Quiet Mind, Peaceful Heart ™
Making the journey from healing to horse whispering, and finding your way home
Mid North Coast, NSW | November 5th – 9th 2021
If you are a spiritually minded woman who is longing for a deeper connection with your horse, searching for deeper meaning and a sense of purpose or simply on your own healing journey then join Julie Abrahams, spiritual guidance coach & holistic horsewoman for a uniquely personal, transformational healing journey with horses that will bring profound and lasting changes to your life and to your horse’s life.
What if the key to discovering your true purpose was also the key to developing a deeper, more spiritual connection with your horse?
The late afternoon sun is setting and you feel soothed by the comforting sounds of nature, and the sensation of a cool breeze as it dances lightly across your skin.
Its the end of an incredible day exploring the land and experiencing the profound peace and tranquility, in a place where you can step out of your busy life, unplug from the world, and leave your cares and worries behind you.
Your senses are alive with anticipation, you’ve heard the call and your inner knowing responded, ‘it’s time…’ time to press pause on your busy life, let go of the fear, step out of your comfort zone and follow your heart, it’s time to discover your true purpose and expand your vision of what’s possible…
Here in the company of a select handful of kindred spirits you begin what promises to be a magical experience of a lifetime. You laugh with your new friends as you savour delicious vegetarian cuisine while listening to the enchanting sounds of the Australian bush. A majestic wedgetail eagle soars lazily overhead, and you feel your heart lift.
As your thoughts turn to tomorrow you feel a tingle of excitement knowing that your day is going to be filled with experiences that will awaken, inspire and transform.
A tingle runs down your spine as you realise that life will never quite be the same…
Welcome to Mirrambeena, a place of healing, hope and transformation…
Oh the possibilities… by the end of our time together…
Not only do you feel refreshed, energized and rejuvenated, you are ready to embrace your life and create a new vision of what’s possible…
Plus you’ll take home a whole toolkit of practical techniques and strategies to help you navigate life’s challenges as they emerge.
Enchanting Mirrambeena
What better place to begin your healing journey with horses?
Our magical 10 day journey begins in the historic Japanese city of Kyoto where Usui Mikao founded the system of Reiki. Here in this beautiful city, where there are countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures, you will learn the beautiful Japanese art of Reiki which begins a journey of self-awareness and self-healing that has the potential to bring profound and lasting changes to your life and to your horse’s life.
During our time in Kyoto we’ll visit Mt Kurama, steeped in mystical beliefs, where it’s believed that Usui Mikao received his spiritual awakening during a 21 day fast.
The Venue
From Kyoto we’ll travel to the Kiso Valley and visit Kaida Kogen, the home of a herd of native Japanese horses where you’ll experience the beginning of your healing journey with horses. Here you’ll delve deeper into the practice of Reiki as you partner with the gentle native horses, learning how to connect with the horses in the energetic healing space of Reiki…
The Venue
From Kyoto we’ll travel to the Kiso Valley and visit Kaida Kogen, the home of a herd of native Japanese horses where you’ll experience the beginning of your healing journey with horses. Here you’ll delve deeper into the practice of Reiki as you partner with the gentle native horses, learning how to connect with the horses in the energetic healing space of Reiki…
Our magical 10 day journey begins in the historic Japanese city of Kyoto where Usui Mikao founded the system of Reiki. Here in this beautiful city, where there are countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures, you will learn the beautiful Japanese art of Reiki which begins a journey of self-awareness and self-healing that has the potential to bring profound and lasting changes to your life and to your horse’s life.
Mouthwatering Traditional Cuisine
Kyoto has a deliciously rich and diverse food culture and culinary history and is famous for its tofu, it’s sublime kaiseki cuisine and it’s Buddhist vegetarian fare.
With several well known dining styles, local delicacies and traditional sweets, Kyoto is perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike!
It’s also a great place to sample all the main classics of Japanese cuisine including sushi, tempura, soba, udon, ramen, unagi and okonomiyaki.
But it’s simply not possible to visit Kyoto without experiencing Kaiseki-ryori, a collection of dishes and courses designed to appeal to both the taste buds and the eyes, it’s Japan’s answer to haute-cuisine. We’ll be savouring Kaiseki on our first night together, atop a kawadoko, a truly unique dining experience where the floor of the restaurant is placed over a river to cool diners during summer.
