Meditation, Yoga and Art – 9 days retreat in Lagoa de Albufeira, Portugal

About the Open Call

Join us for an immersive retreat where meditation becomes art and art becomes meditation. Whether you’re an experienced artist or meditator, a yoga practitioner, a complete beginner, or simply someone craving more mindfulness and expression, you’ll find space here to breathe, create, and simply be. Nestled in the heart of nature and conceived for a maximum of eight participants, this retreat invites you to explore your creativity not from pressure or perfection, but from presence. No experience required. Just bring your curiosity and your openness to discover yourself. _The heart of man and the heart of the cosmos are one_. Pierre de Chardin During this retreat, you will delve into and practice the relationship between meditation and artistic expression. Meditation deepens art. Art deepens meditation. Together, they nurture a mindful, embodied creativity that reveals, heals, and inspires. We invite you to an immersive retreat designed to help you explore the intersection between inner stillness and outward creative expression. Through guided meditation, a variety of art-making practices, Hatha Yoga, and mindful movement such as Qigong, you’ll be supported in reconnecting with your intuition, slowing down, and unlocking new dimensions of creativity and self-awareness. Although the instructors will mostly work with visual arts and poetry during the residency, you are free to contribute with your own artistic skills in any discipline (dance, music, etc.). CONTENT Art has long been recognised as a form of meditation. Artist and meditator Frederick Franck, for instance, developed an approach to drawing that blends Zen meditation with creative practice. Art can be a path to our inner self, uncovering potentials that often remain hidden. Likewise, deep states of meditation can awaken and enhance our inner artist. When we connect with our true essence, our creative potential naturally begins to blossom. Art also offers a powerful means of expressing and sharing meditative states—experiences that often transcend the boundaries of everyday language. How can we convey what occurs in the deep stillness of Hridaya meditation? We believe that art—intuitive, direct, and spontaneous—can beautifully communicate the richness of the meditative journey, making it accessible and relatable to others. Through art, we can express the beauty we encounter beyond the mind, in the pure presence of “I am.” The question “Who am I?”—revealed in the stillness of the heart—may find expression in a drawing, a poem. During the retreat, space will be held for those who wish to share their meditation experiences through both art and words, recognising the shared essence reflected in each unique creation. Hridaya meditation is rooted in the non-dual Advaita Vedanta philosophy, the core of Jnana yoga tradition. In Sanskrit, Hridaya means The Cave of the Heart. The term is referring to the essence of our being that is revealed into our heart. Therefore, Hridaya meditation is a direct path to our inner self. This form of meditation teaches us that when understood as the Supreme Consciousness, the Heart is limitless. It is infinite Light. It is also the absolute freedom and spontaneity of the Light of Consciousness that appears to us in the various forms of manifestation. Sahajananda, Hridaya Meditation Master and founder of Hridaya Yoga, wrote: _“The heart, as the Supreme Consciousness, is like the ocean that takes on the different forms of its waves. Therefore, awareness of the Spiritual Heart is itself a complete path. It can lead to direct knowledge, integrating all energies, all manifestations, but at the same time it is a path of revelation of Supreme Transcendence”_. _Core Themes:_ * Basics of Learning Meditation. * Express the Meditation Journey through Art. * Presence Through Creation: Using art as a meditation practice. * The Inner Muse: Tapping into the intuition of the Heart, rather than technical skill. * Letting Go: Focus on the process and not on the outcome. * Sacred Space: Cultivating inner and outer silence for inspiration. What You’ll Experience * Learning and Experiencing Basics of Concentration and Meditation Techniques. * Daily Guided Hridaya Meditations. * Expressive Art Sessions: Explore, painting, drawing, ink, and nature art—not for perfection, but for the process. * Hatha Yoga and Tai-chi/Qigong daily practice. * Nature Immersions: Walks and outdoor sketching to awaken the senses and connect with the earth. * Sound and Creative Flow: A unique experience blending music and spontaneous art-making. * Evening Reflection Circles: Share insights and creations in a supportive space. * Excellent Lacto/Ovo/Vegetarian food _Daily Schedule_ _and activities (the schedule may be readjusted to the group dynamics)_ 7:00 – 8:00 Hridaya Meditation – Meditation of the Heart 8:00 – 9.30 Hatha Yoga