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Do you believe that you can’t sing or feel stuck in your ability to connect to your true voice or authentic self-expression? So many of us are raised with disempowering stories around our voice - which is unfortunate given that singing can not only be very fun, but also healing and good for our overall well-being. Our voice centre is one of the most powerful seats of communication and creativity that we have! What is more, our voice is our bridge to something greater than ourselves; it provides a connection to our higher selves and innate wisdom.
During this three-day retreat, we will let the magnificence of untouched fynbos, fresh air, delicious food and wild forests inspire us on a deep, yet playful self-inquiry journey into the mystery and power of our voice. We use song, sounding, movement and process-art to playfully uncover and remove obstacles that lie in the way of our true, spontaneous self-expression.
The aim of this retreat is not to become a “perfect” singer (or a singer at all for that matter) - on the contrary, it is about unleashing your raw, natural, unique and authentic expression, while tapping into your intuitive wisdom and connection to your higher self through your voice. No experience in singing is necessary and the “tone-deaf” are welcome!!!
Date: 18:00 Thursday 22 September - 14:00 Sunday 25 September
Venue: Fynbos Retreat, Grootbos Nature Reserve, Gansbaai
Investment: Shared room: R3,690 pp (early bird R3,390 if booked before 01 Sept)
Double room: R3,990 (early bird R3,690 if booked before 01 Sept)
Private room: R5,890 (early bird R5,390 if booked before 01 Sept)
About Sanja (aka Dr. Flow)
Sanja grew up in a very left-brained, non-musical family and environment. While she was doing her PhD in Economics in the United States in 2011, she reluctantly tried Freestyle Rapping during a personal development course and has never looked back. Sanja has since then performed at festivals and has leveraged her background in life-coaching to facilitate groups of individuals in finding their voice and reconnecting to their true, creative self-expression. Given her non-musical background, Sanja is of the strong belief that everyone who can talk can sing and it is her mission to bring the joy of conscious, improvised singing to as many individuals as possible!
About Nina (Co-facilitator extraordinaire)
Nina is a very open-hearted, nature-loving being who found her true purpose and passion on their fully off-the-grid farm in Baardskeerdersbos, SURYA estate, where she offers horse-assisted workshops. Nina’s personal expertise is an intuitive coaching technique called “Perception Enhancement,” which is a subtle, yet powerful methodology to maintain focus and awareness on what one really wants in life. While singing was something Nina never thought she would be able to do, she met Sanja in 2017 and was immediately captivated by the joy and personal power that came with the playful and fun exploring of her voice. Since then Nina sings in a band, regularly sings around campfires, and loves to share the joy of singing with people around her!
This retreat was life-changing. The way Sanja made me feel so safe to be silly, safe to make mistakes and so safe for us, that I no longer judge anyone that is brave/fun enough to sing. I got the tools to gain the confidence to use my voice, to actually hear myself. I was so pleasantly surprised at the voice that emerged, my inner child came out to play for a whole weekend. What an absolute delight. I was incredibly resistant to this sort of retreat but as we all know, resistance is when you lean in for growth and I am so glad I did. This retreat is for everyone and anyone. A weekend of laughter, learning and vulnerability.
- Simona Ferrari, 33
My anxiety about expressing myself in voice, movement and art evaporated with a warm, inviting and friendly welcome from our amazing hosts Sanja and Nina. With each day and each experience, I felt more motivated to become a happier, mindful and fulfilled being. This was achieved in a very playful and non-invasive manner. I discovered hidden gems within myself whilst joyfully participating in group activities. Since the retreat, I have felt more accepting of what I previously referred to as my “shortcomings” and “flaws” (they were celebrated at the retreat). I am still feeling the fear of stepping out of my comfort zone but now I have the confidence to step out anyway. By doing so, I find myself on a more exciting and exhilarating path in life.
- Nooriya Omar, 54
Thanks to Sanja's and Nina's work, I have finally given myself permission to NOT have it perfect before opening my mouth to speak ... or sing. I can't believe how much that was holding me back and how much growth could be achieved in one weekend. No matter your profession or background, everyone could benefit from this work - as we are all communicators is one way or another
- Oliver Carter, 36
The sound and movement retreat has been one of my favorite experiences to date! I think some of us in the group were a tad apprehensive at first but Sanja's goofy/playful loving presence matched with Nina's gentle and supportive energy got us all loose and engaged. My biggest takeaway from the experience is that there is no right or wrong way of being!! everything I am is totally okay, even my mistakes were celebrated, and I carry this with me everyday. Inviting more play and creativity into my life feels like quenching a thirst I have had for a long time. I would like to deeply thank Sanja & Nina for holding such a beautifully supported space, they are excellent! I would 10000% recommend this retreat to Everyone. You will definitely not regret it!
- Siobahn (Shani) Eksteen, 29
The retreat was such a wonderful place be... I got a chance to find the inner child within me and embrace my imperfections without once feeling judged for who I am. I also got a chance to heal aspects of my being I had never expected to heal at such a retreat. We danced, sang, talked, laughed, cried and became one family in just a couple of days. The retreat did wonders to me. Now I can stand up tall and confident. I now stand my ground and I can confidently say the inner child in me is back!
- Carol Ntlai, 26
A true testimonial for Voice Movement Art Retreat. A lifetime later of being told in a school choir to just open and close my mouth and let no souls come out was broken. Seems I can sing after all!!! This discovery led to an immediate breakthrough of being heard in a relationship impasse. Authentic voice. Change for none ever, unless it's your own desire to do so. This weekend added oomph to a courageous spirit. Thank you.
- Cheryl Reum, 69
During this retreat I finally found a strong and loving connection with my voice. It was like an exploration of my subconsciousness in a very playful, loving and healing way. I'm definitely more open now to jump over my own shadow of insecurity and am better in expressing my feelings. It's like some triggers have been removed and curiosity has been planted instead. A truly inspiring experience that I can recommend to everyone! ❤️
- Nina Schein-Murzl, 40
The picturesque Fynbos Retreat is tucked away in the fynbos-clad hills between the villages of Stanford and Gansbaai in the Western Cape region of South Africa, approximately two hours from Cape Town. The property forms part of the magnificent 2500 hectare Grootbos Nature Reserve and offers fully furnished houses overlooking a large dam and surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. Fynbos Retreat is the perfect getaway for relaxing, letting go and enjoying the peace and tranquility of this magnificent valley in the Overberg.
The investment for the retreat is R3,690 per person for a shared room (3-4 ppl) - with an early bird special of R3,390 if booked before 01 September 2022. Limited double rooms and Private rooms are also available. Costs for a double room are R3,990 per person with an early bird price of R3,690 until 01 September. Costs for a private room are R5,890 with an early bird price of R5,390 until 01 September.
Costs include all meals (delicious, vegetarian food), materials, facilitation and thee nights accommodation.
Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 15 participants.
There is one volunteer position available at a highly reduced rate in return for cooking / catering services.
Value or talent exchanges will be considered for those where finances pose a hurdle!