And for our sweet tooths, Kyoto is also famous for it’s Kyo Wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets that are usually served together with thick matcha green tea at Kyoto tea rooms. Most Kyo Wagashi feature anko (sweet red bean paste) and are served to offset and balance the typical bitterness of matcha.
Seriously…it’s foodie heaven…
Top 6 Reasons Not To Miss This Experience
Ancient methods for modern times
Offering a beautiful blend of traditional teachings in Japanese Reiki, Equine Reiki and holistic horsemanship this immersive retreat style experience provides for you an opportunity to embark on a uniquely personal, transformational healing journey with horses.
It will take you on a journey to reawaken your spirit, to realize the oneness of all things, and to recognise that you already have an innate ability to heal yourself, your horses, the animals around you, and our planet as a whole.
There are countless benefits of Reiki. The regular practice of Reiki, which includes the giving and receiving of regular Reiki treatments, has been found to support spiritual growth and healing. The greatest and most immediate overall health benefit of Reiki is that it assists the body to release stress and tension.
Most people experience a feeling of deep relaxation and a sense of peacefulness immediately after a Reiki treatment—which can last up to several days.
Other benefits of Reiki are specific to each person. After receiving a treatment, an individual may experience any number of the following effects, on an emotional, spiritual, or physical level: an increased sense of well-being, calm, mental clarity, reduced stress, joy, relief of pain, increased energy and vitality, and feeling more balanced and centred.
Reiki provides horses with these same healing benefits, making it an effective method of caring for your beloved horse’s physical injuries and emotional issues—and virtually any problem your horse might experience.
Reiki is a wonderful way for humans to gain a deeper connection with and understanding of horses.
Using Reiki, you can develop a new way to communicate with your horse by learning to tap into how they feel and to understand how they think. This new method of connecting with your horse not only helps you to care for them in a deeper, more rewarding way, Reiki energy also allows you to benefit from your horse’s innate wisdom.
Developing a close relationship with your equine friends through Reiki can enrich your life in countless, profound ways.
The power to transform your life
During our time together you’ll learn skills that you can use every day to initiate positive changes in your own life, to heal yourself, and in turn, to develop the skills, knowledge, and wisdom to connect with and heal your horse and the other beloved beings in your life.
By the end of our time together you will have the tools to develop a daily practice of self-healing and meditation that will initiate positive changes and greater inner peace in your life.
Magic happens when we gather in community
The spiritual path can feel isolating as we expand beyond our comfort zones. It can mean letting go of the old – beliefs, habits, support systems, friends, even family members in some cases – to make room for the new.
Connecting with others on a similar journey in a safe and supportive space can offer us a deep sense of connection; enabling us to drop the masks we’ve been conditioned to wear in the outside world. And from this place of feeling deeply seen, heard and supported you are finally free to unfurl your wings and expand into your soul-inspired life.
Without judgement or expectation, you are welcomed in
to an intimate circle of fellow journeyers reminding you that although this is a solo inward journey, you are never really alone. We connect more fully to our self when in relationship to others Listening to and sharing in others’ experiences, can make the unconscious parts of our self, conscious. An unexpected stroke of insight can deepen our own awareness when we recognize ourselves in another. And we are once again reminded that we are all one; though the details of our story may vary, our core desire for love and connection is universal.
Time to relax and reflect
You’ll have plenty of time for reflection & relaxation. Integration is an important part of any new learning experience. Take a walk in the surrounding forests, relax in the restorative waters of a traditional onsen bath, journal, engage in soul-nourishing conversations with fellow journeyers, or simply rest and allow the healing process to unfold.
Let your deepening awareness and new insights gently seep in to your being. Open yourself up and allow this new unfolding energy to re-awaken all the potential that is yours to create your soul-inspired life.
The Lasting Impact
This very special experience promises you the unique opportunity to learn how to heal yourself, your loved ones, and the horses in your life, as well as learn how to deepen your relationship, build trust and enhance your spiritual connection with your horse, through the practice of Reiki.
