Light On Life: Autumn Awakenings
Retreat FAQs
Do I need prior experience to attend this retreat?
You will not require prior experience with mindfulness or meditation to attend this retreat. However, it would be helpful to have some knowledge of what mindfulness is.
You may wish to read the following article for reference:
You may wish to read the following article for reference:
In what language is the retreat program conducted?
The retreat program will be conducted in simple English.
What will I need to bring or prepare?
The tropical climate at Ubud, Bali is warm and sunny, with high humidity and expectations of frequent rain. It is best to dress in light, comfortable clothing. In addition, you are encouraged to consider bringing the following items:
The retreat centre provides bed linens, blankets, pillows, meditation cushions, and yoga mats, but please feel free to bring your own if necessary.
- Walking shoes for outdoor activities
- Light jacket or shawl if you tend to get cold
- Umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, etc. for the outdoors
- Water bottle / flask for keeping hydrated
The retreat centre provides bed linens, blankets, pillows, meditation cushions, and yoga mats, but please feel free to bring your own if necessary.
Can I bring or use my phone during the retreat?
While phones and devices are not prohibited, you will be encouraged to keep them away (and silenced) over the course of the retreat, so as to maximise the effectiveness of your learning experience.
Can I attend the retreat with a partner or a friend?
Yes, you can attend the retreat together with someone else. Double occupancy rooms are available if you would like to share the room with your partner / friend.
Will I have free time during the retreat?
There will be a few hours of free time allocated everyday in the afternoon over days 2 to 4. You are advised to remain at the retreat centre over the course of the retreat, and utilise the time for slowing down and resting.
Can I follow my own program or do my own practices?
You are strongly encouraged to adhere to the retreat program and practices, which have been designed and curated to facilitate a deep and meaningful experience of mindful awareness. Should you have questions about the program and practices, please approach the teacher for clarification.
Can I work remotely during the retreat?
While we understand that there may be urgent work or matters that need attending to, you are encouraged to give as much time and attention as you can to the retreat experience you have signed up for. Should you need to attend to work or other matters urgently, you may wish to do so before the retreat program starts and ends each day.
What kinds of meditation will be included?
The Light On Life Retreat is a mindfulness meditation retreat, and emphasises the practice of present-moment awareness and self-observation. Generally the practices are guided in both stillness and movement, and in various postures such as sitting, standing, and lying down.
Formal meditations include awareness of breath and body, body scan, open awareness, mindful walking, mindful movements, kindness and self-compassion.
You will also be encouraged to extend your practice "off the cushion" and maintain mindful awareness throughout the retreat, such as when you are eating or speaking with others.
Formal meditations include awareness of breath and body, body scan, open awareness, mindful walking, mindful movements, kindness and self-compassion.
You will also be encouraged to extend your practice "off the cushion" and maintain mindful awareness throughout the retreat, such as when you are eating or speaking with others.
How long will each meditation session be?
Depending on the practice itself, the duration of each meditation may vary from 10-15 minutes to an hour. The teacher will ascertain the readiness of the group and may adjust the length of practices accordingly while providing guidance.
Will there be yoga sessions?
There will not be yoga sessions as this is a mindfulness-focused retreat. There will be practices of mindful movements that include gentle stretching and balancing to encourage a sustained awareness of the body.
What if I'm not physically fit for the practices?
All mindfulness practices at the retreat are facilitated and guided in a gentle way and emphasise showing kindness to our mind and body. But should any of the practices bring you discomfort or if you feel you need some accommodations, please speak with the teacher.
What is the Day of SIlence?
The Day of Silence is the practice of observing conscious silence for the entire day, which includes refraining from speaking with one another and communicating via digital devices. Conscious silence is meant to support us in deepening our mindfulness practice through settling the mind and looking inward with greater clarity.
To understand more about the value of conscious silence, please refer to this article:
To understand more about the value of conscious silence, please refer to this article:
Are there spiritual or religious practices involved?
This is a secular retreat focused on the cultivation of awareness and attention skills, and does not include any spiritual or religious practices or elements.
Will we have one-on-one time with the teacher?
There will be time allocated for conversations with the teacher every evening over Days 2-4. Otherwise, you may wish to approach the teacher directly during break times or meal times if you wish to speak to him/her separately.
What if I'm not comfortable with sharing or talking to others?
There will be periods of time - sharing circles - allocated for group sharing, although you are not expected to share anything personal or what you are not comfortable with. Group sharing at a retreat supports us in seeing how our struggles can be universal, and that we are not alone in our struggles. Verbalising and expressing our insights and reflections can help us gain clarity into our thoughts and feelings. Sharing circles enrich our retreat experience by providing space for connection, resource sharing, and strengthening our commitment to living better.
How much time will we spend outdoors?
A few hours each day (usually in the morning) will be spent outdoors, where we practice mindful walking and immerse ourselves in nature. However, certain weather conditions may require us to remain indoors for our safety, which the teacher will help evaluate and ascertain.
What if I have to leave the retreat early?
We encourage you to stay for the full course of the retreat, as it has been designed to gently support you in deepening your practice and strengthening your skills. However, if you need to leave the retreat early, please inform us in advance, or speak with the teacher as early as possible.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans may change, and we hope to support your needs while maintaining fairness to other participants. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
- More than 60 days before the retreat start date: 100% refund (minus a non-refundable deposit of USD 50 for administrative cost)
- 30-60 days before the retreat start date: 50% refund (minus a non-refundable deposit of USD 50 for administrative cost)
- Less than 30 days before the retreat start date: No refund
- If you'd like to transfer your spot to another person, please notify us at least 7 days before the retreat start date.
- In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled by the organiser due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of all fees paid to us. We will not be responsible for any other costs, such as airfare.
- If you need to cancel your registration due to a medical emergency or other special reasons, please contact us as soon as possible. We will review your request on a case-by-case basis.
- We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations, travel disruptions, and emergencies.