Practice 9:30 – 10:00 Breakfast 10:00 – 12:00 Atelier/Lecture/Individual creation 12:00 – 13:30 Space for individual creation (tutored) 13:30-14:30 Lunch 14:30 – 16:30 Break/Creation space 16:30 – 17:00 Meditation in movement – Qigong 17:00 – 19:00 Atelier/Lecture/Individual creation 19:00 – 20:00 Dinner 20:00 – 21:00 Group Reflection Circle & Art Share 21:00 – 22:00 Hridaya Meditation Ateliers and lectures : * Basics of Concentration and Meditation * Guided Visual Journaling * Observational drawing * Nature-Based Art Walks – sketch in nature * Sumi-e – Ink wash painting * ‘Zen seeing, Zen Drawing’ (after Frederick Franck) * Silent Studio Sessions * Spanda vibration * Silence and the Heart Awareness * Who am I? The answer expressed in art * Meditation and poetry * Group Reflection Circles & Art Shares * One-on-one intuitive art mentoring _Excursions_ One or two excursions in the nearby surroundings will be organised, depending on weather conditions and retreat schedule. _Accomodation and meals_ The retreat is hosted and organised by the SUNDARI Inner Development Center in Lagoa de Albufeira, Portugal—a secluded eco-sanctuary just 40 minutes from Lisbon. Nestled where two bird-rich lagoons meet the Atlantic Ocean, this tranquil haven is surrounded by endless white sand beaches and pine forests. Though integrated into a quiet community, the area offers deep immersion in silence and natural beauty. Here, the environment itself becomes part of your creative and inner journey. Open-air studios, peaceful walking trails, wholesome meals, and sacred stillness create the perfect setting to slow down and reconnect with yourself. The SUNDARI centre is an intimate retreat space with just four twin-bed rooms, each featuring a private bathroom and Wi-Fi. We honour gender balance and intentionally keep our retreats and yoga teacher training small—limited to a maximum of eight participants—so we can fully support each person’s unique rhythm and growth. Our focus is on presence, and cultivating a harmonious space where all can blossom. The house is surrounded by a charming garden with young trees and tropical plants. Within the garden is the Shambala Yoga Shala, equipped with yoga mats and meditation blocks for your practice. Upstairs, where the guest rooms are located, you’ll also find a shared study room and a small kitchenette ideal for preparing tea. The main kitchen, set amidst the garden, includes a filtered water system, dishwasher, laundry facilities, and all essential amenities. Meals are ovo-lacto-vegetarian and while you will be able to prepare your own rich breakfast, lunch and dinner will be lovingly prepared by Elena, a talented local chef who also owns a nearby restaurant. Please note: Our center is a substance-free environment—we do not permit alcohol, drugs, or smoking on the premises. _The SUNDARI Integral Yoga School_ Based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga, the Sundari Integral Yoga® School was founded in 2002 with the purpose of inspiring, encouraging, and nurturing human potential. As Aurobindo once said, “By integrating yoga values into our lives, we can live here on Earth a Divine Life.”We have discovered the importance of aligning ourselves with the rhythms and synergy of the Universe’s cycles. Our school’s mission is to cultivate a holistic understanding of life through personal development. We do this by integrating and experiencing ancient traditions from diverse cultures, including Yoga, Silent Hridaya Meditation, and Taoist practices. These time-honored disciplines offer proven benefits and can help awaken the foundational energies that align and strengthen the body. When practiced together, they can guide you toward a balanced and fulfilling modern life—one that nurtures the capacity for positive thoughts and harmonious emotions. Through the power of authentic knowledge and effective practice, anyone can experience deep personal transformation and a meaningful existence. In the Tantric Yoga tradition, Tripura Sundari represents the Cosmic Energy of Beauty, Harmony, Supreme Will, and Universal Love. These vibrations are present throughout all levels of the Universe. The Sundari Integral Yoga® School is devoted to bringing these essential energies into your life—if you so choose—so that you may discover a deeper appreciation and love for life. Loving life is fundamental to maintaining the flow of vital energy that harmonizes your whole being—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But what does it truly mean to “love life”? And how can one learn to do so? Often, it begins by observing and honoring your own being—cultivating uplifting thoughts that give rise to harmonious emotions, choosing nourishing foods, and becoming mindful of movements that support and strengthen your body. Thus, through love and dedicated practice, you can embrace a life that is both healthy and joyful. _I believe in the inner beauty of every