Mindfulness Sesshin - A Zen weekend of Silent Meditation & Healing Yoga

Live Retreat@ Zen Rocks, Mani

TEACHER

Vivi Letsou

DATES

April 30 - May 2, 2023

CATEGORY

Yoga
Zen Meditation

PRICE

From 200€

Mindfulness Sesshin - A Zen weekend of Silent
Meditation & Healing Yoga

Our Invitation To You

“Seize the opportunity,” was what a wise teacher used to say to me.
Seize the opportunity to practice looking in deeply and to live life in its fullest.

Description of the Retreat

Following the schedule of a traditional Zen Sesshin, we will spend a few days in silence, allowing the mind and our nervous system to release, to fall gradually into the depths of our inner terrain, where our Buddha nature (or awakened nature) abides.

Here, at the space of the inner heart, compassion naturally blossoms; healing energy starts to flow as the inner wisdom arises.  We will take meals together in silence, Japanese Oryoke style, and keep silence throughout the day.We will do two short yoga sessions daily.

A slow embodied Abhaya Yoga practice in the morning will help our body-mind to move and unlock, and in the afternoon to gently restore & relax.

Zazen
Dynamic Yoga
Zen Oryoke
Oryoke Meals
Walking Meditation
Restorative Yoga
Walking Meditation
Sunset/Zen Closing
Restorative Yoga

Comments From Participants

Angeliki Ksona

The energy of the place and the people there is so uplifting that, in a magical way, the visitor is engaged to participate in all mental and physical activities...and even help in the kitchen! It feels like being at home. May the Zen Rock community be created and rise!

Minas Rafailidis

I'm still there, facing the white wall repeating that I've arrived home. I am still there, facing a clear calm vast blue that like sandpaper smoothes my anxieties. I'm still there, facing people who help me extinguish my misanthropy through their warmth and kindness. I thank Zen Rocks' earth and its people.

Program Schedule

Sunday, Arrivals 16.00-17.00pm

16.00
Welcome circle
17.00
Zazen
17.45 Mindfulness Verses
18.00 Easy Yoga Therapy
19.00
Dinner
19.30
Silent Walking Meditation
20:00
Zazen

Monday

7.00
Zazen
7.45 Kinhin inside or silent Walking in nature
8.15 Light Buffet style Breakfast in silence.
8.30 Break
9.30  Yoga Therapy: Embodied slow mindful practice
10.30 Zazen
11.00 Dharma Talk by a Zen Master, on video
12.45 Lunch
13.30 Break–Rest
16.00 Zazen
15.40 Kinhin
16.30 Yoga Nidra or Restorative Therapeutic practice
17.15 Zazen
17.45 Mindfulness Verses
18.00 Dinner
18.30 Break
19.30 Zazen, two sittings
21:00 Chanting the 3 Refuges

Tuesday, Departures 11.00 am

7.00
Zazen
7.45
Kinhin inside or silent Walking in nature
8.15
Light Buffet style Breakfast in silence.
8.30
Break
9.30
Yoga Therapy: Embodied slow mindful practice
10.30
Zazen
11.00
Farewells, Departures

Arrivals

5-6pm (not before 3pm please)
6 or 6.30pm    Welcome circle… Easy introduction practice, dinner, and early bed time.

Departures

Normally after brunch… Latest by noon…
Sometimes we may have to ask for an early room check out by 10.00—11.00am

April 29 - May 1, 2023

Costs

Special Zen Package – Price for 2 nights  (minimum stay for this package is 2 nights)

(including practice, meals, accommodations)

In a Tent:

160€ in your own tent, 200€ Zen Rocks Tent (subject to availability)

In a Triple:

280€ (the room has to have 3 persons to get this rate)

In a Double:

310€ (the room has to be guaranteed for 2 guests to get this rate)

Single Occupancy

Small Room @ Nikolaos:  340€ (only one unit available at Nikolaos)

Villa Small Ground Unit:

400€

Villa Large or Upstairs:

450€

1. You can join for the program only, 6am-9pm Daily.

Daily pricing as follows:

Zen-Yoga Program:

40€/day

Meals:

40€/day

2. Option to stay extra nights (i.e. Sunday night)

Accommodation Pricing for extra nights:

In a Tent:

20€/day

In a Triple:

60€/day (the room has to have 3 persons to get this rate)

In a Double:

75€/day

Small Single:

90€/day

Villa Small Single:

120€/day

Large or Upstairs:

145€/day

Work Exchange & Scholarships available for those who need assistance.

Accommodation

Yoga classes & meditation

Τwo delicious vegetarian meals a day (brunch and dinner) and Light Breakfast

All yoga equipment and accessories

Biodegradable toiletries

Transfer to and from Zen Rocks Mani

Transfers around Zen Rocks and the area

Additional therapeutic treatments or private yoga sessions where applicable.

Teacher(s)

Vivi Letsou,
M.A., Abhaya Yoga creator

Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Director of NYSY Studios, Co-founder of Zen Rocks, and Avocado Vegetarian Café, Certified Teacher Yoga Alliance 500 hours, Certified Teacher BASIPilates™, Creator of Abhaya Yoga.

Vivi is a strong and charismatic Yoga Teacher and Teachers’ Educator. Vivi has created Abhaya Yoga—a style that combines dynamic alignment-based asana, with an empowering philosophy rooted in Tantra and on the Buddhist path of compassion for all beings.

Link to Vivi’s Full Bio here.

Have a question?

How do I choose the Retreat for me?

All our retreats aim to create a nurturing and welcoming environment for all levels of practice and all student needs. All programs offer the opportunity for a dose of daily good exercise through yoga or pilates, walks in nature and/or swimming in the sea, and both restorative and meditation practice. A weekly program offers a complete experience of well-being. Our teachers are highly experienced and skilled. If a program seems enticing to you, it is probably the one you need. Make a bold step and trust it: Go for it!

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! Our friendly staff and group of guests/friends will make you feel right at home. Surrounded by good company, with space to be on your own, according to your needs and wishes.

Can I bring my partner who is not a practitioner?

Yes. As long as one understands and respects the philosophy of Zen Rocks, your partner can join in the daily activities, or feel free to relax and follow their own schedule. Your friend or partner will feel warmly welcome at Zen Rocks.

When should I book?

Book early, as soon as you know the retreat you are interested in, and your schedule. Click here to send us your questions or to register. Link: REGISTER

Where do I fly to –How do I arrange my Transfer?

We would be happy to help arrange your transfer from Athens or Kalamata to Zen Rocks.The retreat is located about 30 minutes south of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kalianeika, about one kilometer from us. There is airport access both from Athens Airport (3 hours from ZR) and from Kalamata Airport (30-40min from ZR).

-Flights to Athens International Airport (ATH) and transportation to Zen Rocks
All major airlines fly to Athens international airport, called Eleftherios Venizelos. Zen Rocks is about a 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Athens. We can arrange a private transport for you and/ or your group or you can rent a car to drive yourself to Zen Rocks. The ride is beautiful, and you can enjoy a direct ride along the new Athens-Kalamata highway, or you can make stops in places like the sites of Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Nemea, the city of Nafplion, and the town of Kalamata.

-Flights to/from Kalamata (KLX)
More and more there are direct and/or charter flights to the small airport of Kalamata from different European cities. Also, new 30 minutes flights have just started from Athens to Kalamata regional airport are very reasonably priced if booked well in advance.
Alternatively, you can fly to Kalamata from the northern Greek town of Thessaloniki.