You’ll know how to tap into your own inner guidance, knowing you can make clear decisions that are based on what’s right for you.
You’ll let go of all the limiting beliefs that are holding you back from achieving your goals and living the life you want to live.
You’ll learn how to let go of fear and worry so that you can develop the courage to step out of your comfort zone and follow your heart’s desire. You’ll discover your true purpose and expand your vision of what’s possible.
You’ll learn how to develop mental focus and greater clarity so you can become laser focused on achieving your goals. You’ll know how to quieten that monkey mind through meditation and grounding techniques so you can cultivate inner peace and calm confidence, as well as learn how to find stillness within, even when all around, the storm is raging.
You’ll learn a simple healing technique that will not only help you to heal your own life, you can use it to help your friends, loved ones and your beloved animals too.
You’ll learn about energy, how it works, and how your energy is perceived by others, and by learning to understand the language of energy you can use that understanding to improve your relationship with others, and to develop a deeper more spiritual connection with horses. You’ll learn how you can make a bigger difference in the world and that your life matters.
What I find most interesting is how many people sign up for this course to address a specific issue and subsequently come away with more life-changing benefits than they could imagine (or even allow themselves to believe were possible). A loss of excess weight, lower blood pressure, less attachment to things and outcomes, less worry, a new job or promotion, a new love interest, better sleep, a love of putting things away, a home that feels like a sanctuary, the courage to speak up and set clear boundaries with others, increased energy and motivation. These are just some of the shifts people have reported from their experience. You never know what will happen when you give yourself the gift of letting go.
But most of all, you will take home a gift that will last forever, the gift of health and happiness, in your hands and in your heart. How incredible is that?
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto
Arrival in Kyoto –You’ll be warmly welcomed by Julie and
Serrin when you arrive at the charming Palaceside Hotel, which is conveniently located right next door to the Imperial Palace,
the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan.
Here in the company of a select handful of kindred spirits,
you’ll begin what promises to be a magical experience of a lifetime.
After settling in, we’ll enjoy a scenic train ride in the early evening to the quaint village of Kibune, located just outside of Kyoto City. Along the way, we’ll be able to see lovely mountain vistas and travel through leafy tunnels. Once we alight from
the train we’ll take a short stroll to the restaurant.
We’ll enjoy our first meal together dining riverside savouring gourmet Kyoto cuisine while listening to the sounds of the river, atop a kawadoko (a Kyoto style of restaurant where the floor is placed over and/or besides a river to welcome and cool diners during summer), a truly unique experience. A large two-tiered waterfall is visible from the riverside on the rare Japanese river surface.
You will feel soothed just by listening to the comforting sound of the water under the cool breeze. This is a different world of coolness and breeze in this breathtaking environment.
Days 2 & 5: Learning the Japanese Art of Reiki
Our first four days in Kyoto begin with a 5-minute stroll from our hotel to a peaceful studio where we’ll spend each morning exploring the system of Reiki from a Japanese perspective.
Here Julie will take you through a comprehensive exploration into this beautiful healing modality. You will discover what Reiki is and how to utilise it as a spiritual practice for personal development, as well as a healing technique to heal yourself and others.
This part of the course is known as Shoden, a Japanese word meaning ‘first teaching’. It is the first level of teaching in the traditional Japanese branch of Reiki called Usui Reiki Ryoho. Shoden teaches how to practice healing the self and the basics of helping others. At this level the student is heading
out on the path to self-discovery, this is just the beginning…
We will not be working with the horses during the first four
days, however the work we’ll do during this time will form an
important foundation for the work we’ll be doing with the horses later in the week.
After completing Shoden you will have the tools to develop a daily practice based on the system of Reiki. This practice is the beginning of initiating positive changes and greater inner peace in your life.
Day 6: Mt Kurama
Today, we’ll take a scenic train ride to Mount Kurama accompanied by our own private guide. Mt. Kurama has a history steeped in mystical beliefs. It is also known as the birthplace of the Reiki.
In the early 1900s, the founder of the system of Reiki, Usui Mikao, meditated for 21 days on this mountain and received the Reiki healing energy.. Usui Mikao meditated near the top of the mountain at a site called Osugi Gongen, at the site of a great sacred tree (kami) said to be an incarnation of the god Maoson.
