Winter recedes and new life finds its way to the surface. Not forced, but because it is the right time. In spring, what came to you in the stillness of winter begins to move: dreams, longings and ideas seeking a form.
The spring retreat, from , may be for you if you long for:
- Rhythm — an order in your life attuned to the creative force of spring, lived from within.
- Direction — clarity about what may grow in spring and how to act wisely in your life and work.
- Stillness — the space to explore what spring awakens in you, in nature without distraction.
You do not need to know what you are looking for, only be willing to listen to what nature tells you.
These weekends are like a toolbox for life. By understanding the essence of the season I feel more prepared for the months to come. The retreat gave me time to calm down and contemplate important, but not easy questions. An adventure that is exciting, fresh, deep, real, necessary, playful and meaningful.—Maike
I joined the retreats to live more in line with nature throughout the year. I have learned so much. It becomes part of you. You learn to surrender to what is alive outside, in nature. And you learn to make space and listen to what is alive inside. A valuable lesson I will always carry with me.—Hester
Being in nature is so important. You really get in contact with yourself when you attend this retreat. You come to understand that you are part of nature and can flow more effortlessly through life. I had the space to really dive deep within myself, and the forest was truly beautiful.—Bart
Programme
The programme spans two full days, from . We gather at a private estate in the forests of the Veluwe, with a large log cabin as our base.
On Saturday we experience the wisdom of spring. In the morning we gather around the fire to leave the outside world behind. The morning is devoted to a philosophical exploration of spring: what principles are at work in nature right now and what does spring ask of you? There is also time to settle in by the wood stove in the cabin or take a walk through the vast forest.
After lunch we head into nature and you learn to read nature as a mirror, through exercises that bring your inner and outer worlds together. What nature, the weather and the light tell you about spring in your own life becomes visible.
The late afternoon is devoted to deep stillness. After an introduction to help you move through the silence fruitfully, there are a few hours with no programme. You can withdraw into the forest or stay by the fire. The stillness creates space for what has been offered to settle, and from there clarity arises about what is relevant for your own life.
In the evening we gather around the fire in the cabin and there is time to listen to one another. This is a moment to connect with others, ask questions and let yourself be inspired.
On Sunday we give shape to the creative force of spring in our lives. We begin the morning outside with physical exercises, breathwork and silence to open yourself to spring. After breakfast you map out your current life and shape your vision for the coming year. This helps you define the boundaries within which you want to move. By working on your discernment you let the right things grow and do not lose yourself in the chaos of a new beginning.
In the afternoon you shape a new daily rhythm. You consider your work, your relationships and your personal time, and formulate concrete, personal rituals that serve as a guide through the seasons. This creates a structure that gives space and keeps your life in balance, knowing how easy it is to fall back into old habits.
In the late afternoon there is room to share your insights around the fire and we close with a personal commitment for the time ahead. You go home with:
- A structure for a natural rhythm in your personal life, work and relationships.
- The ability to read nature as a mirror of your inner world.
- Personal daily rituals attuned to spring.
The retreat was a truly magical combination of philosophical and cultural stories, practical exercises, stillness and being outdoors. Sacha is a wise and patient facilitator who made me feel understood in what I need and made me love nature even more. I returned to the reality of my urban life with a strong sense of what I need and want to do.—Toos
The retreat exceeded my expectations. Everything is thought out, the exercises are diverse and there is plenty of time for exploration. Sacha is knowledgeable about many different religions, philosophies and traditions and their connection to nature and how to go within. During the retreat you explore techniques that help you regain or strengthen your connection with nature.—Rens
I have experienced how Sacha guides us in a very natural way through our processes within the greater process of nature and ever since I am more aware that nature is always present, holding us, nurturing us. If you want to live a life in line with the natural rhythm, go to this retreat. There you have the opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded people, nature and a strong, gentle, sincere guide.—Anke
Your guide
My name is Sacha Post, wilderness guide and philosopher. My work is rooted in contemplative traditions and the natural wisdom that has structured human life for centuries. I combine philosophical depth with the powerful simplicity of being outdoors.
After a research master’s in cultural analysis I spent four years travelling the world, learning about the rituals and traditions of communities seeking to live in harmony with nature. I spent time in Nicaragua, Hawaii, Japan, England, Scotland and Sweden and longer periods in remote wilderness. During this time I learned how rhythms and rituals can be a way of life.
Nature of Wonder was born over eight years ago, from the desire to share what I had discovered. Since then I have been organising wilderness journeys, retreats, pilgrimages, workshops and talks about a connected life in attunement with our nature. In everything I do I create the space to listen to what nature tells you and to receive the wisdom you already carry within.
