Join resident harpist, Michael Johnson, for his annual Music & Mindfulness weekend retreat at the Yarra Valley Living Centre. 

Over the course of the weekend, participants will have the opportunity to explore all facets of uplifting music through toning and chanting, music and movement, and other creative music activities. Participants will also experience how music can aid mindfulness meditation, and inspire feelings of peace, calm and a deep sense of well-being. Michael’s Music and mindfulness meditation sessions will be held in the Yarra Valley Living Centre’s beautiful purpose-built Meditation Sanctuary.

Participants will also be treated to uplifting film, a group labyrinth walk, ample free time to explore the natural garden and forest surroundings, peruse the on-site resource centre, or enjoy a treatment by one of our skilled body therapists. The retreat will conclude with a special Wind through the Strings concert on Sunday afternoon.

All music and/or meditation sessions are well suited to both first timers, and those who have prior experience. 

“As well as the meditation, I also loved the delicious and ‘oh-so-healthy’ food, the Sanctuary, the quality of the property (inside and out), the abundance of nature, and the very special bonus – Michael Johnson and his harp music!” – Ann Bidstrup

Note: People not attending this weekend retreat, may still attend the Sunday afternoon Recital at a fee of $25 per person. For concert only bookings, please click here.

“…Michael Johnson has been a key member of the therapeutic team at The Foundation since 1991 with his highly valued music based mindfulness meditation sessions. He has been conducting these music meditation sessions for most of The Gawler Cancer Foundation retreats and conferences reaching more than ten thousand people during this time. Regularly retreat participants comment how enjoyable and valuable they experienced the harp based meditation sessions with Mike. He has a special gift to tune into each group anew and adapt his music to the energies of the respective group. In addition to this his love and knowledge of music is contagious and his enthusiasm adds to the group experience. Mike complements so well with his music meditations our objective to teach people to meditate for health and wellbeing reasons without any religious overtones.
His “Music and Stillness” harp meditations are being used in schools, hospitals and in the field of mental health care.
Mike has also been called upon to play his meditative harp music to people who were reaching the end of their lives. He demonstrates a unique quality to tune into the sick and dying person and to contribute towards greater inner peace with his  beautiful music and his qualities as a compassionate human being…” – Siegfried Gutbrod, past therapeutic director, The Gawler Cancer Foundation

Pricing starts from $650 per person (including GST), and includes educational sessions and materials, delicious plant-based wholefood meals, snacks and healthy beverages. Optional extras include transport, massage therapies, counselling and purchases from our resource centre. Click here for further information on transport and other information including terms and conditions

A $220 holding deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your place, and the remaining balance may be paid in instalments.

*Financial members of our Foundation receive significant discounts on retreat bookings. To review full member benefits and to sign up today please click here.

To secure your place in this transformative retreat program, you can CLICK HERE to pay your $220 deposit online, or CALL 1300 651 211 to finalise your booking with one of our friendly team members (credit card or direct deposit accepted). Alternatively, you can submit the enquiry form below and one of our team members will be in touch.

Please note: If paying your deposit online, we will be in touch by phone to finalise your room allocation. Until this room allocation has occurred, your $220 deposit is covered by our full refund policy.

To find out more or to register for our next retreat, call 1300 651 211 or email clientservices@gawler.org. Alternatively you can submit your booking request/enquiry using the form below and one of our friendly client services team members will be in touch within 2 business hours.