Traditional cultures throughout time were intimately bonded with the more-than-human world, which included nature ‘out there’, the realm of imagination, dream,s and myths. This way of relating located us humans deeply within the family of things, within community in the largest sense of that word. Over time, these relationships have been severed along with it our sense of belonging and connection to the sacredness of all life.
Is there a way to remember and embody this primal belonging? We believe so.
We will gather as a community of women, draw on the wisdom of our matrilineal lineage, and connect to the wild, both within us and around us.
Come gather with us and journey into the soulful fertile territory of the deep winter, softening beneath the surface of things and into the depths.
In the Inuit language there is a word – qarrtsiluni – which means something akin to sitting together quietly in the dark waiting expectantly for something creative to happen. Expectant. Emergent. Not yet known.
This collective inscendence will sit at the heart of our days together.
‘Inscendence’ as opposed to ‘transcendence.’ Whereas transcendence is our drive away from the world and away from our bodies, inscendence is the movement within, an inward flow. This season offers to us a period where, as individuals and as a community we can descend into our instinctive wisdom to open to a fresh becomingness.
Here we will court the quintessence of Deep Winter; her elements, her gifts of quietness opening to what waits to be known.
If you have a chance to work with Natasha seize it. She is a rare gift of quiet determination, deep compassion and authentic wisdom.
Thanks to her gentle way, and the nurturing space she holds I am a complete convert to Focusing and its value as a tool for integration and expectance. I feel Natasha has given me a gift that will resonate for years.
I had the pleasure to be guided through my vision quest by Natasha and coached thereafter. My highest recommendations go to Natasha as a vision quest leader and a coach. A wise woman at home in the wilds.
STAY
Our beautiful venue is an intimate yoga community and retreat centre in the middle of the Swedish forest. 100% of all the energy we use comes from renewable sources, and the majority of our food is organic and locally, sustainably sourced.
The project started in 2005, out of a vision to live in communion with nature and dedicated to a life of community and yoga. What once was an artist community of yogis simply living in nature, slowly, throughout the years, opened its doors to those that wished to experience this way of living in the form of retreats.
The dense forests of Bergslagen around Skinnskatteberg are a fantastic place to encounter the very best of Sweden’s wildlife. Other than enjoying its abundant nature, trees and plants, you can also find the magnificent ”king of the Swedish forest”, moose – otherwise known as elk – in its natural habitat, and the many lakes and watercourses are home to beavers too. The surrounding area has also proven to be one of the best regions in Sweden to see other wildlife such as wolves, bears, lynx and owls.
EAT
The food is delicious, abundant, and wholesome. It’s vegan, Ayurvedic-based, mainly organic and gluten-free and we will often eat out on the sunny deck overlooking the lake.
The kitchen is at the heart of everything here, using the best possible ingredients and taking care of food combinations to ensure that you are nourished and energised throughout the retreat. We are passionate about providing food that is delicious to eat, look at and feel.
“I’ve had the good fortune to experience Shambala many times as I shared Bhakti.
The moment I would arrive I felt the vibrant nature greeting me, supporting us in a sacred embrace to dive deep into our hearts.
Such a magical place.
And the staff in beautiful alignment with what the land offers.
A place for healing, reconnection, inspiration, Love.”
“I Love this place, I have returned here many times each summer for 10 years. They have a way of making everyone feel at home and welcomed. Here I can sink into a healthy, balanced and fun daily routine. And for me it’s important to have the balance between seeing all of the inspiring people here, but also having alone time and quietude, which I find in the forest, lake, sauna, tipi, in the silent mornings, in my room or in a yoga class. I feel recharged and happy when I’m here and I’m so glad these kind of retreat centres exist!”
“Amazing experience!! Beautiful nature around Shambala. Yoga there was outstanding!! Vegan Food incredible tasty!! Great and friendly community of people. If you suffer from stress, this is ideal place to be!”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodation
All meals
Sessions with Natasha and Geeta
Daily sauna
Pick up and drop off from Skinnskatteberg train station
Yoga mats and props
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Transport to and from Skinnskatteberg
Travel insurance
Massages and treatments are available at an extra cost
RETREAT INVESTMENT
Twin Room €1195.00
Triple Room €1135.00
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT UNTIL 17TH AUGUST 2024
Twin Room €1090.00
Triple Room €990.00
You can view our accommodation options below. Please note that bringing your own tent is also an option. For more information on our rooms and facilities, please visit our The Place page.
Twin Bedroom Shared
Triple Bedroom Shared
DAILY SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
8.00 – 9:00 Morning WuWei Meditation Practice
9.00 – 10:00 Silent breakfast
10.30 – 13:00 Morning Explorations Inside and Outside
13.30 – 14:30 Lunch
15.30 – 18:00 Afternoon Explorations Inside and Outside
20:30 – 21:30 Some evenings we will have a night session around the fire
Important: Natasha and Geeta will be weaving the program on a day to day basis by holding a space of deep listening to the group and the land and what best serves the journey we will all be in. The schedule above is indicative and is subject to change so as to offer the most nourishing container to all.
meet THE TEAM
TEACHER’S BIO
Natasha Lythgoe
I’m Natasha, also known by my Buddhist name Nagadipa which means light in the depths – this name was given to nine years ago, as a mirror of my essence and as life teaching. I continue to be humbled by all that it brings. by way of lessons in life.
I guide individuals and groups through life transitions in nature. With over twenty years of experience leading programmes I have been moved and honoured to witness countless stories; listening and attending to what has purchase on folks’ hearts.
The way I work weaves together the main threads of my life; creativity, dharma (truth), mythic journeys, the intelligence of the body and nature
Geeta Stilwell
I’m Geeta and I am a human being on a journey to remembering my sense of belonging to this earth. The path that has been offered to me by the meaning of my name is that of embodying a love song. Through my own journey of growth and transformation over the past 25 years I have gathered tools that include nature connection practices, forest therapy, awareness through movement practices, experiential anatomy, deep listening, meditation and breathwork.
I bring with me a sincere intention of sharing and learning with fellow humans, the embodied resources that have supported my understanding and deepening of what it means to be alive and connected to this beautiful place we call home. Home in the body, home on the earth.
MORE at Shambala
GALLERY
How to get here
Shambala Gatherings
Borntorpet 1
Skinnskatteberg
Sweden
Located just two hours away from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden, the area is easily accessible by air, train and car, making a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
- Coming by air: The nearest airport to Shambala is Stockholm Vasteras. The second nearest airport is Arlanda airport, the main airport in Sweden. You can easily take a train all the way to Skinnskatteberg from both of them.
- Coming by train / bus: We are fortunate to have a train / bus station at Skinnskatteberg only 5 minutes ride from the center. We offer free pick up services from this station in summer.
- Coming by car: Simply open this Google map on your navigator and follow directions to Borntorpet 1 in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden.