studies. As a teacher her intention is to create a space for individuals to explore safe, honest, joyful self-enquiry and transformation. For three years, Mars was a Resident Teacher and Massage Therapist at Vale de Moses Portugal, one of Europe’s most celebrated retreat centres. It was during this chapter in her life that Mars found her authentic voice as a teacher and facilitator. Now back in Bunbury, Mars loves guiding students on this fabulous yoga journey whilst celebrating the yogic teachings, the intelligence of the body and the nature of mind. Yoga with Mars is inclusive, playful, generous, encouraging, nurturing, challenging, compassionate and delicious. You’ll be encouraged to explore your unique potential with grace, courage, strength and confidence. As a Massage Therapist, Mars holds space for her clients to tune into their innate wisdom to heal. She believes that when mind, heart, and body are in balance, one can live a radiant and joyful life. Mars lets her intuitive and meditative touch guide her treatments. Mars offers intuitive oil massage based on Swedish, deep tissue and Ayurveda as well as Thai Yoga Massage.

***************** ANYTHING ELSE? *****************

If you have any questions we haven’t answered here, get in touch! * MELINDA melinda.tupling.origins@gmail.com 0449290250 * MARS marsyogaandwellness@gmail.com 0490026725

We look forward to spending a very special winter solstice time with you!

In Love and Service, Melinda and Mars xx