Tips for staying cool this summer
With our beautiful country being ravaged by fires and drought it looks like we are going to be in for a hot summer. We asked around the retreat and here are some tips from our team to help keep you cool, calm and collected. Simon – Executive Chef The food we eat...
Billabong Christmas gift buying explained
This year we are seeing a huge movement towards gifting experiences rather than things and we are totally on board. Often people buy gifts simply so that they have something to give and I know I am not alone in being given many gifts over the years that I never end up...
Carrot and Fennel Top Salad
Vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free ABOUT Did you know that fennel actually has this amazing top part of the herb. For some reason when you buy fennel from the shops they chop off one of the best parts. My suggestion is to ask your farmer to keep the tops of the...
Conscious Manifestation: Joy in Action
How do we bring forth our deepest aspirations into a living experience? In this article we’ll be looking at how to distinguish when we manifest from a place of presence and when we let ego run the show. We’ll also explore how we can work with our insecurities and...
Meditation on breath with Larissa
A simple guided breath awareness meditation designed to take us to a place of rest and relaxation. Take a little break out of our day to connect within for as little as 6 minutes. Just sit or recline back and listen to the recording below. About Larissa Larissa...
Book: Why We Sleep
We have been told for decades that sleep and exercise are crucial for optimal health but we don’t really consider sleep to be just as important… until now! Matthew Walker is a neuroscientist and psychologist that has dedicated his days to understanding...
Meditation: “Let go” mantra with Larissa
Below is a simple guided mantra (words repeated) meditation linked with the breath to create a sense of freedom and release. The mantra is simply “Let Go”. If there is anything that may be causing you stress or tension this is a great meditation to begin...
Activated Raw Vegan Pizza
Vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free Equipment Food processor Blender Dehydrator or oven Base 3 cups x buckwheat (soaked for 10-12 hours) 8 x medium carrots 1 tsp x salt 2 tbsp x honey 3 tbsp x Italian herbs 1 1/2 cups x golden flaxseeds 1/2 cup x cold pressed olive...
Meditation 101: How to develop a daily practice
Most of us agree that meditation is good for us yet why do we find it so hard to actually practise it every day? Host Basia shares her best tips for developing a daily meditation practice. A must watch for all of you who are struggling to carve time out every day for...
Beetroot and Cacao Brownie
About I love this recipe because you can make a large batch and keep them in the freezer. That way when you are craving something sweet you have a healthier option instead of reaching for a chocolate with refined sugars that are often wrapped in plastic. Better for...
Book: The top five regrets of the dying
Have you ever spent time with a loved one at the end of their life and asked them about their regrets? What they wish they spent more time on? Less time on? Things they wish they did? In the film Embrace, Nigel Marsh talks about how we all wait for the big four before...
Meditation 101: Acknowledging thoughts with Basia
We all have thoughts circulating around our mind all the time, but are you ever actually aware of them? Can you connect with the space behind thought? Watch this video with Basia where she introduces this idea and then guides a short meditation for acknowledging...
Vegan Panna Cotta
Makes 6 small or 4 regular size INGREDIENTS Panna cotta 1 can full fat coconut milk (400mls) 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup white sugar (I never usually use this sugar but I wanted the traditional white look) 3/4 tsp agar powder – you can buy this at health food stores...
Cultivating self compassion with Larissa
When we are compassionate towards ourselves we are more likely to keep trying and keep moving forward. The opposite is also true when we are hard or more critical towards ourselves, we are more likely to want to give up in despair and stop trying. Over the years of...
Homemade Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Ghee has a whole scope of benefits. Ayurvedic traditions prescribe ghee for digestive issues, ulcers, and for its natural vitalizing properties. Only problem is, that when you buy it at the store it can cost you anywhere between $15-$45. The thing is, ghee is made by...
Book: First We Make The Beast Beautiful
It seems like almost everyone I speak to has some form of history with anxiety. Is it an epidemic? What is happening to make us so anxious and overwhelmed…? Author of “I Quit Sugar”, Sarah Wilson, delivers this candid, lighthearted book exploring her...
