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“Virtually all indigenous or native cultures have regarded nature or the universe or Mother Earth as the ultimate teacher. At few points in history has the need to rediscover this teacher been greater. “
Peter Senge, Otto Scharmer, et al
INTO THE WILD
Embark on a transformative journey with INTO THE WILD, a profoundly inspiring three-day retreat nestled in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees. This accessible and rejuvenating Easy Day and Bio-Leadership Project retreat is crafted for those dedicated to nurturing positive social and environmental change.
INTO THE WILD invites you to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a rare opportunity to pause, recharge, gain perspective, and reconnect with nature’s wisdom. Immerse yourself in the warmth of crackling fires, embark on refreshing walks, engage in meaningful conversations, and enjoy delicious meals alongside kindred spirits. Join us in this journey of self-discovery and renewal.
At the heart of the experience is a 24-hour wilderness solo – time alone in nature – an ancient, potent and auspicious tool for growth, healing and transformation. For most people the solo feels like a great adventure, a big step into the unknown.
Come, explore and receive the Valley’s gifts. You will leave recharged, inspired and with new insights and perspectives. The retreat is based at our centre for nature-based learning in the magical Sant Aniol valley, 1 hour north of Girona. Into the Wild is skilfully facilitated and hosted with love and great care.
The journey is also about meeting fellow leaders in an informal setting, close to nature, making space to share our stories, and learn from each others challenges and insights. In this way, we go back to that ancient form of work as a community – making time to speak honestly, to listen deeply, and to seek guidance from the wisdom of nature and honest lessons from each other.
We believe that we need certain qualities to navigate this moment in time skilfully. To build resilience, connection, awareness, adaptability and care, we need to practice it ourselves. This is an opportunity to do just that.
‘If we listen to nature in a particular way, then a new form of knowledge emerges’.
ANDRES ROBERTS
Our home during this auspicious time will be the soulful Pont de Valenti Centre for nature-based learning, in the heart of the magical Sant Aniol Nature Reserve, right next to a beautiful mountain creek.
Venue
The course is based at the Easy Day Center for nature-based learning right in the heart of the Sant Aniol Valley nature reserve. The place is situated right at the banks of the mountain creek and is surrounded by colourful limestone cliffs. The modern stone-house offers a magical atmosphere and diverse facilities that make it an ideal home for this retreat.
Accommodation
For the first 2 nights at the house, you will choose your own preferred accommodation. From bringing your own tent, renting a tent, glamping deluxe or renting the apartment (limited availability). You can select your preferred option when booking your ticket below. For more information on accommodation options go here.
On the 24 h solo we will provide you with a small tent. We ask you to bring your own warm sleeping bag, cushion and bed sheet.
Catering
We will enjoy a healthy and delicious vegetarian diet, locally sourced where possible and prepared with love. During the wilderness solo you may choose to fast, or take some food with you.
“When you are in touch with the dimension of Being within yourself – and being in touch with it is your natural state, not some miraculous achievement – all your actions and relationships will reflect the oneness with all life that you sense deep within. This is love. “
Eckhart Tolle
As qualified guide and group facilitator I draw on over 25 years of experience and have safely led thousands of people through transformative learning adventures. I am passionate about creating atmospheres and spaces in which people feel at ease, at home and inspired to explore what truly matters to their hearts.
INTO THE WILD is short enough to get straight to the point and long enough to discover something incredibly valuable. I’ve been facilitating wilderness solos for over 20 years now, and I am always amazed at the insights and gifts that come to participants who approach the experience with an inner yearning and earnestness. I intend to prepare you for the solo well, with tools and practices that help you get empty and inwardly still, make you feel comfortable and safe.
I am founder and director of Easy Day and live with my family in our beloved Sant Aniol valley in Catalunya, Spain.
MSc in Civil Engineering from the UPM, I have long experience working in international engineering projects, coordinating teams, developing road infrastructure projects and launching innovation ideas to improve the way we work and organize in the business environment.
Since 2022 I am part of the Bio-Leadership Project leading projects that generate change in the narratives of progress and leadership through a culture of deep connection with nature, introducing principles of resilience, circularity and community.
I have started facilitating wilderness solo nature retreats learning from Andres Roberts, founder of the Bio-Leadership Project, as I truly believe it is a very impactful way to help people stay healthy, grounded and connected to themselves and nature in the business of our lives.
