If you're newer to practice, MBSR is the best foundation. You can return to Flourish when you're ready. Begin with MBSR.

Transformative changes in life and relating

Someone told Steve that MBSR would be about having more spaciousness and intimacy. He really didn't understand how mindfulness could lead to that. Here he talks about what those words came to mean many years later - listening to music differently, deeply looking at a painting, being truly present with people he loves.

  • I realised: my purpose was to build solid ground on which people can stand to do amazing things. At work, when issues come up, I ask: what's the solid ground they need? With my kids coming and going, I want to create an emotionally solid home for them to thrive in.

    —Mike

Keeping practice alive

  • Monthly half-day retreat format

    The Meditation Lab

    Ready to dive deeper? The Lab offers extended time for real exploration of meditation practice.


    Each half-day retreat will dive deep into a playpen of practice experiments for living, and will be grounded in understandings from the wisdom traditions, philosophy, science and literature. While each session stands alone, together they weave a pragmatic journey of growth and understanding.


    What you'll gain:
    Monthly immersion in experimental practice and philosophical exploration.

    Coming Soon
  • Care & continuity in company

    Meditation Circles

    You've finished MBSR and had that feeling – "But I want this to go on!" – this is what comes next.

    How do we sustain our mindfulness meditation practice so it becomes an ongoing enrichment of our inner and outer lives? In this small practice group, we will meet over time to build confidence in our embodied knowing and grow trust in incremental change that comes with practice.


    What you'll gain:
    Weekly touchstone for sustained practice within a committed community.

    Coming Soon
  • Wisdom & study

    Bookclub 2026

    Love learning through reading and conversation? This gathers people exploring contemplative wisdom traditions and meditation philosophy together.


    There is a feast of wisdom in this world. Join a community of learners who want to explore what the wisdom traditions and contemplative practice can offer – in creating well-being and connection within, and also in the wider communities in which we move.


    What you'll gain: Structured exploration of contemplative texts with fellow practitioners.

    Coming Soon
  • Wisdom & study

    Thoughts Worth Having

    If you value reflections that inspire and gently provoke deeper thinking, you'll find plenty here.


    Short musings and reflections to inspire, encourage and mystify you in a good way – from the most recent writings to other topics found by search.


    What you'll find: Essays and teachings from mindfulness teachers Tim Goddard and other voices.

    Read Blog
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Growing relational capacity

  • A path to emotional resilience

    Understanding Your Emotions

    If developing a healthier, wiser relationship with your feelings matters to you, this work will help.


    Our emotions carry vital information, yet many of us have learned to avoid or become overwhelmed by our feelings. This course offers a compassionate, practical approach to developing emotional literacy and resilience. We will strengthen our capacity to feel, accept and communicate our feelings in ways that support wellbeing and connection.


    What you'll gain: Powerful methods for emotional awareness and skilful response.

    Coming Soon
  • Growing wisdom and compassion in relationships

    Wired for Connection

    If staying open-hearted in challenging moments feels important but difficult, this work will resonate.


    In the world we live in, the only sane response is perhaps to deepen our capacity for recognition, tenderness and compassion – for ourselves and others. Drawing on neuroscience, biology, and non-dual mindfulness and compassion practices we will grow relational skills even in "hot" situations. Come along to build strengths in staying open-hearted, setting boundaries and honouring difference.


    What you'll gain: Advanced relational skills grounded in neuroscience and contemplative wisdom.

    Coming Soon
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Diving deeper

  • Diving deeper

    Retreats

    When you're ready to truly step away from the daily demands for a real reset, a retreat offers that space.


    Practicing intensively in community brings a deep sense of support and shared purpose as we explore our inner and outer lives. Create the dedicated time and space to refine and deepen your practice, with teachings and teachers to guide you in the journey.


    What you'll gain:
    Extended immersion with structured guidance for deepening insight.

    Explore Retreats
  • Diving deeper

    Retreats Beyond OpenGround

    If your practice has you wanting to explore different orientations and communities, we've gathered some recommendations here.


    When your curiosity about the teachings and the practice is on fire, you may become interested in other orientations and communities of practice. We have provided some links here to teachers and groups available in Australia, that we value.


    What you'll find: Recommended teachers and retreat centres we trust and respect.

    Coming Soon
  • Become a teacher

    Teacher Training with Openground and MTI

    Considering becoming a mindfulness teacher? MTI offers comprehensive training for people seriously committed to this work.


    If you have been personally touched by this precious work and want to make it part of your professional life, then contact MTI – our sister organisation – to see what the pathway might look like for you. It will provide a solid base on which to bring secular mindfulness practice in your professional context in a way which is skilful, ethical and relevant – whether you want to teach MBSR or simply develop your leadership capacities. 


    What's involved: Comprehensive training pathway through the Mindfulness Training Institute.

    Learn About Training
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