‘The Heart of Freedom’
10-Day Intensive Retreat in Portugal
13th – 23rd October 2024
Near Vila Nova de Milfontes, Alentejo, Portugal
Click on this link to watch a short video about Unmani’s Intensive Retreats
Please note that before you book your place at an Intensive, Unmani asks that all participants come to at least one open meeting. If this is physically impossible, please make sure that you have watched several of Unmani’s free video clips available on Youtube.
What is the Heart of Freedom?
In exploring Non-Duality we discover the Freedom beyond our human experience. We wake up to the knowing that we are always aware of it all. We rise out of the mud and mess of our lives, and take a bird’s eye view of our humanity. But this is only half of the picture. We then need to dive back into the mud and dirt, into the pain and rawness of the ordinary experience of being a human with our feet on the ground in the world, and discover how this Freedom is actually lived. This is what living as the Heart is all about.
True Freedom is not limited to an concept of freedom, or the freedom from any kind of imprisonment. Freedom is also not only a free feeling. The Heart is also not only about having a loving feeling in our chests, or behaving in a loving way. In fact Freedom and the Heart are one and the same. When we question who we really are, in the deepest sense, beyond all the beliefs and assumptions of what we think, we discover the Silence beyond all experience of silence. We discover the Freedom beyond all experience of freedom. We discover Boundlessness beyond all experience of boundaries. This is our true Heart.
In this retreat we will explore how this Heart of Freedom is actually lived in our daily experience. We will investigate what we really know to be true when we no longer blindly believe our thoughts. We will discover that in not-knowing in thought, there is the wide open Freedom of who we really are. We start to resonate more and more with the frequency of this inner knowing in not knowing, and it starts to integrate more and more into our lives. Together we explore the beliefs and identities that have seemed to have imprisoned us, with the power to control our behaviour and responses in our interactions with others. In knowing that you are not what you think, then when thoughts arise, you can see them in greater clarity and lightness. This brings so much freedom and ease in our lives. Then there is so much more space to tune into the Compassion and Unconditional Love that is always here, and this enables our lives to be lived more courageously with an open Heart.
If you feel a genuine pull to dive into the truth, join Unmani in Portugal. 
This Intensive Retreat is the gift to yourself that can answer your deepest longing.
For Whom?
Unmani offers this 10 days intensive retreat for seekers who are now ready for the simple truth, rather than desiring more beautiful spiritual experiences. It is for those who want to come to the end of seeking and who have the courage to acknowledge the truth that you are, and can never lose.
These 10 days together in a small group offer a rich opportunity to:
– question, share and discover how this life can be lived in truth and openness, without any false promises or dreamy experiences
– get to the root of all your hopes and fears
– wake up out of the dream of separation
– deeply acknowledge that you are not limited to what you think
It is about waking up out of the dream of thought, and living the Openness and Freedom that you really are. It is about exploring the truth, and what seems to restrict you, in the midst of your daily life.
Unmani’s message is not only in her words but also in the energy field. She speaks from that ‘beingness’ that awakens to itself when it is heard. While the words are used to undo confusion and misunderstandings, it is also about resonating with what is happening, beyond all the words.
‘If you really step out of the way, and stop assuming you can control it, you will see what this Life energy does on its own. Risk living in wonder and surprise.’
~ Unmani
Testimonial
‘More than any other retreat, Unmani’s intensives leave you nowhere to go but to come face to face with the truth of who you are.’
The Region
Milfontes Lodge is located on the west coast of Portugal (just under 2 hours from Lisbon and the same Faro) in Europe’s largest coastal parkland. The property is set back from the Mira River and about 3 km from the Atlantic Ocean on the coastal plain below the Cercal ridge, a six minute drive from the town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. The town of Milfontes, situated on the pristine Mira river estuary and has five wonderful beaches.
Quinta da Samoqueirinha
The retreat is held in a country lodge with a lovely swimming pool, set in 25 acres of private land. Is has an amazing garden, surrounded by ridges, cliffs and waterfalls, woodland and flat open country land. There is ample opportunity to go walking or just have a quiet rest under the shade of an olive tree. The lodge combines traditional and modern architecture, offering its guests true Portuguese rustic charm. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and each includes a private bathroom.
Each bedroom has
– en suite private bathroom with bath, toilet and bidet
– own terrace
– garden view
– linen and towels
– wardrobe/closet
A Typical Day
8:00 AM: Optional Movement Session
9:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Session with Unmani
11:30 AM: Tea break
12:00 PM: Session with Unmani
1:30 PM: Lunch and freetime to relax, go for a walk, go to the pool, socialise or be alone.
7:00 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM: Session with Unmani/Other group activities
The weather in Portugal in May: http://www.weather2travel.com/may/portugal/
Travel
Faro and Lisbon airports are both around a 2 hour drive away depending on the traffic. Beja Airport is less than 1 hour.
There is ample public transport from Lisbon but please check the times of the buses before booking your flight to ensure you arrive on time. Car hire is also available from the airports.
You will receive more detailed directions to the villa once you book your place.
Dates & Details
Check in: Sunday 13th October, from 3pm (please do not arrive before then) to 7pm (please do not arrive after 7pm)
Check out: Wednesday 23rd October, 11am
The retreat starts on Sunday with dinner at 7pm followed by an introduction session, and ends on Wednesday after breakfast.
Your registration includes:
– 3 sessions a day with Unmani
– 3 – 5 days of group silence in between sessions with Unmani
– each session includes sharings and intimate dialogues
– full participation is asked
– talks
– guided meditations
– non-verbal activities (dance, creative expression) that offer ways of exploring truth beyond the words and concepts
– songs by Robert, based on Unmani’s words
– All sessions will be recorded for later viewing/listening
Plus
– afternoons to reflect, to explore the area, to laze on the beach or by the swimming pool, to socialize or to be on your own
– three vegetarian meals per full day, starting with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day: delicious home-cooked vegetarian food using local produce.
– Tea and fruit are available at all times.
Costs
*REDUCED PRICE AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS OF PORTUGAL OR FOR THOSE IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. *
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Shared (2/3 person) room:
Intensive with Unmani: €550
Accommodation + full board: €535
Total: €1085
Single room / single occupancy: (subject to availability)
Intensive with Unmani: €550
Accommodation + full board: €1010
Total: €1560
Camping:
Intensive with Unmani: €550
Accommodation + full board: €290
Total: €840
Online Option:
Intensive with Unmani: €450
If you would really like to join us but have genuine financial difficulties, please email admin@die-to-love.com.
Booking Procedure
To confirm your place at the intensive a non-refundable deposit of €250 is required at the time of booking. Payment can be made online, by cheque or by bank transfer. If you would like to pay in another currency or would like details to pay by cheque or bank transfer, please specify details in the booking form.
If you would like to come to the intensive but have sincere financial difficulties, please contact us to enquire about discounts and helping out at the intensive.
Cancellations
A deposit of €250 of the cost is non-refundable.
Please ensure that you read the Booking and Cancellation Policy carefully before you book.
