• Bio image of Timoethea Goddard, director of OpenGround, psychotherapist, MSBR, MSC, MiCBT & insight (Vipassana) meditation teacher, yoga teacher, teacher trainer with MTI, retreat leader.
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Weekend Meditation Retreat

Residential Retreat (2.5 days)

Burradoo, Bowral, NSW

Hartzer Park, 25 Eridge Park Rd, Burradoo NSW 2576.  This venue is wheel-chair accessible.

Ways to get there:

Car: Here is a Google Maps link to Hartzer Park.

Train: The nearest station is Bowral Station and then it's a short cab ride to Hartzer Park. Here is a link to Sydney Trains.

Car Pooling: We will be helping to organise some car-pooling and will send an email out with details for those people looking for a lift. Do be in touch with if you can offer a lift or are looking for a lift.

December 4, 2026 - December 6, 2026

This retreat will begin at 5pm on December 4, 2026 and conclude at 3pm on December 6, 2026.

Taught by Timothea Goddard

To get to know more about Timothea Goddard, and the rest of our retreat teachers click here.

The body knows the way:
Somatic practices for an awakened life

What if the path to waking up runs directly through the body?

In this immersive weekend retreat, we explore the Buddha's Eightfold Path as eight living dimensions of awareness — not steps to achieve, but ways of being that are available to us right now, in this breath, in this body.

Using five foundational somatic resources — grounding, yielding, aligning, centering, and radiating — we bring each dimension of the path into direct felt experience. We discover what it means to see clearly from a settled, grounded presence; to attend with the sensitivity of a body that has learned to yield; to act and speak from a place of true alignment; to make choices that radiate from our deepest values rather than our habitual reactivity.

Through sitting and movement practices, embodied inquiry, reflection, and dyad work, this retreat invites a shift from Buddhism as a set of ideas to the path as something we live from — moment by moment, from the inside out.

Open to meditators at all levels of experience.

Registration
$695.00
$695.00
Tax included.
Learn about payment plans & options

More information

What's included?

Accomodation, all meals (enjoy the delicious gourmet vegetarian cuisine by Claude's Food), guided meditation practices, dharma teachings, individual teacher meetings, beautiful natural setting. Enjoy the comfort of private rooms, nourishing meals, and time in nature - creating the perfect setting for rest, renewal, and personal growth.

You've registered, what's next?

Immediately:

  • Confirmation email with course details and receipt
  • Confirmation of your details and pre-retreat questionnaire (brief, helps your teacher support you better)

1 week before course start:

  • Reminder email 

Payment options

  • Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • Bank transfer
  • PayPal

Optionally, you can set up a Payment Plan using PayPal's "Pay in 4". You'll need the free PayPal app to set this up. To learn more and check your eligibility, visit this page.

Refunds & cancellation policy

OpenGround's programs are built around genuine commitment - yours to the program and the practice, and ours to you. When you register, your place is held and costs are committed: teacher preparation, materials, catering, and in the case of retreats, venue fees that are locked in well in advance. Our cancellation terms reflect that reality, while leaving room for the unexpected turns that life sometimes takes.

Our refund policy for residential retreats:

  • If you cancel more than 4 weeks before the retreat begins, you'll receive a full refund less a $110 administration fee.
  • If you cancel between 4 weeks and 2 weeks before the retreat, you'll receive a 50% refund.
  • If you cancel within 2 weeks of the retreat, there is no automatic refund.

If you can find a substitute participant, we'll refund your fee less the $110 administration fee.

If you are unable to attend the retreat due to having COVID or the need to self-isolate, then you will have the choice to receive a refund minus $100, or transfer to another retreat. However, if the notification of your non-attendance is very late, we may have to charge you for the catering and/or the accommodation fee as well (if Openground is charged for this).

If the retreat is going ahead, but you decide not to attend for your own personal reasons, then you will not be eligible for a refund. Also, please note that OpenGround is not responsible for your travel arrangements that may or may not be impacted by attending the retreat.

Medical emergencies or significant life crises considered individually.

What participants are saying...

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  • "...the most precious gift you can give to your...

    Jennifer L, Living Wholeheartedly Retreat, July 2026

    It's like a big warm hug for the parts of you that feel not good enough! Rather than intimidating, the silence is warm and friendly. You'll be completely looked after....