This promises to be one of the highlights of the tour, many people who have visited Mount Kurama have found their visit
a profoundly moving and spiritual experience.
After our visit to Mt Kurama, we will enjoy a very special dinner with an apprentice geisha (maiko). We’ll have an opportunity
to appreciate the elegant Maiko dance while savouring traditional Kyoto cuisine.
Day 7: Kiso Valley
Today we leave Kyoto and travel to the mountains by rail to picturesque Kiso Fukushima, our destination for the next three days. Tucked away in the Kiso Valley surrounded by nature, this historical town was one of the key points along the Nakasendo. Centuries later, remnants of Kiso Fukushima’s past can be discovered behind many doors on a wander around the town’s pretty streets.
Here in the highlands of Mount Kisokoma we’ll check into the Morino Hotel in Nagano, where you’ll have the choice of traditional Japanese or Western style room. One of the 100 famous Japanese mountains, Kiso Komagatake can be seen from all guest rooms.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax and rejuvenate in the hotel’s onsen bath, reflect on your journey so far, engage in soul nourishing conversation with your fellow journeyers or go sightseeing. There is lots to see and do in Kiso Fukushima!
Day 8 - 10: Kaida Kogen - Healing with Horses
Today, and over the course of the next three mornings, we’ll visit Kaida Kogen, the home of a herd of Kiso horses (Japan’s native horses) where you’ll begin your mutual healing journey with horses. Here, guided by Julie, you’ll delve deeper into the practice of Reiki, partnering with the gentle native horses, learning how to connect with the horses in the energetic healing space of Reiki.
Our time at Kaida Kogen promises to be memorable. Each morning we’ll begin with a meditation with horses, during which time you’ll receive a Reiju (a spiritual blessing) before we begin the morning instruction, followed by a heart to heart healing session with horses. These sessions with the horses involve quiet meditation and mutual healing, offering an opportunity for a uniquely personal transformational healing journey for the individual.
The afternoons are kept free to allow you time to reflect upon the morning’s teachings, journal your experiences, rest or to explore the local countryside and experience the local culture.
We will arrange some optional activities, including a visit to a traditional Onsen bath.
* Here in the vast pasture land east of Mount Ontake, Kiso horses are raised in 2 stables that are divided into 46 stalls. Residents of Kiso have raised Kiso horses for more than 1,300 years. In this pasture, visitors enjoy interacting with Kiso horses
Day 10: Farewell dinner
We’ll conclude our last day with the horses – and our magical journey, by coming together in the evening for a special farewell dinner at the Morino Hotel.
Tonight we’ll experience Kaiseki, which is a culinary highlight at a ryokan, (did I mention the Morino is a ryokan?) embodying beautifully presented dishes that delight both the palate and the eyes.
Every one of the 10 to 15 dishes that make up the multi-course Japanese dinner is prepared in a way that highlights the unique textures, colors, and flavors of featured seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Most commonly served at special restaurants and ryokans, a traditional kaiseki dinner usually consists of bite-size appetizers, fresh sashimi (raw fish, like sushi), soup, grilled fish or meat, a hot-pot dish, rice with miso soup, and a small dessert.
Pure, culinary bliss…
Day 11: Homeward bound
After breakfast we say goodbye to Kiso Valley and begin our departure and transfer to Narita or Haneda Airport by private vehicle for onward flight.
Optional 3 Day Pre Tour Extension in Kyoto
- Enjoy an enchanting full day group coach sightseeing tour exploring the ancient city of Kyoto. We’ll visit some of the most incredible World Heritage landmarks including Kiyomizu-dera temple, Sanju-san-gen-do temple, Fushimi Inari Taisya shrine (Thousand Torii), Arashiyama, Togetsu-kyo bridge, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji temple and Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden temple). Our tour also includes lunch.
- Enjoy a magical half day afternoon group coach tour of Nara: This half day afternoon tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. We’ll visit two World Heritage sites in Nara — Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. We’ll also get to see wild deer up close, a rarity in Japan and elsewhere in the world, while walking through Nara Park .(lunch not included)
- Enjoy a whole day free to explore and experience Kyoto on your own or simply rest and prepare for the course before we gather together for our group Welcome dinner in the early evening.
