Wild Women Retreat: Courage
Following What Calls Me
Dates: 5 - 9 July 2027 (4 nights/5days)
Location: Ubud, Bali
Facilitator: Jan Carey, Director - Centre for Mindful Education. Author – Wild Stillness: A Journey into Mindfulness, Creativity, and the Sacred Wisdom of Nature
Immersion: This five-day Wild Women journey in Ubud is about courage — not the dramatic kind, but the quieter courage it takes to listen to yourself and act on what you hear.
Sometimes courage is admitting that we want something different. Trying something unfamiliar. Following a creative impulse. Travelling somewhere new. Allowing ourselves to be curious again. Saying yes to an idea we have been postponing, or taking one small step towards a life that feels more fully our own.
Bali gives us a beautiful setting in which to explore this.
Across five days, we will step outside our usual roles and routines and experience Ubud through traditional arts and crafts, local makers, colour, textiles, pattern, food, nature and cultural traditions. Hands-on workshops and place-based experiences will invite us to experiment, create, learn and engage with the island rather than simply observe it.
We might find ourselves noticing courage in unexpected places — in trying an art form we have never attempted, allowing something to be imperfect, beginning a conversation, following curiosity, travelling independently, expressing an idea, or simply paying attention to what excites us.
Throughout the journey, we will return to questions such as:
What is calling me?
What have I been waiting to begin?
Where have I been holding myself back?
What might become possible if I trusted myself a little more?
These questions will be explored through guided reflection, mindfulness, journalling, creative response and shared conversations, woven naturally through the experiences of the retreat. The intention is not to arrive at one grand answer, but to notice what becomes clearer when we give ourselves enough space to listen.
There will also be time simply to enjoy Bali — its tropical beauty, gardens, rivers, food and slower rhythms. The retreat balances guided experiences with personal space, allowing time to rest, wander, reflect and enjoy being somewhere different.
With a small group, the experience remains personal and relaxed. Many women join Wild Stillness journeys on their own, and the retreat is designed so solo travellers can feel welcomed and included from the beginning. Shared meals, workshops and experiences create natural opportunities for friendship and connection, while still leaving room for quiet and independence.
Everything is carefully organised so that you can settle into the journey without having to manage the details yourself. Rather than racing around Bali trying to see everything, we will stay largely within the Ubud region and allow ourselves to experience fewer things more deeply.
No artistic experience is needed. The creative practices are about curiosity, experimentation and participation rather than producing something perfect. In fact, that willingness to try, play and see what happens is very much part of this year's theme.
The intention: To return home with more than beautiful memories of Bali. To come home clearer about what is calling you, more aware of where fear or habit may have been holding you back, and with the courage to take one meaningful step towards something that matters to you.
Five days to explore Bali. Five days to explore what might be possible when you listen more closely to yourself — and trust yourself enough to follow.
Our Slow Immersive Activities
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Embodying Wild Stillness
Time beside the river becomes a practice in embodied attention — strengthening focus, steadying the nervous system, and reconnecting with the clarity that emerges when we are fully present with place.
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Canang Sari – Everyday Offerings
We will learn how to weave traditional canang sari offering baskets using palm leaf and flowers, slowing down into the quiet rhythm of the hands and experiencing how simple acts of making become expressions of gratitude, presence, and connection to culture.
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Balinese Cooking Class
Connect with your senses... A cooking class is a great way to practice mindfulness through our senses, as we taste, smell and cook traditional Balinese cuisine. We will... grind spice paste by hand, cook and enjoy the delicious flavours of 6 Balinese vegetarian dishes.
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Learn Batik Painting
Simply, batik is an amazing and ancient method of color dyeing. Indonesian batik artists are well know through out the world as the best batikers. Become present in the moment while doing this ancient craft and creating your own batik painting.
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Sound Healing at The Pyramids of Chi
The Ancient Sound experience guides you into an effortless state of relaxation. The Pyramids of Chi is an innovation to the world through the combination of Pyramid Power, Sacred Geometry, Polar Alignment, Ancient Sounds, and the ever-present magical energy of Bali.
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Private Session with Balinese Healer
Engage with a revered Balinese healer, whose centuries-old wisdom and spiritual insights are woven into every healing session. From bodywork, mediation to energy-balancing rituals, each encounter with the Balinese healer is a sacred exploration of mind, body, and soul.
The Adiwana Svarga Loka Resort
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Located in serene Ubud
Adiwana Svarga Loka - A Retreat Resort is situated near Campuhan River in Ubud. Set within a short distance to the centre of Ubud, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool set amongst the lush tropical landscape.
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Modern Deluxe Rooms
The rooms at this resort all come air-conditioned and feature a terrace. The rooms also feature a seating area with a sofa. Each room has an en suite bathroom.
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Traditional Balinese Beauty
Set within lush gardens, our retreat home reflects traditional Balinese design, with carved wood, stone statues, and open spaces that invite rest, ease, and a deep sense of arrival.
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Daily Breakfast
Each day begins with a relaxed breakfast overlooking the pool and gardens, where simple, nourishing food and unhurried mornings set the tone for presence and connection.
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Evening Cultural Dance
On one evening, we will gather to experience traditional Balinese dance, sharing dinner and witnessing the artistry, rhythm, and storytelling that are woven into everyday Balinese culture.
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A Space to Gather
Our meeting space is a light-filled yoga room surrounded by gardens, where we come together as a group to connect, reflect, and share our experiences.
About Your Journey Guide
Jan Carey is an educator, author, retreat facilitator and creative practitioner whose work brings together mindfulness, expressive arts, nature, place and meaningful human connection. With more than 30 years in education and school leadership, Jan has spent many years exploring how awareness, creativity and connection can support the way we live, learn and relate to ourselves and others.
