The Offline Retreat: Get disconnected from technology and reconnected with yourself
Coaching Retreat | 07 - 10 November 2024
Technology, particularly social media, games, and notifications result in to trigger dopamine release in our brains. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. The constant influx of notifications and updates can lead to a cycle of seeking short-term rewards, which can contribute to addictive behaviors.
Ironically, while technology connects us virtually, it can also lead to social disconnection, and feeling of isolation. Excessive use of digital devices can interfere with face-to-face interactions, reducing the quality of our relationships and social skills.
Boredom, while often perceived negatively, can be a powerful tool for mental clarity, creativity, and overall well-being. In our tech-saturated world, learning to tolerate and even embrace boredom is crucial for regaining control over our brains.
During our off-line Coaching Retreat, you will learn to tolerate boredom, and generate deep reflection and use it as a tool for mental clarity and growth. Regaining control of your brain in a tech-driven world involves conscious effort and consistent practice, but the benefits to your mental health and overall well-being are well worth it.
If you feel you are on autopilot and not the driver of your life, this off-club is the right thing to gain awareness and strategies to get you on the driver’s seat again.
A Typical Day:
08:00 Good Morning Qigong
Gentle starting the day with Qigong (beginner level). Setting positive intentions for the day.
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Coaching Session 1 “Understand the Value of Boredom”
Creativity Boost: Boredom can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving by giving your mind space to wander and explore new ideas.
Mental Reset: It allows your brain to rest and recharge, improving focus and productivity when you return to tasks.
Goal setting and habit formation. Practical strategies to implement healthy boundaries. Interactive exercises and group discussions.
12:00 – 12:15 Refreshment Break
12.15 -13:15 Do nothing!
Gentle Walk in the nature reserve Óbidos lagoon, exercises for body, mind and soul. Walking meditation, sitting, meditation, get bored, lean into inaction.
13:30 – 14:30 Lunch (Outdoor Picnic)
Enjoy a nutritious vegetarian or vegan lunch. Time to relax and connect with fellow participants
15:00 – 18:00 Coaching Session 2 “How to engage in off-line activities”
Nature Walk & Just being outside. Guided walk in nature to reconnect with the environment and with yourself. Engaging in meditation and/ or mindful movement. Emphasis on connecting with inner peace and tranquility.
17:30 – 18:30 Personal time
Free time to rest, read, or engage in a quiet activity of choice.
Option for mini sessions with coaches.
18:30 Shared Dinner
Vegetarian/meat dinner with a focus on healthy, nourishing food.
20:30 Evening Reflection and Sharing
Group reflection on the day’s learnings and experiences.
Sharing insights and supporting each other.
Setting intentions for the next day.
Package Including: (per person single occupancy): *
3 nights’ accommodation, daily Qigong (1hour), breakfast, packed picnic lunch, coffee, water, tea.
In total 16 hours Group Coaching
Daily Gentle Health hiking and outdoor picnics by the lagoon – great views guaranteed.
*Excluding: Alcohol, fizzy drinks, transport to hotel, transport to airport, travel insurance, dinner, massage.
Marion
Marion is an inspiring woman who felt the wanderlust inside her and went her own way. With a background in International Management and Mandarin, she has lived, worked and raised a family in China and Singapore. Marion bridges the East and the West. As a female founder of ‘Technical Talents (China) she has matched candidates with companies. In Shanghai she explored her passion for Qigong which she is still practicing every morning. Her second venture is “Walksperia”, located in the very West of Europe, the amazing Portugal. Marion supports people to reconnect with nature and to themselves.
Marion is a certified coach (ICF accredited) and a health hike leader who helps people to create their lives on their own terms.
John
Like many of us, John has experienced the intensity and stresses of business, relationships, and life.
Drawing on a long history of mentoring and coaching individuals in many different contexts, he has become an advocate of quiet reflection, enabling pausing and decelerating to reimagine and reenergize personal purpose and the positive impact people can make in the world.
He lectures at HES-Geneve and NOVA School of Business and Economics on Corporate Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship for Impact and Quality Management.