What if this season wasn't asking you to push harder — but to go deeper?
Winter has its own wisdom. It asks us to slow down, turn inward, and tend to the fire within. This is your invitation to do exactly that. To gather around warmth — literally and metaphorically. To breathe, to reflect, to walk among art and nature, and to close the day with fire meditation and intention on the mountain.
Come as you are. Leave knowing yourself a little better.
THE DAY
How It Unfolds
9:45 AM . Arrival & Welcome
Settle in, find your seat by the fire. Arrive a little early and let yourself land.
. Fireside Opening Circle
Wrap your hands around something warm. We begin with a cuppa and a gentle sharing circle — a mindful invitation to arrive fully, leave the week behind, and meet the people beside you. No agenda. Just presence.
. Breathwork & Meditation - With Sheryl
Still by the fire, Sheryl guides you through breathwork and meditation designed to quiet the nervous system, clear the mental noise, and drop you into the deeper layers of yourself. This is where the inner fire begins to stir — held undercover in Margit's lounge, beside the fireplace and Graham's art and sculptures.
. Nourishing Lunch Break
Rest, eat, wander. Let the morning settle. BYO lunch and snacks to honour your own dietary needs.
. Mindful Garden Walk - With Margit
Margit — the custodian of Phoenix Sculpture Gardens — leads you through the gardens she and Graham created over 30 years. She'll share the stories and meaning behind key sculptures, offering a lens of art, nature, and quiet contemplation.
. Creative Writing Solo or Photography - With Ben
The gardens are yours. Move through them alone or with Ben — Sheryl's husband, whose long creative practice lives in photography. Ben will share new ways of looking at the sculptures and trees through the lens of your phone. Write about what speaks to you, photograph it, or simply sit with it. No right way. Just your way.
. Fire Meditation on the Mountain - With Sheryl
Sheryl leads the final circle — an integration of everything the day has stirred. Drawing on her deep understanding of the fire element and its significance in the yogic tradition, she guides a fire meditation on the mountain: an intentional, ceremonial release and a sealing of what you're choosing to carry forward.
3:00 PM . Close & Farewell
Carry what you ignited - 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 fire ceremony.
Margit
CUSTODIAN, PHOENIX SCULPTURE GARDENS
Margit and her late husband Graham created this sanctuary of art and nature. On this day, she personally leads you through the gardens and the stories they hold
Ben
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
Sheryl's husband and a long-time creative photographer. Ben invites you to see the garden through a different lens — finding beauty and meaning in light, texture, and form.
PREPARING FOR THE DAY
What to Bring & What's Included
BRING WITH YOU
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Comfortable, warm layered clothing
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it's winter on the mountain, dress cosily - think beanie, socks, shawls, jumpers
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Yoga mat (optional), cushion, blanket or shawl for the fire meditation and practices
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Journal & pen for your reflection time
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Camera or phone for the garden walk
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Water bottle
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BYO lunch and snacks to honour your own dietary requirements
INCLUDED IN YOUR $59
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Tea & coffee throughout the day
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Cake & fruit
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All guided practices — breathwork, meditation, fire ceremony
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Margit's personal garden tour
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Ben's mindful photography session
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Full facilitation by Sheryl
THE DETAILS
Everything you need to Know
DATE - Saturday, 11 July 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 per person
PLACES - Limited to 10 participants — intentionally intimate
REGISTER BY - Tuesday, July 7, 2026
GETTING THERE - Approx. 1 hour from Brisbane CBD. Parking available — directions provided on booking.
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 winter — 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.