Jan is the founder and author of Wild Stillness. Her approach has been shaped by her own life — from living on a 46-acre bushland property in the Adelaide Hills to many years of living, working and volunteering in India, particularly Tamil Nadu. Through meditation, nature-based creative practice, art-making and immersive experiences of place, she creates retreats that invite people to slow down, notice more deeply and reconnect with what matters.
Jan has facilitated retreats, workshops and trainings across Australia and internationally in India and Bali, weaving together mindfulness, creativity, cultural immersion, nature and shared experience. Her work is grounded, experiential and gently reflective — creating space for people to explore, make, notice, connect and discover their own way forward.
Costs & inclusions
The cost includes ALL of the following:
Expert guided program over 5 days facilitated by Jan Carey, Director, Centre for Mindful Education
4 nights resort accommodation at Adiwana Svarga Loka - A Retreat Resort, in Ubud
Buffet breakfast and morning tea each day
Welcome dinner on Mon 5th July
Traditional Balinese Cooking Class (3 hours)
Arts Workshop: Batik painting (3 hours)
Ancient Sound Healing Session at The Pyramids of Chi (90 mins)
Private session with Balinese Healer (50 mins)
Traditional Balinese Dance Performance
Transport to Cooking class, Arts Centre, and Pyramids of Chi.
A journal and access to art materials
NOT included
Flight to Bali
Transfers to/from the airport
Lunch and dinner not mentioned above
Any additional spa treatments or activities
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Costs and room options
Twin Share: All inclusions as per above in twin share Deluxe Room = $1490 AUD
Single Occupancy: All inclusions as per above list, in Deluxe Room (single occupancy) = $1990AUD
An Invitation to Join our Slow Journey
If something in this journey has stirred your heart, you are warmly invited to join us for Wild Stillness Bali. This is an experience shaped by presence, creativity, nature, and deep connection—an unfolding that asks not for certainty, but for openness and a simple yes from within.
Places are confirmed through full payment. To keep the cost of the tour as accessible as possible, payment is made via direct bank transfer, with details provided below.
To BOOK your place…
Flights to Bali are a GREAT price now, so now is the time to lock it in before they go up!
Complete the attached Booking Form and email to centreformindfuleducation@gmail.com
We will check your room request availability and send a confirmation email to you.
Make payment to secure your place in the retreat.
We will send a receipt and final booking confirmation.
Payment Details
Account: Centre for Mindful Education Pty Ltd
BSB: 015 237
Account Number: 304 285 869
For booking flights, please note - The program starts on Mon 5th July at 3.00pm, and ends on Friday 9th July at 12.00pm.
Please contact me for any further information.
Jan Carey
Director
Centre for Mindful Education centreformindfuleducation@gmail.com
Professional Development & Tax Considerations
This five-day journey is grounded in mindfulness through nature, creativity, and embodied practice. For therapists, wellbeing practitioners, educators and school leaders, the experiences offered throughout the retreat translate naturally into classroom, wellbeing, and whole-school contexts, particularly where mindfulness, wellbeing, creativity, or nature-based learning are part of your professional practice.
Many participants choose to attend Wild Stillness journeys as a form of professional development, as the approaches explored can be adapted for use with students, staff, or school communities. In some cases, this may make the retreat tax deductible as a professional development expense. As individual circumstances vary, we recommend checking with your accountant or financial advisor to confirm eligibility.
Testimonials from our previous retreats and events in Bali
"Wow, what an amazing 5 days. I have loved the mix of both personal and professional learning, and content delivery mixed with hands-on experiences. I feel changed and excited about what lies ahead. Thank you!!"
"Loved everything! Awesome location, life changing experiences. The Pyramids of Chi was an amazing and unique experience. Fantastic group of people. Great presentations. Thank you!"
"Great range of practical & theoretical activities. Perfect for people who are beginners to mindfulness and those who want to continue their knowledge and and practice. Thanks for an enjoyable 5 days"
"Full of practical ideas for my own growth, and also as 'take back to school' strategies for self and students"
"Loved the connections between the personal and professional. A rare opportunity to engage with educators from different states."
"The changes I have learnt to make in myself will help me to help the children in my care to 'be more in a peaceful state' Enjoyed every moment"
Frequently asked Questions
Who is this 5 day journey for?
The 5-day program will include practical applications for using mindfulness everyday in our own lives, and in the schools, preschools and centres that we work in. While the program has been created for anyone it is particularly useful for therapits, teachers, school support officers, child care workers, leaders and other educators, it is beneficial to anyone working with children/ students or support roles.
Do I need to have experience with mindfulness already?
The intention of the program is provide knowledge and practical application of nature-based art and mindfulness for everyone. It is suitable for complete beginners and those with more experience.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, we offer payment by instalments if needed. Please email Jan at centreformindfuleducation@gmail.com to seek more details about this process.
Should I get travel insurance?
For peace of mind, we absolutely recommend each participant arranges travel insurance.
What is the Cancellation & Transfer Policy
Because Wild Stillness Bali is offered as a small group experience, all bookings are confirmed through full payment and are non-refundable. Once your place is secured, that space is reserved especially for you.
If you are unable to attend, you are very welcome to transfer your booking to another person of your choosing, subject to suitability and final confirmation. This approach helps keep the journey fair, sustainable, and accessible for everyone involved, while honouring the care and commitment required to hold a small-group experience.
We strongly suggest that you arrange travel insurance as soon as your flights and journey are booked.
If you have any questions or concerns before booking, I warmly encourage you to reach out so we can explore whether this journey feels like the right fit for you at this time.