I will treasure this retreat for the rest of my life. I feel full of life in deep silence. I am deeply grateful to Sacha. He allowed me to sink into a deep silence where I found connection with others, with nature and with myself. Sacha knows how to inspire and facilitate with an energy that touches me deeply. A loving balance between decisive leadership and soft, deep, mutual holding.—Eldin
A deep bow, for Sacha, as a person. For how he lives his life. For how he leads by example, and in doing so inspires and invites. He creates a home in a remarkably gentle way. From simplicity, stillness, fellow humanity. What he shares, and how he shares it, is rich. This retreat nourished me and helped me remember. Mirrored and inspired by the nature within and around me, strengthened in my mission and vision.—Maaike
Besides an inspiring grasp of ancient wisdom from several traditions, Sacha carries a range of interpersonal qualities that make him a successful teacher: storytelling, explaining, shifting perspectives, listening, relating, humility, sincerity, vulnerability, creating a safe space, acceptance, and an impressive love for the world and all of its creatures. I feel a change in me, catalysed by the guidance of nature, the wisdom present in the group and Sacha’s teachings.—Ottilia
Approach and philosophy
The theoretical foundation of this retreat is rooted in the Celtic and Christian wisdom traditions, not as belief but as a source of practical wisdom. Here we find ancient, proven methods for structuring life, inspired by the landscape and the rhythm of the seasons in which we live.
These wisdom traditions see nature as a book that describes how life works. The eight Celtic festivals that structure the year arose from the rhythms of nature, to align life with the cycle of growth, harvest, death and rebirth. The Christian tradition assimilated and deepened these festivals with its own liturgical year and hours. Together they help you understand how:
- Spring moves us and opens us to new life.
- Summer carries us and invites us to mature.
- Autumn cleanses us and grants us wisdom.
- Winter deepens us and draws us into the greater whole.
The seasons reveal an order of creating and growing, of carrying and letting go, and of dying and being born anew. When you learn to listen to this rhythm, your life naturally falls in line with something greater than yourself. The retreat offers you a language for something you already experience naturally, regardless of your background or conviction.
Practical information
We gather at a private estate deep in the forests near Epe. After signing up you will receive directions to the exact location and an invitation to connect with other participants for sharing rides, should you not have a car.
The cabin has a wood stove, communal area, kitchen, toilet, hot shower and a sleeping loft with bunk beds. You can choose to sleep indoors or in a safe setting in the forest under the stars.
Sleeping outside can deepen your experience of the retreat. You wake with the light and the boundary between you and nature dissolves. If you prefer to sleep indoors, let us know when you sign up.
For years I had felt as if there was a glass wall between me and the world, and that was especially so in nature. During the retreat I could feel a connection with the earth, as if I was experiencing nature for the first time. The cold, warmth, light, darkness, the fire, the moon, rain and wind, it all became ‘real’ for me for the first time. I spend much more time outside now and want to sleep in nature more often, even without a tent.—Hannah
Through the delicate guidance, nature turned into a sacred, safe temple in which I could develop a nurturing relationship with the forest around me. Merging into nature is a new, healthy habit I take with me into my life.—Anna
Sacha strikes a wonderful balance between teaching you about nature and reminding you how much you already know. He gives you the tools to surrender to nature and let her do what she does best: envelop you, immerse you, and show herself.—Jaap
All meals are plant-based and seasonal. Fresh fruit, coffee and tea are available throughout the day. If you have an allergy or dietary requirement, let us know when you sign up.
Good to know
For some sessions we are outside, regardless of the weather. Good clothing makes the difference. After signing up you will receive a list of what you need, tailored to the season. Think warm clothing, a rain jacket, good shoes and a sleeping bag and mat if you sleep outside.
Group sessions are in Dutch or English, depending on the group, but you can always express yourself in the language you feel most comfortable in. And anyone who needs to skip a session and be with themselves is free to do so.
Taking time and space, receiving it, to truly feel time and space. Which otherwise so easily gets crowded out. To look, lean back, and see what happens. In you, with you, around you. To be together, with yourself, with nature, with the silence. And with others. To feel that it is all right, the peace, the calm, the stillness, not having to do anything. To surrender and simply be. And to deeply enjoy, because of that, everything that is. To open yourself to life in its purest form.—Emma
Sacha creates something of immeasurable value. Knowledge of nature, knowledge of our own nature. His wisdom lands. It is practical and simple. Though simple is not easy. I notice that already, reaching for the phone, seeking out the habit. But a loving path back to myself has been shown to me. I feel no pressure. The journey is not over. That insight may ripen.—Alexander
We sit in a circle, together and alone. Connected in our humanity. What remains is an open space, to feel, to be with life itself and with nature as a mirror. Connected in simplicity, held in love. A warm reminder of what it is to be human.—Sascha
Cost
The cost of the spring retreat is €295. There are a maximum of fifteen places available. This includes:
- A two-day programme with group sessions and personal guidance.
- Camping in the forest or sleeping in the cabin.
- All meals, snacks, coffee and tea during the retreat.
You go home with new rhythms, a framework for your life and work, and the ability to read nature as a source of wisdom.
Not sure? Get in touch. A short conversation is usually enough to determine whether this is for you.
Low income and cancellation
If you cannot afford the retreat because you are living on a minimum income, also get in touch. A small number of places are available at a reduced rate. Payment in instalments is always possible.
If you unexpectedly cannot make it, you can transfer your place to someone else. For cancellations we use the following policy:
- Up to six weeks before the start: full refund.
- Six to three weeks before the start: 50% refund.
- Less than three weeks before the start: no refund.
