Stillness Speaks

Stillness Speaks is a five-day iRest Yoga Nidra meditation retreat led by Fuyuko Sawamura-Toyota at Swami's Yoga Retreat Centre in Kenthurst, in north-west Sydney, NSW. It is open to people new to meditation and to long-time practitioners, and it suits anyone seeking deep rest, a quieter mind, or a trauma-sensitive way into silence. It also counts as the long retreat requirement for those completing iRest certification.

What to Expect

The days follow a contemplative rhythm built around guided iRest Yoga Nidra, moving meditation with body sensing, quiet sitting and long periods of silence. Self-inquiry through nature invites the surrounding bushland to act as a mirror for listening and reflection. Journaling, personal contemplation and optional co-meditation with gentle dialogue round out the program, while the emphasis stays on direct experience and embodiment rather than ideas.

The retreat opens with registration in the afternoon, dinner and an evening program on the first day. The middle days begin with an optional personal practice from 6.00am, followed by an early morning program at 7.00am, breakfast, and a mid morning program from 9.30am to midday. After lunch there is free time until 3.30pm, then an afternoon program, dinner, and an evening program from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. On the final day, after the early program and breakfast, a closing program begins at 9.30am, lunch follows, and people depart from 1.00pm.

The approach is trauma-sensitive and non-pathologising. iRest, short for Integrative Restoration, is an evidence-based practice developed to help with trauma, PTSD, anxiety and chronic pain. Central to it is an "inner resource" of safety and security that you can return to at any time. Any posture is welcome, whether lying down, seated or standing, and attention is invited rather than forced.

About Fuyuko Sawamura-Toyota

Fuyuko is Director of the iRest Institute Australasia and a certified iRest teacher, senior trainer, retreat leader and supervisor and mentor. For the past decade she has assisted iRest training in North America for Richard Miller, founder of iRest, and other senior trainers. In 2013 she brought Richard Miller to Australia and began the first iRest training in Australasia; there are now more than 400 teachers in the region. She has been committed to Awakening for twenty years, and iRest deepened her understanding of living in harmony with all of life.

About Catherine Sherlock

Catherine hosts the retreat. She is a Certified iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher and Yoga Therapist who works under the name Yoga from the Inside, teaching in Greater Western Sydney and online. She is also a Positive Neuroplasticity Trainer, and offers one-to-one coaching for trauma, anxiety and depression in the Hawkesbury area.

The Setting

Swami's Yoga Retreat Centre sits on 60 acres of bushland in Kenthurst and has run as a yoga retreat for over 50 years. The teaching rooms are spacious and filled with light. Accommodation ranges from ensuite rooms to large glamping tents, and you can choose a private or shared room or tent. Ensuite rooms have their own bathroom, and tent bathrooms are a short walk away. The grounds include a pool, a spa, a sauna and bushland paths for wandering.

Meals are home-cooked vegetarian: breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner, with fresh fruit and herb tea available through the day. For those travelling from interstate or overseas, a shuttle bus runs from the airport to the centre at 1pm on the first day and back to the airport at 1pm on the last. It is arranged separately and its cost depends on the number of passengers.

Before You Go

The retreat is held in English and is open to all levels. Your fee covers accommodation in the room or tent type you choose, all meals, and a Certificate of Attendance. Travel to and from the venue is not included.

The retreat carries approximately 30 CPD hours. Yoga Australia accepts it as evidence for CPD points, and iRest training is registered with Meditation Australia. Psychologists may be able to claim it as relevant to their professional practice.