SEMPTEMBER 3–6, 2026

Live with Aliveness – A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker

Reconnect with that part of you that feels naturally alive. The part that laughs, plays, creates, dreams, and knows how to be fully present and alive.

Nights
3
Saunas
4
Yoga Classes
3

A RETREAT FOR YOU

The Spirit of the Retreat

Sometimes we feel we lack purpose, and life can feel flat, like we are repeating the same loop over and over. You may feel stuck, lost, or simply wonder if there is more to life than the same old, same old.

Maybe you long for more joy. More energy. More creativity. More of you.

Live with Aliveness – A Journey Home to Yourself is an invitation to reconnect with that part of you that feels naturally alive. The part that laughs, plays, creates, feels, dreams, and knows how to be fully present in life.

Through movement, breath, sound, reflection, and creative expression, we will explore what happens when we let go of some of the old patterns and beliefs that keep us small, and make space for something new to emerge.

The retreat is intuitively guided, which means we work with what is present in each moment. There is no need to have it all figured out. Come with an open mind, curiosity, and a willingness to explore.

When we learn how to choose and shift our perspectives, stop trying to control everything, and explore how to be with what is, we may discover that life has more possibilities than we thought.

This retreat is for you if you feel a longing to express more of who you are, to feel more connected to yourself, and to bring more aliveness into your everyday life.

Come as you are. Come curious. Come ready to reconnect with your life force.

I would love to see you there!

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin

Sponsorship

We know that not everyone can afford the full retreat price, and we want to make this experience as accessible as possible. That’s why we’re offering one reduced-rate spot for someone who feels called to join but would otherwise be unable to.

If this speaks to you, please email us at hello@shambalagatherings.com, share a little about yourself, and you’ll be considered for this spot.

RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS

What Awaits You

Each day is designed to nourish body, calm mind, and awaken your senses to the beauty of the Swedish wilderness.

Movement and meditation

Connect to and energize body and mind through diverse practices.

Voice release

Express You and let Your voice be heard,

Reflection and shifting perspectives

See your limiting beliefs and the stories you tell yourself so that you can change them.

Wood-Fired Sauna

Traditional Swedish sauna sessions overlooking the lake. Release tension, cleanse deeply, and let the heat do its ancient healing work.

Nature Immersion

Surrounded by forest and lake, you’ll have easy access to nature throughout your stay. Walk, rest, or simply spend time outdoors—letting the natural environment support your sense of calm and reset.

Community

Gathering in presence, meeting and connecting with like-minded people, and sharing simple yet meaningful moments together.

Retreat guests relaxing on the dock beside a floating sauna, enjoying the lakeside surrounded by forest.
Women meditating on a lakeside dock surrounded by nature during an Ayurveda and self-compassion retreat at Shambala Gatherings
A person sitting on a wooden deck by the lake, reading a book with a forest in the background.

"One of the most transformative experiences I’ve had with Paulina was a two-day retreat, held with a circle of other luminous souls. There, in nature’s embrace, time slowed. The noise quieted. And I could finally hear my own voice — the voice of my soul. We laughed, cried, meditated, danced with our truths. There were moments of silence more healing than a thousand words. Moments of pure light, where I remembered why I came to this Earth."

— Previous retreat participant

YOUR DAYS

A Gentle Rhythm

Our days will unfold in a gentle and nourishing rhythm, balancing practice, creativity, rest, and time in nature.

Each day offers a unique program while maintaining this supportive rhythm.

Check-in is at 15:00 on the arrival day, and check-out is at 15:00 on the departure day.

07.30

Morning Practice

Movement/yoga to energize body and mind.

09.00

Breakfast: first nourishment

A relaxed, nourishing and easy-to-digest meal enjoyed slowly in shared silence.

11.30 – 13.15

Workshop

This will vary from day to day and may include movement, meditation, voice release, reflection, perspective shifts etc.

13.30

A Soulful Plant-Based Lunch

A delicious vegan buffet celebrating seasonal flavors and vibrant colors. Enjoy fresh, nutritious dishes made primarily with locally sourced and organic ingredients.

14.15

Free Time

Take walks in nature, reflect, have a swim and enjoy.

16.00 – 18.00

Workshop

This will vary from day to day and may include movement, meditation, voice release, reflection, perspective shifts etc.

19.00

Nourishing Community Dinner

Gather for a delicious, wholesome evening meal shared in a peaceful and heart-centered atmosphere.

20.00

Evening activity

Will vary from day to day from singing, meditation, etc

ALL-INCLUSIVE

What's Included

Not Included

per person · all-inclusive · shared twin room (other room tiers available)
7700 kr

spaces are limited

            

A woman moving gracefully among the trees in a green forest, with one arm lifted and a peaceful smile on her face.

YOUR GUIDE

Paulina Dunker

Paulina is passionate about exploring what it truly means to live a joyful life, shifting perspectives so that new opportunities and possibilities can come alive.

Since 2012, she has been teaching yoga and movement while working as a spiritual life coach, supporting others in bringing awareness to the perspectives that shape their lives and helping them shift into the life they truly want to live.

Her passion is to support people in expressing themselves in their own unique way, so they can feel empowered and live with greater clarity, authenticity, and joy.

paulinadunker.com

Perspective

Aliveness

Authenticity

Swim lake volunteer happy summer nature
People relaxing together in a warm sauna during a peaceful wellness and sound bath retreat experience
Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin

GUEST EXPERIENCES

Words from Past Retreats

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
“One of the most transformative experiences I’ve had with Paulina was a two-day retreat, held with a circle of other luminous souls. There, in nature’s embrace, time slowed. The noise quieted. And I could finally hear my own voice, the voice of my soul. We laughed, cried, meditated, danced with our truths. There were moments of silence more healing than a thousand words. Moments of pure light, where I remembered why I came to this Earth.”

