Back to our senses: Mindfulness, Nature and Gastronomy
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About the workshop Do you feel the need to reconnect with that natural 'aliveness' within you? Are you ready for a Mediterranean sensory revival of autumn sights, mesmerising scents, soothing sounds and enticing flavours? Are you looking for a break beyond the 'typical sea and sun' holiday in Cyprus? Join us on the beautiful island of Cyprus for our "Back to our senses: Mindfulness, Nature and Gastronomy" holiday retreat at Aperanti Agrotourism, hosted by Sara Zanardelli, Tassos Shialis and Claire Thompson, author of Mindfulness and the Natural World. The week will include an introduction to mindfulness practice and meditation, time experiencing nature, walking, cooking classes and delicious home-made, fresh, local Mediterranean gastronomy. Mindfulness teacher Claire Thompson will invite you to explore mindfulness as a choice to come back to life, to our senses, to ourselves and to what is deeply natural within us and around us. We will then invite you bring this approach to your experiences in the mountains, by the sea, on our walks, and whilst cooking and savouring the huge variety of exquisite Mediterranean flavours. The word "Aperanti" comes from the Greek "Beyond infinite". Staying at Aperanti is about sharing our love for nature & respect for the environment, our knowledge of the mountains, our passion for the local cuisine and tradition and making new friends. When you unite Sara's delicious Mediterranean cooking, Tassos's passion for his Cypriot home, and Claire's grounded, playful and down-to-earth approach to exploring mindfulness and the natural world - you will be sure to leave feeling alive, inspired, invigorated, grounded and more connected to yourself than ever!
Why mindfulness in nature?
Nature is around us and within us always. How would we be here experiencing life if it weren’t for our bodies, air, water, trees, birds, the sun and the sky? The simple answer is that we wouldn’t. Nature gives rise to all life including our own. This means that experiencing the natural world is essential for our happiness and well-being - and there is now plenty of evidence to support this fact. In a fast-paced modern world we live in where we are increasingly disconnected from our natural home, we need to experience nature, today more than ever before. This is where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, non-judgmentally and with kind acceptance to our direct experience (thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment) in each moment. We tend to live a large portion of our lives on ‘autopilot’, lost in thoughts, without stopping to notice what it really feels like to be alive, moment by moment. Through mindfulness, we can actively decide where we direct our conscious attention. This choice is the secret to a happier, more contented life. The practice of mindfulness is thus the ideal way to explore our experiences of our own lives – but it is also a wonderful way to notice life around us, in the natural world, wherever we are. 
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DATES : Thursday 7nd-Tuesday 12 th November 2019 (the course finishes on Tue after lunch) PRICE:
PRICE INCLUDES:
NOT INCLUDED:
FOR RESERVATION contact us in advance (limited availability).
Let us know if you are thinking to extend your stay at Aperanti or if you would like some advice about places to visit in the rest of the island.
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Program
DAY 1.
Arrival at our traditional agrotourism accommodation Aperanti and meeting with the owners Tassos & Sara and with the Mindfulness teacher Claire.
Introduction and welcome drink (homemade lemonade or coffee or herbal tea) and homemade biscuits/cake.
Walk around our charming village of Pera Orinis exploring the little cobble-stoned alleys and hearing about the history of the village from the locals.
Evening dinner at Aperanti with full three course menu blending Cypriot & Italian flavors, Mediterranean herbs and fresh home-grown and local vegetables, followed by coffee, herbal tea or homemade liqueurs produced from home-grown fruits, local wild herbs and berries.
Arrival at our traditional agrotourism accommodation Aperanti and meeting with the owners Tassos & Sara and with the Mindfulness teacher Claire.
Introduction and welcome drink (homemade lemonade or coffee or herbal tea) and homemade biscuits/cake.
Walk around our charming village of Pera Orinis exploring the little cobble-stoned alleys and hearing about the history of the village from the locals.
Evening dinner at Aperanti with full three course menu blending Cypriot & Italian flavors, Mediterranean herbs and fresh home-grown and local vegetables, followed by coffee, herbal tea or homemade liqueurs produced from home-grown fruits, local wild herbs and berries.
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DAY 2.
