“I’m here specifically for a meditation and mindfulness retreat run by Michael Hallock. . . We have a powerful session on forgiveness that has one of our group in tears...
There are more ‘aha’ moments about letting feelings and anxieties arise, instead of pushing them down. . .
This is really valuable stuff.”

“Later that morning, my classmates report revelations… Mary announces that last night she enjoyed the best sleep ever - without the need for her usual pharmaceutical support crew. David reveals he’s never felt so free and is considering running off to an ashram. . . Michael just listens and smiles his mindful smile. . . During our final class, the personal epiphanies continue. Rebecca, a corporate lawyer, says her nightly panic attacks have eased off. ”

“Participants learn the keys to an easier, less stressful and more joyful life, while exploring various meditation techniques such as breathing, stillness, self-awareness and mindfulness. . . A favoured meditation technique used by Michael Hallock for mindfulness practice at Elysia is Watsu.”

“Throughout the weekend we were grounded by stories of ex-girlfriends, wisdom from zen monks, and lots of laughter.”

“I expressed wanting to find time for personal writing and am delighted that Michael, a poet himself, plans a session purely around this. We sit by the river again in the morning, and he leads a meditation to clear my mind, allowing ideas to drop in more freely.”