Bone Healing Beetroot Soup
Vegan option, gluten free I have recently had a knee injury. Through lots of reading and different bits of advice, I’ve decided to support the healing with organic food, supplements, gentle movement, sunshine and meditation/visualisation. To help with the inflammation...
Winter Yin-spiration with Phoebe
Winter is a time for slowing down, rugging up in your cosy woolies, drinking warm mugs of tea and nourishing yourself inside and out. When the colder and darker months approach us, we often do hibernate and curl ourselves into tight little balls of goodness and this...
Salted Caramel Cake
Vegan, refined sugar free, gluten free Ingredients Makes one layer of the cake Base 1/2 cup x almonds 1/2 cup x cashews or macadamia (or mixture of both) 1/2 cup x cacao powder 1 cup x soaked dates (soak in boiling water) pinch x salt (preferably celtic or pink salt)...
Benefits of bulk food purchasing at Naked Foods
Being an eco retreat, at Billabong we are always trying to reduce the amount of plastic that we use. There has been a big push in recent times towards bamboo toothbrushes, stainless steel straws and canvas shopping bags and that is great. But, one of the biggest ways...
Cocoa v Cacao
What’s the difference between Cadbury chocolate and the chocolate we make? A few different reasons but one of them being cacao! The difference between cocOA and cacAO is simple. Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing cacao (unroasted cacao beans). The process keeps...
Falling asleep in meditation? Watch this!
Our current lifestyle tends to be so busy and frantic that the body only knows how to move or sleep. This often means that when we sit for meditation, we find ourselves constantly nodding off. Sound familiar? Check out this video by Retreat Host, Basia. About Basia...
Why turmeric and black pepper are the perfect match
Turmeric is a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine with numerous health benefits. It is filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, antiseptic agents, anti-fungal agents and anti-bacterial agents. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which contains all...
Book: Yoga – The Path to Holistic Health
I would be really surprised if you have practiced yoga for a long time and have not heard of “Iyengar”. BKS Iyengar is considered one of the founding fathers of modern yoga and the creator of the Iyengar Yoga brand / style of yoga practice. He was a...
Mushroom and Lentil Hot Pot
Vegan, vegetarian Serves 5 I had it with purple sweet potato mash, beans & toasted sourdough Since cutting out meaty things from my diet I always thought it would be such a mission to make rich gravy-ish sauces, try this dish and I guarantee you wont feel like...
Why do we find it so hard to do things that we know are good for us?
“There is no teacher that can teach us anything new, they can only help to remind us what we already knew.” Why is it we know many things that are beneficial to our wellbeing, however, for whatever reason we find it hard or challenging to do so? We know many of the...
Sesame Treats
Sesame is highly regarded in Ayurveda for its powerful rejuvenative qualities on Vata dosha. This nourishing seed has long been used for its grounding and warming effects on the body and particularly the nervous system. Incorporate sesame seeds into tasty treats like...
Raw Cherry Bites
Vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free I’ve never really been a fan of Cherry Ripes… Not sure if that’s because they taste like plastic/processed cherries or what. But I do love real cherries and their in season so I have adapted my own recipe so you can taste...
How well do you AUM?
AUM is one of the most recognisable mantras in Eastern philosophy, it has amazing benefits and makes you feel so good when you chant it! Read on to learn more about this magical sound… Did you know there are four sounds which make are the mantra? AAAA UUUUU...
Stuffed Capsicums
Gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free Ingredients (makes 10) 5 x red capsicum 1 1/2 x cups of quinoa 1 cup x kidney beans or one can x organic kidney beans 1/4 cup x cashews 1/2 cup x black olives (without pips) 1 x medium brown onion 2 cloves x garlic 4 x medium...
Bed Yoga with Larissa
Yoga promotes a bounty of mind and body benefits, including things like strength, flexibility and stress relief… and we can do yoga without even leaving our bed. It’s all about finding ways that works for us that is realistic and accessible to us. There are so...
Roast pumpkin with whole spices
Gluten free, vegan A perfect companion on those cold winter nights! Ingredients 1 x medium size Jap (Kent) pumpkin 1 tsp x coriander seeds 1 tsp x fennel seeds 1 tsp x cumin seeds 1 tsp x fenugreek seeds 2 tbsp x fresh rosemary 1/2 tsp x black pepper 1 tsp x celtic...
