EVERY JOURNEY STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP

Mission life tends to be all consuming. As time passes, for many there is a build-up of unprocessed experiences, as well as an increasing backlog in personal development.

The Paradiso Perduto approach to this double predicament is non-invasive and unforced.

Instead of attempting to directly address trauma, we aim to provide a supportive and nurturing environment.

Our retreat programme essentially consists of a gentle but potent recipe:

  • Rooting - connection with place and nature
  • Belonging - participation in a healthy community
  • Nurturing - proper nourishment of body and soul

LAY DOWN YOUR ARMOR

Paradiso Perduto aims to offer a place of refuge.

To safeguard this space, we operate on the basis of fundamental respect, integrity and wholehearted inclusiveness.

Individual responsibility is understood as each of us having an obligation to play a meaningful part in the interdependent web of life.

Recognizing that all healing processes are like spirals - circling around and around, each cycle a little deeper - our approach is respectful of every individual’s current depth and (s)pace, without pressure or interference.

We respect people’s essential sovereignty. We do not determine the right path for them. We do not suppress symptoms nor do we manipulate a behavioral change.

Instead, we aim to create just the right circumstances that invite a spontaneous adjustment, an instinctive movement towards balance.

This does require a certain measure of trust and surrendering. We must let go – if only temporarily – of our preconceived ideas and expectations.

HEALING THROUGH RECONNECTION

An important obstacle to healing is the lack of rooting and overmuch intellectualisation.

Connecting with place and nature – while planting our feet firmly on the ground – is an important ingredient of our method.

Retreatants will be spending a lot of time outdoors, growing plants, caring for the resident animals and generally soaking up the energy of Earth.

In addition to daily grounding activities, various classes and workshops will be organised providing participants with techniques that, over time, form an effective toolbox full of healthy coping mechanisms.

Practicing these techniques will make it easier to break with destructive habits that keep people trapped in vicious cycles. They will also assist in maintaining balance after leaving the retreat and returning to ‘normal’ life.

FOR CIVILIAN VETERANS, BY CIVILIAN VETERANS

FEEDING THE SOUL

DURATION OF RETREATS

Most of us need to literally remove ourselves from our usual environment if we wish to bring about a meaningful change. In addition to a certain distancing, it takes time and practice to form new habits, develop new coping skills.

Regular retreats, as envisaged at the to-be-built international retreat centre, will generally have a duration of three months. They consist of a comprehensive programme, aimed at fostering long-term and fundamental change.

Pilot Retreats - an experimental, prototype version of the real deal - will consist of one week at a temporary venue. The programme will just be a taste of what is to come. More information on this will be made available in the autumn of 2024.

Groups will always be small, with a maximum of 15-20 participants at any given time. The location – be it temporary or permanent - will be carefully selected for its energetic properties.

WEAVING THE WEB

The return to the conventional world after a retreat of three months can be challenging. We wish to lend support during that transition.

After-care will be provided in the form of a private community platform, where members can keep in touch with each other - and with the organisation - in a safe digital environment.

We have not yet worked out the details of this arrangement, because we aim for this to be a joined community effort. Please contact us with your suggestions and ideas.