-Transportation options while in Greece
The way to reach Zen Rocks is either with our luxurious Mini Van for 8 people or by renting a car from Athens or Kalamata and drive around on your own. Our office can assist you with your car rental reservation. Or you can make your booking directly. During your stay at Zen Rocks our minivan is available for hire along with an experienced driver. The rates for transfers with our minivan are in the attached document titled: ZenRocksRates.
Allow us to book your transfer from Athens or Kalamata. Simply email us at: info@zenrocksmani.com

Driving Directions to Zen Rocks

The retreat is located about 30 minutes South of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst the sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kallianeika.

1. Drive on the new freeway from Athens to Kalamata, and be prepared to stop frequently for tolls. Expect to pay around 15€ each way. It may take you 2-2.5 hours to reach Kalamata.

2. Stay on the freeway and exit Kalamata heading towards Areopolis and Kitries. After the freeway ends, you will pass Lidl, and a café called Cosi on the right, and then the road forks and you see a road sign. At this point you have the option of heading up towards the mountain towards Areopolis and Kardamyli, or taking a right towards the sea and Kitries. You can reach us either way. We are giving you directions through the coastal road here, as it may be easier to find our location this way.

3. Take a right towards Kitries and drive down the coast for about 10-15 minutes. Right as you approach Kitries, the road goes uphill. There is a big retaining wall right in front of you, causing you to almost stop. You see a road sign for Doloi.

4. Make a sharp left up the mountain towards Doloi.

5. Drive for 5 minutes until you reach the village of Kalianeika.

6. When you reach Kalianeika, stop in front of the church and set your odometer to 0.

7. Drive for one kilometer, and you will come to switch back turn where you will see a fence with big cacti and a huge rock. You are getting close.

8. Immediately afterwards, you see a second switch back turn and a couple small signs for Zen Rocks. At this point leave the asphalt road and enter a smaller cement farm road. Drive 200 meters on cement, and then another 400 meters of dirt road. At this point you will see the electrical posts and a cement road up on your left. This is our private drive way to Zen Rocks.

(Attention: our drive way is the SECOND paved road you see on your left. Do not take the first one, right where the cement ends… wait till you drive the extra 400 meters of dirt and pebble road and you come across the electrical wires and big posts… at this point you will also notice that the farm road you are on is covered with the cement of our paved drive way.)
9. Go left on our cement road. It is a sharp incline. Come up on first gear and full throttle. Small cars will do fine if you know how to drive fearlessly.