Feeling scattered and unstable? Try this!
You probably learnt about the five elements growing up but have you ever considered how they affect us? Our current society rewards doing, achieving and succeeding and all of that physical and mental movement can mean we spend a lot of time with fire and air running...
Raspberry Mousse Cups
Gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free Ingredients 1 cup x frozen raspberries 1/2 cup x cashews 1 can x coconut cream 4 tbsp x maple syrup 1/2 tsp x vanilla 1/4 cup x melted coconut oil juice and zest of 1 lemon Optional: 1 tsp x lucuma powder 1 tsp x Reishi mushrooms...
Does meditation mean stopping your thoughts?
We hear it all the time, “I can’t meditate because I can’t stop my thoughts”. Our lovely retreat host Basia is on a myth busting mission. Watch her most recent video on the concept of stopping thoughts during meditation: About Basia Basia is a...
Mint, cacao and cinnamon myrtle bliss balls
Gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free The perfect recipe to add to your prep day so that when you’re craving something to pick you up in the afternoon you’re not always reaching for something with sugar. We love having a batch of these in our freezer for...
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Two Ways to Beat the Heat this Summer
This summer is set to be a hot one. Host Phoebe has provided two ways that you can beat the heat using tried and tested yogic techniques. Sitali Breath During these hot, steamy summery days and nights, we tend to lean on the use of fans, air conditioning, icy cold...
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Book: Making Peace Before You Eat
We might be a little bit biased, since Angie used to be a chef at Billabong, but we think that this is one of the best cookbooks out there. More than just a cookbook, Making Peace Before You Eat inspires the reader to connect with their meal, eating with mindfulness...
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Don’t search for happiness, create it!
I remember a few years ago walking past a colourfully painted mural of a rainbow sitting in a blue sky with a quote saying, “Don’t search for happiness, create it!” and I just stood in front of that mural thinking about what happiness means to me and whether I was...
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Moving from “Health” to “Wellness”
As human beings, we have always been aware that it is important to be healthy but it is only in recent times that we have had such a big focus on wellness. So what does that actually mean? Personally, I think that when people think of being healthy they think more of...
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Five reasons why parents should go on retreat, without the kids!
I am not going to lie, I don’t have kids. So perhaps I am not the best person to be writing this article. But, I have supported many students who are parents and I feel like I have a pretty good understanding of what it means to be a parent. You know: the guilt,...
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Book: Recovery – Freedom from Our Addictions
When you think of ‘addiction’, what do you think of? Addiction comes in many forms, from the more obvious and in your face like drug addiction and alcoholism to the more subtle forms of food addiction, materialism and addiction to technology. Russell Brand...
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How to Surrender to Uncomfortable Feelings
Feeling our emotions can be scary. Many of us are not afraid of our emotions themselves, but of experiencing them. We may have a resistance to the vulnerability that accompanies emotional expression especially when, during our most influential years of life, we were...
Documentary: Willandra Wisdom Walk
Walking has been used as a way of contemplation for thousands of years, a path for uncovering the wisdom embedded in the Earth, our bodies and spirits. Here is a short and sweet documentary exploring what wisdom means across different cultures and eras:...
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The Ethics of Yoga: The Yamas
Although yoga has been around for thousands of years, it has evolved in the West to often be nothing more than a form of exercise that incorporates breath. Although this is great for some and is the reason why most people come to the practice, we are missing some of...
Book: Ishmael – An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit
The thing I love about Ishmael is that it is written as a novel which means it is so easy to read! Too often I buy books that are full of wisdom but I struggle to sit down and actually read them. But not Ishmael. Daniel Quinn finally got this book published in 1992...
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Tips for a Conscious Christmas
Somehow 2018 has whizzed by and we are jetting towards Christmas at lightning speed. Given the state of our environment, the effects of the boom in social media and the increasing busy-ness of our lifestyle, it is more important than ever to be conscious of what we...