Morning introduction to mindfulness, what mindfulness is about, followed by an exploration of our relationship with nature, including guided meditations and discussions.
Exploration of the rolling countryside around Pera Orinis and a visit to the white-stone peaceful monastery of Agios Irakleidios. Herbal teas, jams and other delicacies produced by the nuns of the monastery can be sampled and purchased on site.
Visit to the organic Riverland Biofarm Riverland, the first farm of its kind in Cyprus to produce healthy food in a sustainable way, with maximum respect for the animals and the environment. The delicious products of the farm (Yoghurt, Airani, Kefir) can be purchased on site. The farm lies in a beautiful setting, above the Tamassos Dam and with views over the mountains.
Exploration on foot of a dramatic volcanic canyon that can only be found in this unique location. An afternoon mindfulness session will include guided meditations and silent walking around the canyon.
Dinner: a real gourmet experience at Peiragmena restaurant, enjoying some Cypriot dishes revisited with a twist.
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DAY 3.
Morning outing to experience the nearby Machairas Mountains and enjoy a short hike through the beautiful, alive river valley and pine forests immersing ourselves in our natural surroundings, looking out for wild plants and local birds. Mindfulness exercises during the hike will include sensory exercises, games and a ‘Sit Spot’ exercise.
Afternoon drive up into the mountains where breathtaking views over Nicosia and the flat plain await. Our drive will then take through to the historical and traditional stone-built village of Lazania and the secluded Machairas Monastery.
On our way back, we will have a sunset walk across a plateau which opens into a beautiful valley with eroded sedimentary rock formation lunar landscape with stunning view over the Pentadaktilos mountains and Nicosia - and guided meditation.
Evening meal of traditional Meze (selection of Cypriot dishes) in a local restaurant.
Morning outing to experience the nearby Machairas Mountains and enjoy a short hike through the beautiful, alive river valley and pine forests immersing ourselves in our natural surroundings, looking out for wild plants and local birds. Mindfulness exercises during the hike will include sensory exercises, games and a ‘Sit Spot’ exercise.
Afternoon drive up into the mountains where breathtaking views over Nicosia and the flat plain await. Our drive will then take through to the historical and traditional stone-built village of Lazania and the secluded Machairas Monastery.
On our way back, we will have a sunset walk across a plateau which opens into a beautiful valley with eroded sedimentary rock formation lunar landscape with stunning view over the Pentadaktilos mountains and Nicosia - and guided meditation.
Evening meal of traditional Meze (selection of Cypriot dishes) in a local restaurant.
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DAY 4.
It isn’t a proper visit to an island without a day at the sea!
Morning drive south from Pera Orinis towards the coast - passing through enchanting hilly countryside on the way to Lefkara. Lefkara is a picturesque village famous for its traditional lace and silverware. We will have a short stroll through the narrow winding alleys of the village and admire the rural architecture of the area which traditionally uses white limestone.
Continued drive South reaching the white cliffs of Governors Beach and Agios Georgios, where we will spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach… If we are really lucky we may see the endangered seal Monacus Monacus that live in the sea caves nearby!
Sensory games, discussions exploring our experience of the sea and natural surroundings and guided meditations will facilitate a full enjoyment of the seaside experience.
Back at Aperanti, we will have an evening hands on cooking lesson. Learn how to prepare a traditional Cypriot dish (such as homemade ravioli or stuffed vine leaves "koupepia" ) and enjoy the dish that you have prepared for dinner, together with a salad, a dip and a glass of local wine.
It isn’t a proper visit to an island without a day at the sea!
Morning drive south from Pera Orinis towards the coast - passing through enchanting hilly countryside on the way to Lefkara. Lefkara is a picturesque village famous for its traditional lace and silverware. We will have a short stroll through the narrow winding alleys of the village and admire the rural architecture of the area which traditionally uses white limestone.
Continued drive South reaching the white cliffs of Governors Beach and Agios Georgios, where we will spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach… If we are really lucky we may see the endangered seal Monacus Monacus that live in the sea caves nearby!
Sensory games, discussions exploring our experience of the sea and natural surroundings and guided meditations will facilitate a full enjoyment of the seaside experience.