    "...the most precious gift you can give to yourself"

    It's like a big warm hug for the parts of you that feel not good enough! Rather than intimidating, the silence is warm and friendly. You'll be completely looked after....

    Jennifer L, Living Wholeheartedly Retreat, July 2026

  • "...get to know your inner self more"

    Anon, Deepening Insight Retreat, March 2026

    A unique chance to recharge and get to know your inner self more – we all need this, it is a gift to yourself and others.  

    "...get to know your inner self more"

    A unique chance to recharge and get to know your inner self more – we all need this, it is a gift to yourself and others.  

    Anon, Deepening Insight Retreat, March 2026

  • "...reminded of my mind body world connection"

    LMC, Living Wholeheartedly Retreat, July 2025

    I came to the retreat looking for silence, and that was there, but there was so much more. I was reminded of my mind body world connection, where I am...

    "...reminded of my mind body world connection"

    I came to the retreat looking for silence, and that was there, but there was so much more. I was reminded of my mind body world connection, where I am...

    LMC, Living Wholeheartedly Retreat, July 2025

  • "...reset, replenish our energy"

    EM, Deepening Insight Retreat, March 2025

    Libba's warm energy, humour and wisdom are a delight. I learned a lot and was able to bring perspective to a few things that had been troubling me in life....

    "...reset, replenish our energy"

    Libba's warm energy, humour and wisdom are a delight. I learned a lot and was able to bring perspective to a few things that had been troubling me in life....

    EM, Deepening Insight Retreat, March 2025

  • "All you need is an open mind"

    Peter, Deepening Insight Retreat, March 2025

    By the end of the retreat, you'll gain valuable insights and a deeper connection with yourself. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to see it through....

    "All you need is an open mind"

    By the end of the retreat, you'll gain valuable insights and a deeper connection with yourself. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to see it through....

    Peter, Deepening Insight Retreat, March 2025

  • "...amazing for development & growth"

    Retreats Participant

    Focused practice helps me remember how amazing the practice is for development & growth.

    "...amazing for development & growth"

    Focused practice helps me remember how amazing the practice is for development & growth.

    Retreats Participant

  • "...regular practice bolstered & stronger for m...

    Retreats Participant

    My regular practice feels bolstered and stronger for months after a retreat. I can tune into the feeling of stillness. I remember the feeling of being with others in silence.

    "...regular practice bolstered & stronger for months"

    My regular practice feels bolstered and stronger for months after a retreat. I can tune into the feeling of stillness. I remember the feeling of being with others in silence.

    Retreats Participant

  • "...combination of emotional processing & nature"

    Betty, Retreats Participant

    Being on retreat has given me the opportunity to really digest some difficult emotional experiences. I know that's something that wouldn't happen in a half-hour home practice. The trees, the...

    "...combination of emotional processing & nature"

    Being on retreat has given me the opportunity to really digest some difficult emotional experiences. I know that's something that wouldn't happen in a half-hour home practice. The trees, the...

    Betty, Retreats Participant

  • "It's like spring cleaning..."

    Lisa, Retreats Participant

    It's like spring cleaning - get rid of the baggage, start fresh for the year.

    "It's like spring cleaning..."

    It's like spring cleaning - get rid of the baggage, start fresh for the year.

    Lisa, Retreats Participant
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Commonly asked questions

What's the difference between online and in-person?

The curriculum and structure are identical. Online courses are conducted via video call (Zoom), which means you can participate from anywhere in Australia. In-person courses offer the benefit of being physically present with your teacher and group. Both are effective - choose based on your preferences and logistics.

Does it matter which teacher I choose?

All our teachers are highly trained and experienced. Some participants choose based on teacher background (e.g., if you're managing pain, you might connect with a teacher who has healthcare experience). Others choose based on logistics. During your pre-course interview, you'll get a sense of fit.

Can I switch courses if the timing doesn't work out?

Yes, with notice. If you register and realise the timing isn't going to work, contact us. We'll transfer you to another course or arrange a refund according to our cancellation policy.

What if the course I want is full?

You can join the waitlist. We often add additional courses when demand is high, and spots sometimes open up as circumstances change for registered participants.

More upcoming retreats

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Still have questions? Contact a Retreat teacher

We're happy to discuss any concerns before you register. This is a significant investment of time, money, and energy - we want you to feel confident in your decision.

Call us: 0401 904 995 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEDT)
Email: info@openground.com.au

Response time: within 1-2 business days

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