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A Buddhist Practise to Awaken Compassion – Tonglen
It takes courage to face our thoughts and emotions with gentle honesty. The parts of ourselves we’d prefer to deny and cover up with our well perfected strategies of escaping. Some are rather benign like going for a walk or watching a movie whilst others can be quite...
What are Whole Foods and why should you care?
Eating healthy can be tricky. For most of us, the discourse around nutrition and diet has come a long way since we zoned out whilst being fed the importance of the food pyramid or meat and two veg. Yet somewhat lucky and unlucky for us, many people are now zoning...
Meditation According to Tash
It feels like such a buzz word at the moment. Before I did a meditation course, to me, it felt like yet another thing to add to the to-do list. Meditation (according to Buddhism ideology) is basically focusing on one thing. When practiced regularly, it enables the...
Nourishing Sweet Potato, Zucchini and Spinach Dhal
Gluten free, refined sugar free Dhal is a highly regarded meal in Ayurveda due to its gentle and soothing effect on our digestive system. It has been used in India as medicine for thousands of years, being the first food babies are given due to the gentle nourishment...
Book Review: Everyday Blessings – Mindfulness for Parents
it is no secret that Jon Kabat-Zinn is one of our heroes! He was the real powerhouse behind getting mindfulness out of temples and into everyday homes and his program “Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction” is helping thousands of people around the world. Jon...
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Watch your Words
I mean really watch them. What are you saying to yourself over and over again on a regular basis? Notice if we say I don’t have this or this always happens to me. I can’t do this or perhaps I can do that. What happens? Does it ironically always happen to you? If we...
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Self-Abdominal Massage: Why and How?
Self-abdominal massage can encourage digestion and ease stomach discomfort. Essential oils such as peppermint, ginger, lavender and fennel are great for digestive issues. Combine a few drops of essential oil to some warm carrier oil. Massage the belly in a circular...
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Book Review: Lost Connections
If you haven’t already heard of Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions, you should have. For me, it has been one of the most insightful books that I have read for a long time. Written by Johann Hari, this book...
Edamame and Brown Rice Salad
Vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free This is a super easy recipe and perfect if you have left over rice. It can be easily changed to whatever veggies you have at home! INGREDIENTS: 250g x brown rice – cooked 1/2 bunch x mint 1/2 bunch x coriander 1 x bag...
Self Love with Larissa
So many are constantly looking outside themselves for love. In the next relationship, chocolate bar, cigarette, drugs, sex, what ever it might be, take your pick. There is a feeling you are seeking whether you realise it or not in everything we do or purchase. Love...
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Three Easy Breathing Techniques to Calm Your Mind
Breathing techniques (also known as pranayama in traditional texts) have been around for thousands of years. The breath is such a powerful tool because it can be both automatic and controlled. See “Pranayama: What is it and why should you include it in your...
Pesto Mushrooms with Herbed Chilli Oil
Vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free This recipe is so versatile. I make both the pesto and the herbed chilli and just keep them in my fridge and add them to anything really. Dip fresh bread in the oil or add to a salad. Add the pesto to pasta (I recommend buckwheat...
The Best Rumi Quotes for Inspiration
It is no secret that I love Rumi. I read his quotes and poems in my yoga classes all the time because I find that he has such a knack for explaining something deep and profound in one short sentence that makes so much sense! If you are sitting there wondering...
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Tash’s Ratatouille
Vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free My Mum finally shared her ratatouille recipe and now I am sharing it with the world! A french classic and a dish I lived on growing up. It’s packed with so many veggies and is great as a main or a side dish. INGREDIENTS: 8...
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Raw Vegan “Joyous” Jaffa Balls
Gluten free, vegan, no added sugar A quick word: Here is a simple little treat that brings a vibrant joyous aroma and taste. Filled with 100% wholefood goodness and natural sweetness, they bring an uplifting zing while satiating that inner cry for a sweet treat (but...
Book: Wholesome Child
A fantastic book for all parents out there that would love to incorporate more healthy food into their child’s diet. Mandy Sacher is passionate about feeding whole foods to even the fussiest of children. Even if you don’t have children, the recipes are...