Back at Aperanti, we will have an evening hands on cooking lesson. Learn how to prepare a traditional Cypriot dish (such as homemade ravioli or stuffed vine leaves "koupepia" ) and enjoy the dish that you have prepared for dinner, together with a salad, a dip and a glass of local wine.
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DAY 5.
Morning workshop with Maroulla, Tassos mum, who has been living all her life in the village and who will immerse you into the world of Cypriot cheeses and teach you how to make halloumi and anari cheese following the traditional method that has been used by her family for many generations. Revive your senses by dipping your hands in the fresh milk and tasting the warm cheese fresh from the pot!
Mindfulness sensory exercises will complement the workshop - exploring our senses of taste and smell.
Lunch will be the opportunity for you to enjoy the fresh cheeses together with a fresh village salad and our own olive products (pate, olives and oil).
Afternoon at your own leisure - you could perhaps spend it exploring the last remaining divided capital of the world Nicosia. The Old city, which is surrounded by the 16th century Venetian walls, is pleasant to explore on foot as most of it is only for pedestrians. Take a stroll in the picturesque narrow streets of Laiki Geitonia, admire the traditional houses with the Ottoman-style balconies, have a coffee in one of the several coffee shops in Onasagorou and visit Faneromeni Church, Agios Ioannis Cathedral & Omeriye Mosque.
Dinner in Nicosia at your own expense or dinner at Aperanti on request (starter, main course and salad at additional cost- 15 euros).
Morning workshop with Maroulla, Tassos mum, who has been living all her life in the village and who will immerse you into the world of Cypriot cheeses and teach you how to make halloumi and anari cheese following the traditional method that has been used by her family for many generations. Revive your senses by dipping your hands in the fresh milk and tasting the warm cheese fresh from the pot!
Mindfulness sensory exercises will complement the workshop - exploring our senses of taste and smell.
Lunch will be the opportunity for you to enjoy the fresh cheeses together with a fresh village salad and our own olive products (pate, olives and oil).
Afternoon at your own leisure - you could perhaps spend it exploring the last remaining divided capital of the world Nicosia. The Old city, which is surrounded by the 16th century Venetian walls, is pleasant to explore on foot as most of it is only for pedestrians. Take a stroll in the picturesque narrow streets of Laiki Geitonia, admire the traditional houses with the Ottoman-style balconies, have a coffee in one of the several coffee shops in Onasagorou and visit Faneromeni Church, Agios Ioannis Cathedral & Omeriye Mosque.
Dinner in Nicosia at your own expense or dinner at Aperanti on request (starter, main course and salad at additional cost- 15 euros).
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DAY 6.
Walk to the Tamassos Dam following a path that starts from the village center. It is a pleasant 30 minute walk passing through citrus orchards, olive groves and eucalyptus forest.
Mindfulness exercises will include exploring compassion and more creative exercises to connect you the beautiful landscape and all its inhabitants.
Lunch at Aperanti and goodbyes!
Walk to the Tamassos Dam following a path that starts from the village center. It is a pleasant 30 minute walk passing through citrus orchards, olive groves and eucalyptus forest.
Mindfulness exercises will include exploring compassion and more creative exercises to connect you the beautiful landscape and all its inhabitants.
Lunch at Aperanti and goodbyes!
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About our course leader-Claire Thompson
Claire has explored mindfulness, meditation and yoga for the past 10 years and participated in many mindfulness, meditation, yoga and Buddhism courses. She has helped facilitate a number of workshops at the Cambridge Buddhist Centre and run many workshops in her role as Conservation Projects Manager for BirdLife International, working with nature conservation NGOs from across the world. Following the publications of 2 books (Mindfulness and the Natural World in 2012 and The Art of Mindful Birdwatching to be published in June 2017), Claire runs ‘mindfulness in nature’ workshops and courses for different audiences with the aim of reconnecting people with themselves and the natural world. She pursues this to fulfil her passion for creating a more mindful, peaceful, happier and sustainable world.
For more information, please visit Claire’s website at www.mindfulness-of-nature.com.
For more information, please visit Claire’s website at www.mindfulness-of-nature.com.