A
Aleksandr
Sweden

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
“I have attended two of Paulina’s workshops in 2025 and have also participated in her yoga classes on a regular basis. Her teachings have opened up so much for me, and I am eager to continue this journey. I am also grateful for the connections I have made through the workshops. I really appreciate the new perspectives and the gifts Paulina shares in her teachings.”

L
Lena
Sweden

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
“Wow! What an experience. Paulina is an amazing person and cosmic being. So intuitive and guided me deeply into myself, unlocking so many doors. I have a strong sense of where I am heading and where I need to be.”

F
Felix
(Personal Session) Sweden

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
“The energy is so so clear, deeply heart centred. And the intent with which Shambala is held is so beautiful, it has become a massively important of my life.”

R
Rowan Jaqueline
United Kingdom

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
“Shambala is this gorgeous space where strangers become family, the lake and forest your home, your breath is your theme song, your movement medicine, and vibrant food to nourish YOU for your journey with yourself.”

C
Carin Carbonnier
Sweden

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin
“Shambala is a way of life I have yet to find anywhere else in the world. The healing and growth I experienced there has been life changing. This is a place I have encouraged so many people I love to go.”

G
Ginny Lougee
Austria

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

The journey from Arlanda to Shambala (Skinnskatteberg Station) takes around 3 hours and is quite straightforward. You can search for and purchase tickets at www.sj.se.

Please note that the full train schedule is usually available only 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date, so there’s no need to book earlier than that. There are several route options.

As there are no direct trains, you’ll need to take a combination of trains and/or buses. Once you arrive at Skinnskatteberg Station, we’ll pick you up — it’s just a 7-minute drive to Shambala.

Comfortable yoga clothing, a warm layer for the evenings, earplugs and an eye mask for the bright summer mornings, sturdy shoes for forest walks, and a journal if you enjoy writing. Yoga mats and props are provided. Swimwear for the sauna is optional. We’ll send a full packing list after booking.

Our kitchen is designed to avoid the most common allergens. That said, please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or specific dietary needs, and we’ll take them into account when planning the menu.

For guests with multiple allergies, we offer a simple daily meal option of steamed vegetables and boiled rice.

While we aim to keep our kitchen as gluten-free as possible, trace amounts of gluten may still be present. Before each retreat, our kitchen is thoroughly cleaned, and no gluten-containing ingredients are brought into the kitchen during the retreat. We source almost all ingredients with gluten-free certification, including our oats, although some items such as ground spices are not specifically sourced with a gluten-free label.

Our meals are generally suitable for guests with gluten intolerance and many people with celiac disease. However, as we are not a certified gluten-free kitchen, we cannot fully guarantee the absence of cross-contamination for guests with severe sensitivity or celiac disease. If you have a high level of sensitivity, please let us know in advance so we can discuss the options available and help you find what feels safest and most comfortable for you.

At Shambala, beyond being a retreat space, we cultivate a way of living deeply rooted in the yogic values of simplicity, presence, non-attachment, contentment, and communion with nature. Rather than luxury, what we offer is intimacy and a sense of belonging. Therefore, our accommodations are simple and mostly shared, with a variety of twin rooms, triple rooms, and glamping tents.

The guiding ethos is one of community and sustainability, creating a vibe that is understated, modest, welcoming, and easy. If you do feel a strong need for a single room, you can write to us. A single room may be available for an additional fee.

All accommodation options have access to shared showers and bathrooms.

We love children and would truly love to be able to host parents with young kids.

However, we’ve found that having young children on site can make it challenging to maintain the peaceful retreat atmosphere that many of our guests seek and deeply value.

For this reason, unless otherwise agreed, our retreats are intended for adults and youth aged 12 and above.

We love animals, but as some guests have allergies, we’re unable to allow animals inside the buildings. For this reason, we kindly discourage guests from bringing their pets.

Retreat Pricing & Terms

Bed linen and towels are included with your booking.
Want to support the environment? Bring your own sheets (single sheet, duvet cover, two pillow cases) and two towels and save 200 SEK — use code ECOLAUNDRY at checkout.

  • 50% of the total booking amount is non-refundable from the time of booking.
  • Cancellations made more than 90 days before the retreat start date: 50% of the total booking amount is refunded.
  • Cancellations made within 90 days of the retreat start date: no refund is available.
  • Bookings may be transferred to another person at any time, as long as you, as the booking holder, arrange the transfer.

We kindly ask all guests to arrange a travel insurance before booking a retreat with us. As a small retreat centre, we are unfortunately unable to make exceptions to our cancellation policy, even in cases of illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance helps protect you should your plans need to change unexpectedly.

If you are registering for this retreat directly with the teacher organizing it, please note that the teacher’s cancellation policy will apply, not Shambala’s. In that case, please ask your teacher directly about their cancellation policy.

The retreat price does not include travel insurance. We kindly ask all participants to ensure they have valid travel insurance before booking the retreat.

Live with Aliveness - A Journey Home to Yourself with Paulina Dunker Shambala Admin

The Forest Awaits

7,700 kr · all-inclusive · limited spaces

Join us September 3-6 for three days to reconnect with that part of you that feels naturally alive. The part that laughs, plays, creates, dreams, and knows how to be fully present and alive.

Or write to us directly: hello@shambalagatherings.com

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