An Unforgettable Retreat on the Silver Coast of Portugal.
Imagine spending five days in complete peace, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Portugal’s Silver Coast, where the sound of the ocean and the warmth of the sun fill your soul. This was the experience we shared at the People Ocean Art and Retreat Centre in São Bernardino. From August 28th to September 1st, 2024, we embarked on a powerful journey of silence, healing, and creativity—a journey that left us all transformed.
Imagine spending five days in complete peace, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Portugal’s Silver Coast, where the sound of the ocean and the warmth of the sun fill your soul. This was the experience we shared at the People Ocean Art and Retreat Centre in São Bernardino. From August 28th to September 1st, 2024, we embarked on a powerful journey of silence, healing, and creativity—a journey that left us all transformed.
Day 1: Arriving and Setting Intentions
We began our retreat on a calm afternoon, where each of us arrived and settled into the beautiful, serene surroundings. Our adventure officially began with a Welcome Circle, where we introduced ourselves and set our intentions for the days ahead. Katya, PPL Ocean founder, spoke about the heart behind the retreat, while Daria, led an insightful Leela Cards Reading, helping us reflect on where we are in life and where we’re headed.
The evening continued with a heart-opening Cacao Ceremony, preparing us for the silence to come. Our first dinner together was at a seaside restaurant, where we shared a meal under the open sky, feeling the ocean breeze on our faces. As night fell, our special guess Aleka led us in a gentle meditation, marking the beginning of our sacred silence—a practice we would embrace for the rest of the retreat.
The evening continued with a heart-opening Cacao Ceremony, preparing us for the silence to come. Our first dinner together was at a seaside restaurant, where we shared a meal under the open sky, feeling the ocean breeze on our faces. As night fell, our special guess Aleka led us in a gentle meditation, marking the beginning of our sacred silence—a practice we would embrace for the rest of the retreat.
Day 2: Immersing in Silence and Movement
Our first full day in silence began with a peaceful Morning Yoga session at sunrise, followed by a meditation to help us center ourselves. After breakfast, we took out time for Flow Journaling in special PPL ocean notebooks, letting our thoughts and emotions flow freely onto the page as we embraced the quiet around us.
Later, Luka led us in a beautiful Meditation session, followed by an energizing Mana Dance Therapy by Aleka, where we connected with our bodies through movement and expression. After a peaceful vegetarian dinner, we enjoyed a Mindful Walk to the Ocean, and as the sun set over the cliffs, we danced in a magical Heart Opening Dance Meditation, the sound of the waves deepening our sense of connection.
Later, Luka led us in a beautiful Meditation session, followed by an energizing Mana Dance Therapy by Aleka, where we connected with our bodies through movement and expression. After a peaceful vegetarian dinner, we enjoyed a Mindful Walk to the Ocean, and as the sun set over the cliffs, we danced in a magical Heart Opening Dance Meditation, the sound of the waves deepening our sense of connection.
Day 3: Going Deeper into Silence
The silence felt more familiar by now. We began the day with another round of Yoga and Meditation with Katya, setting a peaceful tone for the day. Throughout the day, we reflected in our journals, meditated, and practiced dynamic movement to release any tension still lingering in our bodies. Aleka was taking care about everyone individually, helping to overcome difficulties or to stay focused.
In the evening, we gathered in a Silent Sharing Circle, where, Levan shared his experience about silance and people addictions. Questions we could write on paper and get all doubted cleared up. The sense of connection we felt was beyond words.
In the evening, we gathered in a Silent Sharing Circle, where, Levan shared his experience about silance and people addictions. Questions we could write on paper and get all doubted cleared up. The sense of connection we felt was beyond words.
Day 4: A Day of Healing and Expression
As the days passed, we sank deeper into the peace we were cultivating. After our usual Yoga and Meditation session, we took a Meditation Walk to the ocean.
Half of the group wore blindfolds while the other half guided them, and then we switched roles. It was a profound experience that tested both trust and responsibility, keeping everyone fully engaged and aware throughout the entire session.
That afternoon, Tea led a soothing Sound Healing session, bathing us in gentle vibrations that helped release tension and balance our energy. To close the day, Katya guided us through trataka candle light meditation.
Half of the group wore blindfolds while the other half guided them, and then we switched roles. It was a profound experience that tested both trust and responsibility, keeping everyone fully engaged and aware throughout the entire session.
That afternoon, Tea led a soothing Sound Healing session, bathing us in gentle vibrations that helped release tension and balance our energy. To close the day, Katya guided us through trataka candle light meditation.
Day 5: Emerging from Silence
Our final morning in silence felt different—calmer, more profound. We had found peace in the quiet and were now ready to return to the world with open hearts. After breakfast, Katya and Aleka led a beautiful Coming Out of Silence Ceremony, where we reflected on the practices that had touched us most deeply. Daria offered a follow-up Leela Cards Reading, helping us gain further clarity and wisdom from our journey.
Finally, we gathered for a heartfelt Sharing Circle, where, for the first time in days, we spoke. We shared our stories, our growth, and the personal insights we had gained from this transformative experience.
Finally, we gathered for a heartfelt Sharing Circle, where, for the first time in days, we spoke. We shared our stories, our growth, and the personal insights we had gained from this transformative experience.
