What if this season wasn't about arriving somewhere new — but about choosing, quietly, what you want to grow?
Spring has its own wisdom. It asks us to soften after winter's stillness, to notice what wants to wake up, and to set an intention with real care instead of rushing to "start fresh." This is your invitation to slow down long enough to actually choose. To breathe, to reflect, to walk among art and nature, and to close the day by planting something — literally — as a symbol of what you're carrying forward.
Come as you are. Leave with something planted, in the earth and in yourself.
THE DAY
How It Unfolds
9:45 AM . Arrival & Welcome
Settle in, find your spot on the lawn, nestled among the trees, wrapped by nature. Arrive a little early and let yourself land.
. Movement & Breathwork — With Sheryl
We start on our feet, then in the breath — gentle movement to wake up the body, followed by breathwork designed to quiet the nervous system and clear the mental noise. This is where you start to notice what's actually asking to grow this season.
. Mindful Garden Walk — With Margit
Margit — the custodian of Phoenix Sculpture Gardens — leads you through the gardens she and Graham created over 30 years, sharing the stories behind key sculptures through a lens of art, nature, and quiet contemplation.
There are over 150 sculptures placed with intention and Margit chooses a handful that speak to her on the day — so even if you've walked this path before, there's always something new to discover.
. Nourishing Lunch Break
Rest, eat, wander. Let the morning settle. BYO lunch and snacks to honour your own dietary needs.
. Solo Time — Creative Writing & Quiet Contemplation (with the option to join Ben in search of the garden's hidden heroes)
The gardens are yours. Wander at your own pace, write, sit quietly, or simply notice what's around you. Partway through, join Ben for a short walk in search of the garden's hidden heroes — the fungi, moss, and other forest/garden life forms that usually go unnoticed. (Optional)
. Sowing the Seed Ceremony & Meditation — With Sheryl
Sheryl leads a closing meditation and a sowing ceremony — a quiet, intentional act of planting a seed as a symbol of what you're choosing to nurture through the season ahead.
. Closing Sharing Circle
We gather one last time to reflect and share, in whatever way feels right, before carrying the day home with you.
3:00 PM . Close & Farewell
Carry what you planted — home with you.
WHO YOU'LL BE WITH
Three Guides,One Day
Sheryl
YOUR RETREAT HOST & GUIDE
The heart behind Arya Yoga & Wellness. Sheryl guides the inner journey — breathwork, meditation, and the closing planting ceremony. She holds space with warmth and care, helping each guest arrive exactly as they are and leave a little lighter.
Margit
CUSTODIAN, PHOENIX SCULPTURE GARDENS
Margit and her late husband Graham created this sanctuary of art and nature over three decades. On this day, she personally leads you through the gardens and the stories they hold, offering a rare glimpse into the vision behind each carefully placed work.
Ben
YOUR GUIDE TO THE GARDEN'S HIDDEN HEROES
Sheryl's husband is a long-time creative photographer with a sharp eye for what's easy to miss. During solo time, Ben leads a short optional walk in search of the garden's fungi, moss, and other life forms — the quiet, overlooked things doing their own kind of growing.
PREPARING FOR THE DAY
What to Bring & What's Included
BRING WITH YOU
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Comfortable, warm layered clothing, spring will be cooler on the mountain, dress cosily - think beanie, socks, shawls, jumpers
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Yoga mat (mat hire available on-site for AUD $5 — must be pre-booked, payable at checkout)
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Cushion, blanket or shawl for the practices to enhance your experience
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Sun hat / sunscreen
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Journal & pen for your reflection time
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Camera for the garden walk (Optional)
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Water bottle & BYO lunch and snacks to honour your own dietary requirements
INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET PRICE
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Tea & coffee throughout the day
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Cake & fruit
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All guided practices — breathwork, meditation, seed sowing ceremony
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Margit's personal garden tour
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Ben's hidden heroes walk (optional)
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Full facilitation by Sheryl
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A small pot to sow your seed in and take home with you
THE DETAILS
Everything you need to Know
DATE - Saturday, 26 September 2026
TIME - 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Arrive by 9:45 AM)
LOCATION - Phoenix Sculpture Gardens, 59 Fahey Road, Mount Glorious QLD 4520
INVESTMENT - AUD $59.00 + $3.00 booking fee per person
PLACES - Limited to 10 participants — intentionally intimate
REGISTER BY - Tuesday, 22 September, 2026
GETTING THERE - Approx. 1 hour from Brisbane CBD. Parking available — directions provided on booking.
+ $3 booking fee, calculated at checkout
WEATHER: All practices move undercover if needed. The day continues beautifully regardless.
CANCELLATION: Full refund arranged in the unlikely event of severe weather cancellation
IS THIS FOR ME?
This retreat is for you if
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You've been wanting to mindfully unwind — even just for a day
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You're drawn to turning inward this spring— not retreating from life, but retreating into yourself
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You want to experience what lies beyond the ordinary, busy mind
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You're a returning participant ready to go deeper
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You're someone brand new who felt called by these words
You don't need experience. You don't need flexibility. You just need to be willing to show up for yourself.
The gardens, the breath, and this day will do the rest.
This retreat welcomes everyone — men and women, young and old, experienced practitioners and complete beginners. If something in you said yes when you read this page, that's enough.
THE SETTING
Phoenix
Sculpture Gardens
For over 30 years, Graham and Margit created this rainforest sculpture garden as a sanctuary where the beauty of nature and art meet — where peace becomes reality.
The garden holds Graham's life work of over 150 marble, onyx and bronze sculptures — a legacy lovingly continued by Margit, who personally guides you through key works on this day.