human being, not only in its potential, but all the more, in its manifested power_. Carmen Prema (Founder of the Sundari Integral Yoga School) _Invited guest teacher artist_ **Lorenzo Bordonaro** Lorenzo Bordonaro is an Italian/Portuguese visual artist and cultural anthropologist. He holds a BA+MA in Philosophy/Anthropology (Università di Torino, Italy) and a PhD in Cultural Anthropology (ISCTE, Lisbon). He studied painting and drawing at Ar.Co (Lisbon) and sculpture at the Lisbon Faculty of Fine Arts. Lorenzo’s work bridges anthropology and art in deeply meaningful ways. His background in both philosophy and anthropology provides a strong intellectual foundation for his artistic and social practice. Lorenzo is currently focusing on the relationship between humans and the natural environment that suggests an evolving trajectory toward ecological themes. His recent works embody Lorenzo’s commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, providing visitors with an opportunity to engage in contemplation and experience a sense of communion with their surroundings. Lorenzo also studied Integral Yoga with Carmen Prema and Eugen Mario. He is passionate about oriental philosophies, Zen-buddhism, meditation, shamanism and the Non-dual Shaiva Tantra tradition.(www.bordonaro.eu) _Yoga and Meditation Teacher_ **Carmen Prema** Carmen, founder of the Sundari Integral Yoga School, is a highly experienced yoga teacher with over 35 years of teaching yoga and meditation. Her spiritual and movement mentors include Sahajananda, Simona Trandafir, Master Mantak Chia (Universal Healing Tao), Ma Laoshi from China, and Master Chris Luth, a U.S. Tai Chi National Champion. She is registered with Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT 500, RCYT, and YACEP. Driven by a deep curiosity and commitment to excellence, Carmen holds a Master’s degree in the Psychology of Education. Her thesis was a scientific study on the impact of yoga practice on high school seniors. She remains dedicated to the continuous study, practice, and sharing of body–mind–energy arts. Carmen is also a passionate healing practitioner. She studied acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine at the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, as well as phytotherapy and herbology at the Hippocrates Institute in Lisbon. Now based in Portugal, Carmen founded the Sundari Integral Yoga School, a Yoga Alliance–registered school (RYS). The school is a center for self-development and yoga teacher training. _Quigong and Taoist practice teacher_ **Eugen Mario** Eugen has a deep and passionate interest in Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, Taoism, Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, meditation, and mindfulness. He has had the privilege of learning and training in body–mind energy arts with various masters across China, Portugal, Romania, and the United States. Eugen holds a PhD in Social Sciences from the University of Greenwich and completed formal studies in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing. He is the Co-Founder of Sundari Center, where he practices and teaches Traditional Integral Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi. His yoga teaching credentials are recognized by Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 500, YACEP), the world’s largest nonprofit yoga organization. Among many enriching experiences, Eugen has had the joy and honor of training with renowned Taoist masters, practicing various forms of Qigong and meditation in the Wudang Mountains, and meditating in the Bodhidharma Cave atop the Shaolin Monastery. How to get there _Arrival by airplane_ Please book your flight to arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS). You can reach your destination by Uber/Bolt (the cost of Uber is between 35 and 45 EUR). Sundari Integral Yoga School will provide a shared location via WhatsApp upon the beginning of your travel. _Arrival by train, from the LIS Airport_ You may take the train to the Fogueteiro train station. Upon arrival, you may choose to ride a bus, Uber or Bolt to take you to the destination.

What is Offered

Accommodation and full board (ovo-lacto-vegetarian food), all art materials (except graphic journal), booklet with inspirational poetry examples, all lectures, ateliers, classes, individual mentoring, yoga mats and blocks.

Requirements

No experience required for art or meditation. Participants should bring curiosity and openness. The center is a substance-free environment; alcohol, drugs, and smoking are not permitted on the premises.

How to Apply

Contact sundari.edu@gmail.com or call 00351 965 239 432/00351 964 379 491 to reserve your place by paying a 300 Euro deposit before September 1st, 2025. The remaining balance is due after this date. Do not make travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from the center, which will be sent by September 1st.