10. Welcome to Zen Rocks.
As Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn says: YOU HAVE ARRIVED!

Οδηγίες για το Zen Rocks Mani

Το Zen Rocks Mani βρίσκεται σε απόσταση περίπου 30 λεπτών Νότια από τη πόλη της Καλαμάτας, ανάμεσα σε ήσυχους ελαιώνες, τον ουρανό και τη θάλασσα! Το κοντινότερο χωριό είναι τα Καλλιανέικα.
1. Πάρτε τη νέα εθνική οδό απο την Αθήνα προς τη Καλαμάτα οπου θα χρειαστεί να σταματήσετε συχνά σε σταθμούς διοδίων. Υπολογείστε οτι το συνολικό κόστος των διοδίων θα ειναι 15€ η διαδρομή. Η απόσταση ειναι περιπου 2-2.5 ώρες απο την Αθήνα μέχρι να φτάσετε στη Καλαμάτα.
2. Μείνετε στην εθνική οδό και βγείτε στην έξοδο της Καλαμάτας με κατεύθυνσή προς Αρεόπολη και Κιτριές. Όταν τελειώσει η εθνική οδός, θα συναντήσετε ένα σούπερ μάρκετ Lidl και μια καφετέρια στα δεξιά σας που ονομάζεται Cosi. Σε εκείνο το σημείο ο δρόμος χωρίζεται και θα δείτε μια πινακίδα. Σε αυτό ακριβώς το σημείο, έχετε την επιλογή είτε να συνεχίσετε προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Αρεόπολη και Καρδαμύλη είτε να πάρετε το δρόμοι που είναι στα δεξιά σας που πάει μέσω του παραλιακού δρόμου στις Κιτριές. Όποιο δρόμο και να πάρετε μπορείτε να έρθετε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Εμείς παρακάτω σας δίνουμε οδηγίες από το παραλιακό δρόμο μιας και θεωρούμε ότι είναι ο πιο εύκολος δρόμος για να έρθετε.
3. Κάνετε δεξιά προς Κιτριές και οδηγείτε στο παραλιακό δρόμο για περίπου 10-15 λεπτά. Στο σημείο που έχετε φτάσει σχεδό στις Κιτριές, ο δρόμος έχει μια ανηφόρα. Στο σημείο αυτό υπάρχει ένας μεγάλος τοίχος μπροστά σας που σας αναγκάζει σχεδόν να σταματήσετε. Εκεί βλέπετε μια πινακίδα προς Δολούς.
4. Εκεί αριστερά προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Δολούς.
5. Οδηγείστε προς τα επάνω αυτόν τον δρόμο με τις στροφές, για 5 λεπτά μέχρι να βρείτε το χωριό Καλιανέϊκα.
6. Όταν φτάσετε στα Καλιανέϊκα, σταματήστε μπροστά από την εκκλησία και ρυθμίστε το μετρητή χιλιομέτρων σας στο 0.
7. Οδηγείστε για 1 χιλιόμετρο και θα δείτε μια στροφή φουρκέτα, η οποία σας φέρνει προς τα δεξια. Εκεί θα δείτε ένα φράχτη με μεγάλους κάκτους και ένα τεράστιο βράχο. Πλησιάζετε!
8. Αμέσως μετά βλέπετε μια ακόμα στροφή φουρκέτα που στρίβει τον δρόμο προς τα αριστερά. Θα δείτε δύο μικρές πινακίδες για το Zen Rocks. Σε αυτό το σημείο αφήνετε το ασφαλτοστρωμένο δρόμο και μπαίνετε προς τα δεξιά σε έναν μικρό αγροτικό δρόμο από τσιμέντο.Οδηγείστε για 200 μέτρα στο τσιμεντένιο επαρχιακό δρόμο και άλλα 400 μέτρα σε χωματόδρομο. Ακολουθήστε τις πινακίδες για να μην μπείτε στον ελαιώνα που είναι πριν από εμάς. Περιμένετε να δείτε το σημείο με την πινακίδα του Zen Rocks να δείχνει τον ανηφορικό ιδιωτικό τσιμεντένιο δρόμο στα αριστερά σας. Είναι που θα σας φέρει στο κατάλυμα.
Σε αυτό το σημείο και μόνο θα δείτε και τους στύλους της ΔΕΗ να ανεβαίνουν προς τα πάνω.
9. Κάντε αριστερά σε αυτόν τον τσιμεντένιο δρόμο. Έχει έντονη ανηφορική κλίση, οπότε βάλτε πρώτη ταχύτητα για να ανεβείτε. Ακόμα και μικρά αυτοκίνητα ανεβαίνουν άνετα. Είναι λίγο σα να ανεβαίνετε ίσια πάνω στον ουρανό, στα σύννεφα… Απογειώνεστε λοιπόν.
10. 5 Δευτερόπτα μετά: Καλώς ορίσατε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Χαλαρώστε και απολαύστε τη διαμονή σας!

Όπως λέει και ο δάσκαλος του Ζεν Thich Nhat Hahn: You have arrived! Pause. Enjoy!

Booking a Massage or other Therapy

Let us know about your needs and preferences and we can pre-arrange the perfect nurturing massage or related therapy session for you.

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+306986282789+306972019489

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+306934212039
SEND US AN EMAIL
contact@zenrocksmani.com
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*Depending on availability, Single Rooms may be off site, within a 3-5 minute ride from Zen Rocks at spacious, luxurious accommodations.
**Must have three people in the room to secure this price. I understand that Zen Rocks may not be able to secure a third roommate in which case I agree to pay the double room price.

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