UBUNTU

a quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity.

Affordable Retreat for Women in Need

Ubuntu – Women in Need is a peaceful and integrative retreat accommodation for women to relax, work on healing and connect with their authentic self after experiencing Trauma. With a view to home ownership.

Women In Need is an initiative to help provide healing and rehabilitation, with an emphasis on affordable accommodation, for women and children in need of retreat and/or housing –  in a warm and compassionate environment. With a potential to own affordable housing.

We live in precarious times, with a social tyrannus heirrachical structure of Elites that have guised themselves as ‘helpers’ in their Acts and policy making, whilst pushing us into poverty and abuse within all structures of Society and on all levels – physical, mental, spiritual. WE the People need to come together with alternate solutions and break ‘their’ matrix to move into a New Earth of connection with our creator and with the True resources that are our God given rights. (The Great Awakening)

There is a dire need for affordable accommodation for women in crisis. There is also a lack of adequate services for healing for women in crisis and women on low incomes who are wanting to retreat to heal from the stresses of modern life. Furthermore, resettlement, integrating new pathways, transformation and change require time and a conducive environment. (Read a report on the housing issue for vulnerable women here)

As a holistic counsellor, I see the struggles women face in integrating new awarenesses and overcoming trauma in their healing path. The week to week counselling has its benefits and helps to manage anxieties and sadness in a slow and long term counseling model but the integrating process requires more of a lived experience . Having to tackle the everyday issues of housing, finances and relational challenges impedes healing and sometimes exacerbates the issues in the healing process.

WIN aims to fill theses gaps by providing a temporary (3 month stays) retreat style living space on a semi rural property in a group or community environment that is affordable and upholds all the elements of healing:

• nature
• onsite counselling
• support
• group environment/sharing/bonding
• gardening – food/agriculture (self sufficiency)
• mindfulness practice
• art therapy
• sound therapy
• co-operative decision making
• healing technologies

WHY?

Current World Situation

Our world is changing at a rapid pace. The old cabal is being taken down and many people are confused, scared and suffering from cognitive dissonance as the TRUTH of the lies within education, spirituality, economic deceit et al. are coming to the fore.

Temporary retreat style living space

There will be a resettlement/healing period for women as they learn a new ways of living, overcoming trauma and rebuilding financial capacities. Our project is specifically to help with accommodation affordability in a healing environment –  to help the process of coming out of the old world and integrating into a new consciousness.

As well as overcoming the vulnerabilities of related trauma, in a healing environment that is compassionate and offers onsite alternative healing opportunities and self empowerment processes  – before moving into the new world and tackling the resettlement issues of housing, vocation and social integration. We plan to offer affordable land/home sales as the project evolves. see business plan

Deeper issues are also relevant: (which include but are not limited to) leaving behind emotionally or physically abusive relationships, leaving behind past negative lifestyle choices, burnout etc..  – healing is required, a time of integration is necessary, learning self sufficiency skills, reforming bonds with other women, self empowerment – before returning to the employment search or life goal fulfillment and/or financial independence and suitable housing. And, then onto reestablishing healthy relationships with healthy Men.

Integrating new pathways and alternate healing

Moving through a past trauma, changing lifestyle patterns, overcoming old living models or a going through a burnout phase requires not only a safe home environment, but also time and processes. As well as a conducive healing environment – which allows for the transformation and healing to occur.

Current research around the world is showing that mindfulness and meditation practices are reducing PTSD symptoms and various other mental health issues. Science knows that nature is a nurturer and Psychologist are beginning to introduce alternate therapies into their practice; as research is showing it to be beneficial to our overall well being. Read this article on a success retreat outcome for PTSD patients.

WIN offers daily (week days) group meditation, counseling, group healing, nature, relaxation, food gardening (growing, harvesting and making), hatha yoga, meal sharing, art making and sound therapy (drumming). All of this is done in a relaxed atmosphere, more as a lifestyle then as a structured system. However ,the group meditation will be at specific times as routine is vital to its success and all other activities are at the will of the individuals involved.

Permanent Housing

We will also be offering permanent housing opp0rtunites/sales as a long term goal.

WIN

uses the ancient wisdom counseling model, which is a combination of Buddhist, Hindu, Christ Conscious and Shamanic practices to help navigate the healing process. I have used this in my own counseling process, which have produced impeccable results (80% success rate) in overcoming years of depression, anxiety and in some cases PTSD.

AIM

The aim is for WIN retreat to be more of a home than a healing centre, yet with healing as an intentional and vital outcome. For example:

• Daily weekday holistic counseling sessions are available
• Daily group meditations and yoga practices available as part of lifestyle support
• A large organic food garden will be on the property that will require maintenance and care but each person can choose when and if they garden.
• Food harvesting, preparation and cooking together is encouraged. There will co-ordinated group meal sharing 3 nights per week.
• An art studio will be provided and the option of transformative art making practices  will be available.
• Involvement in a group artwork for completion at the end of the stay will be encouraged. Led by an art therapist.
• Living in a group builds connection, bonds and life skills (read about groups as healing here)
• Nature is a healer and we encourage spending time with her in Wu Wie (doing non-doing)
• Fire gazing will be a part of the healing journey
• Ceremony (non religious) will be practiced regularly. These ceremonies will be available to all willing participants. These include self love, compassion themes.
•  Diverse spiritual and philosophical cultures will be present, allowing an organic flow of information sharing and healing. We hope to learn new ways as well

PRICING – WHY ARE YOU CHARGING

We believe a contributing factor to women becoming self sufficient and empowered is to be financially independent and responsible, along with being able to maintain psychological, spiritual and emotional well being. We have therefore decided to charge $100 rent per week. If each individual contributes a small amount to their living costs it gives them personal responsibility and empowerment and makes their living space theirs, as well as giving them a sense of FREEDOM. It also is a necessary financial contribution to the ongoing costs of sustaining the property – as well as reducing the need for relying on funding and grants for the costs and upkeep of the property. SELF SUFFICIENCY IN PRACTICE

We will also be inviting professional healing practitioners, from around the world, of various modalities to stay at the same rate – as an incentive to experience the retreat and enhance their capacities and knowledge of a lived healing experience or even for their own personal and/or professional retreat.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

We are not able to assist with drug and alcohol rehabilitation. If you are needing assistance with this core issue another facility with wise healers in that field would be advisable. Although we encourage a alcohol and drug free environment, we understand that having a glass of wine with a meal can be a healthy custom and in some cases a tradition; and therefore will allow this. However, we do have a restriction on the amount of alcohol that is bought on the property and do not encourage drinking within a healing environment! We ask that you be considerate and respectful of the intended peaceful and healing space. No drugs permitted.

Take a look at our business plan to learn more