Remembering Freedom 2027 — Alstonville, Byron Hinterland

Remembering Freedom is a silent-style meditation retreat in Alstonville, in the Byron Hinterland of New South Wales, Australia, led by Insight Meditation teachers Gabrielle McMahon and Emma Pittaway. Over three nights, the retreat draws on the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness and wisdom to explore the natural freedom of the heart and mind, and to bring that practice back into everyday life. It suits people at any level of meditation experience.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for three nights. Gabrielle and Emma teach together, using the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness and wisdom as the thread that holds the days. The emphasis is on integration: learning to meet ordinary life with the same steadiness and openness cultivated on the cushion.

The material does not set out a daily timetable, so the best picture of the atmosphere comes from how people describe Gabrielle's teaching. Participants in her groups and courses speak of a warm, unhurried and safe space, a good mix of guided meditation and teaching, and a feeling of never being pressured to share or ask questions. One describes leaving feeling more connected to herself, lighter and more relaxed.

About Gabrielle McMahon

Gabrielle McMahon is an Insight Meditation teacher who uses the Buddha's teachings of wisdom and compassion to offer mindfulness and meditation. She founded BeBliss in 2008 to support others in finding more freedom in heart and mind. She lives in Lennox Head and teaches online and in person around the world, in English and Japanese.

Her meditation and yoga practice began in Japan more than 17 years ago, and the wish to deepen it led her to the Vipassana and Insight Meditation traditions. She graduated from the four-year Insight Meditation Institute Teacher Training in Australia with Subhana Barzaghi, Alan Bassal and Will James. She is also a graduate of the MMTCP with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, a certified meditation and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher, and a 350-hour yoga teacher.

About Emma Pittaway

Emma Pittaway co-leads the retreat with Gabrielle and shares the teaching of the Buddha's guidance on mindfulness and wisdom.

The Setting

The retreat takes place in Alstonville, in the Byron Hinterland of northern New South Wales. Gabrielle is based nearby in Lennox Head, where she also runs a regular local meditation group.

Before You Go

The retreat is suitable for all meditation levels, so newcomers and experienced practitioners are equally welcome. Teachers are supported by dana, the traditional practice of offering a donation in gratitude for the teaching, in addition to the retreat fee.