At Easy Day, your physical and emotional well-being is our priority. Hence we operate a comprehensive Safety and Risk Management policy. Our operational backbone are an outstanding safety record and 25 years of experience in safely guiding thousands of participants through transformative learning adventures.
We put greatest care in selecting and training our team of qualified and experienced guides and facilitators. All staff and activities are covered by our professional liability insurance.
During your stay, we would like to ask you to take good care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. Our educational methodology thrives on adventure and nature experiences, including time for yourself. Feelings of discomfort, inner resistances,doubts or harsh judgements are phenomena that can appear in transformative learning processes. They are not a bad sign, but something to be expected. In no way do we intend to create extreme situations or strong emotional states, but the aim is to co-create a caring atmosphere based on trust, openness and authenticity. If you have any doubts or questions regarding any aspect of your safety or well-being, please do not hesitate to talk to us.
Sometimes we will be moving off the beaten track, climbing, swimming,
perhaps abseiling. These are activities that require a general physical fitness but no previous experience. Although the risk levels in
these outdoor activities are very low, as we manage safety rigorously,
it is important to recognise that we are not exempt from potential
accidents.
For the nights at the house you may choose different accommodation when getting your ticket below. For more information on accommodation options go here.
* 10% Early bird discount until 31st January
Promotion code: cachingtheworm
** If you really can’t afford your ticket, please speak with us, perhaps there is money in our bursary fund, or we find another way.
Meeting point: We will meet at 10:00h in the public car park of Sadernes on Friday, 12th April 2024.
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/ENrz3bvno1M2umig8
After leaving our luggage in a transfer vehicle that will take our things to
where we will be staying, we will start walking into the valley on foot
(3 km). Along the way we will start the programme together.
Important:
Come prepared to start walking. Wear sports or trekking shoes, long or
short trousers, and in a small backpack a waterproof jacket, a first
layer of warm clothes and swimwear (you can wear your swimming costume or carry it in your backpack). Before we start our walk we will offer you a snack and a bottle of water, as well as a notepad and a pen.
How to get here:
if you are not travelling by car, you can take a bus from Barcelona. There are very good bus connections from the centre of Barcelona with www.teisa-bus.com. Take the bus to Montagut roundabout (MONTAGUT CRUÏLLA). We can pick you up here. You can get your ticket at the TEISA ticket office in town (check their website for directions)
If you prefer to go by train you can arrive at Girona station. We will pick you up in front of the station punctually at 9.00 h. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9i22CFMJ7qp89c7g8
We will also provide a pick up from Girona on Thursday at 18.00 (there is an ave arriving at that time to Girona from Madrid), to accommodate people traveling from afar.
Pick Up Service
We provide transfers from Montagut bus stop, Girona airport or train station against a moderate fee. Montagut Bus stop: 10,- € (one way) Girona airport or train station: 25,- € (one way)
For the Return:
We plan to close in the afternoon by 16:00, and will offer a transfer to Montagut bus station and Girona train station. A AVE high speed train leaves Girona at 17:50 h. To accommodate your travel you may choose to stay another night.
Food:
Provided by the organisation based on fresh, organic, vegetarian and local food whenever possible.
Digital disconnection:
There is no mobile phone or wifi coverage in and around the house in the nature park. So come prepared and communicate with the people you need before you
arrive. We have wifi and the phone for emergencies only: the contact number for WhatsApp is +34.655 58 12 73 (Javi Gras).
Noble Silence:
We will ask participants to observe silence from 23.00 onwards. It is an ancient practice that helps us to rest, to conserve our energy, to digest the experiences of the day and to enjoy nature at night.
Language of the programme:
Spanish and English.
Items to bring:
– Small backpack
– 2 pairs of trainers or trekking shoes, one pair for getting wet
– Comfortable shoes to change into at the house
– Swimming clothes
– Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat).
– Several layers of clothing for warmth as well as rainy or cold weather
conditions. Synthetic garments work best outdoors in wet weather,
cotton is not recommended
– Waterproof jacket
– Head torch
– Sleeping bag (10-15 degrees Celsius at night)
– Pillow
– Fitted sheet for a single mattress
– Toilet bag and towel
– Personal medication, if necessary
FURTHER QUESTIONS
For questions email: javi@bio-leadership.org
or contact Javi via Whatsapp: +34.655 58 12 73
Thank you!
“Responsibility means primarily to take responsibility for ones own state of consciousness, which determines my thoughts and actions and thus what kind of world I create. Only a dysfunctional consciousness produces a dysfunctional world. ”
ECKHART TOLLE
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