- 3 nights accommodation at The Palaceside Hotel Kyoto (single or twin) in the heart of Kyoto, including daily breakfast and dinner
- Your 3 day pre tour extension includes transportation from the airport to your hotel
Is this journey right for me?
This journey is totally for you if…
- You want to connect more deeply with your horse, and develop a more harmonious partnership based on trust, respect and mutual understanding
- You want to do more to support your horse physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually
- You care deeply about the planet and want to make the world a better place for humans and horses
- You love inspiring others to make positive changes in their lives
- You are so excited about joining us on this journey and can’t wait to embark on a mutual healing journey with horses
- You believe horses have something to teach humans about healing, and better ways to live in harmony with nature
- You feel your destiny is somehow connected to working with horses, in the realm of healing and spirituality.
- You’re ok with being vulnerable in a sacred sisterhood
- You’ve heard the call, its time to let go of the person you thought you needed to be, so you can become more aligned with who your heart is calling you to be
This journey is NOT for you if…
- You’re not interested in personal growth, spiritual development or transformation
- You don’t want to do your own inner work and overcome your own beliefs.
- You prefer to blame outside circumstances for everything that goes wrong in your life
- You believe in a dominance based method of controlling horses over a partnership built on mutual trust, respect and spiritual connection
- You don’t like being adventurous, making changes, or stepping out of your comfort zone
The Bonuses
Just because we care, you’ll also receive:
- A 1:1 Clarity call – a 30 minute call with Julie pre trip so she can get to know you, your intentions for the trip, and find out how best to support you on your journey
- Access to our Private Retreat Facebook Group – so we can connect prior to the trip, share pre trip information with you, and give you an opportunity to connect with other retreatees. After the trip we can stay connected, and of course share photos from the trip! Its also a place for you to ask questions and receive up to date information about the retreat.
- Pre Trip Group Call – you’ll have a chance to meet other people in the group, ask questions, and find out how best to prepare for the trip.
- Post Trip Group Call – This will be an opportunity for us to gather after the trip to help you integrate your learnings once back home and our time together!
What’s Included
- 6 nights accommodation at Mirrambeena (single or twin)
- Delicious homestyle vegetarian meals during the retreat, including daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Special welcome dinner on arrival night
- Healing Journey with Horses course fees – Shoden (Reiki Level 1) Certification & Equine Reiki: Foundation Training certification
What’s Not Included
- Flights to and from Japan
- Any activities that incur a fee on your free time.
- Spa treatments, room service and bar service
- Restaurant/bar service when you are not attending our group meals
- Lunches and 2 dinners
- Dinners when you are not attending group dinners included above
- Souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, taxis, laundry, and bell-boys.
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance
3 Day Pre Tour Kyoto Extension – What’s Included
- Transportation from the airport to your hotel
- 3 nights accommodation at The Palaceside Hotel in the heart of Kyoto, including daily breakfast
- Full day Kyoto group coach sightseeing tour including lunch
- Half day afternoon group coach tour of Nara
- Free day to rest and prepare for the course
Your Guides
JULIE ABRAHAMS – COURSE FACILITATOR
Julie has been involved with natural healing and complementary therapies for over 20 years; she is a Shinpiden level practitioner and teacher of Usui Reiki Ryoho and holds Diplomas in Esoteric Science & Holistic Counselling, Remedial Massage & Sports Medicine, Dream Psychology, Analysis & Interpretation, Equine Energy Therapy and Certificate in Esoteric Healing.
Based in Forster on the Mid North Coast, Julie combines her experience as a Reiki practitioner with her lifelong love of animals to specialise in teaching Equine Reiki and providing treatments for horses and their human companions. Her passion for working with both humans and horses has been the inspiration behind Julie’s vision to establish Four Winds Reiki, the ultimate goal of the business being to help bridge the gap between the human and animal kingdoms through mutual healing and education.
It is her desire to bring peace and healing to the mind, body and soul and her ambition to transform lives that inspires Julie to share her love of and passion for Reiki.
SERRIN TABART – TRAVEL MANAGER
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