Why guys should be going on retreat
Statistically, women are much more likely to go on retreat than men. There seems to be a stereotype that retreats mean eating rabbit food, talking about your feelings and getting pampered. Although you can talk about your feelings if you want and, of course, we can...
Spring Rejuvenation Retreat
Sunday 2nd to Wednesday 5th September 2018 Spring is about to arrive and we want to celebrate! Join us for our special Spring Rejuvenation Retreat to welcome the end of winter and the start of spring with open arms. Spring is a time when we awaken from the winter...
End of Winter Wellness Ritual
The cold of winter is lingering a little longer than we may have hoped. Once winter sets in it’s easy to let health slide as we indulge in rich foods, slow down our outdoor activities and basically bunker down until the cold passes. Winter is actually a beautiful time...
Activated Buckwheat Granola
Gluten free A quick word: We hear a lot about activated nuts and seeds today, and for good reason. By activating our nuts and seeds we “switch on” the beneficial enzymes within them to allow them to be more digestible. Activating our nuts and seeds also gives our...
Ten Ways to Practice Self Care in Spring
Spring is almost here! This is very exciting news as it means longer days and more importantly, warmer weather. Spring is traditionally a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Did you know? In Australia we classify seasons in terms of calendar months which means...
Billabong Mighty Spread
If there’s one food that most Australians hold close to their hearts, it’s Vegemite. The savoury spread represents a metaphorical black and gold of Australian culture being enjoyed by countless Australians since it’s introduction to our shelves in 1923. Throughout...
Book: The Untethered Soul
A fantastic book encouraging you to explore who ‘you’ really are. Are you the voices in your head? Are you simply a body? Are you something more? Michael A Singer explores the notion of consciousness using methods of meditation and mindfulness. We really...
Dark Jaffa Cacao Sponge Cake with Raw Cacao Fudge Sauce
Gluten free & Dairy free Sometimes only a chocolate cake will satisfy our taste buds’ silent cries for some sweet attention. As someone who prefers not to consume dairy or gluten, I decided to create this dark cacao sponge so that is was gluten & dairy free as...
Documentary: Brain Games
Brain Games is a Netflix documentary looking at how our brains affect our reality. We recommend Season 4 Episode 1 which is a brilliant short film aimed at kids and adults alike about how our brains are wired for compassion. Check it out on Netflix.
Book: The Mind Workout
A really simple and user friendly book that was recommended by a recent guest that explains basic mindfulness practices in ways that are really easily digested and put into practice in every day lives. Mark talks about learning to notice urges, break compulsive...
Books: A New Earth and The Power of Now
Here are 2 books we would recommend to everyone! A New Earth and The Power of Now, both by Eckhart Tolle. “Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious...
Book: Loving What Is
This book is extremely helpful if you ever find that you have disturbing emotional thoughts that are very hard to ignore or to get rid of. In this book Byron Katie gives format and formula for conversations which create breakthroughs and transformation.
Top Three Books: Pregnancy Yoga
Here are 3 books our yoga teachers recommend for all the pregnant goddesses Yoga Mama, Yoga Baby: Ayurveda and Yoga for a Healthy Pregnancy and Birth by Margo Shapiro Bachman M.D Yoga Mama: The Practitioner’s Guide to Prenatal Yoga; by Linda Sparrowe Yoga for...
Film: The Science Behind Yoga
We highly recommend this great short film featuring many of our teachers from the lovely people at Uplift… Watch it on Uplift here.
Book: We’re All Going To Die
This is a beautiful joyful book that understands one of the keys to enjoying life is to come to terms with our own inevitable death. Written by an Australian medical doctor this book explains the wisdom that comes from reconciling ourselves with death, a skill that...
Book: Sapiens
This book gives a great understanding of how us humans evolved and the biological and cultural history that has shaped each and every one of us today. Once you fully understand where you come from and the forces that have created you it is far easier to break free...
Book: Wherever You Go, There You Are
“Wherever you go, there you are. Whatever you wind up doing, that’s what you’ve wound up doing. Whatever you are thinking right now, that’s what’s on your mind. The important question is how are you going to handle it?” Jon...