We’re delighted to launch our ‘Sanctuary Sessions’ guest interview series with Lauren Macdonald – medical doctor, psychology graduate, yoga teacher and advocate of holistic medicine. Tell us about yourself – what brought you to Sen Wellness? I first became aware of Sen Wellness at the beginning of 2016, not long after I’d been diagnosed with […]
Sanctuary Sessions: Lauren Macdonald Read More »
We are deeply honoured and privileged to have welcomed 18 incredible guests to our Spring Awakening Retreat, each embracing the experience with such openness, curiosity and trust.
Our programme has been carefully curated to bring together ancient wisdom and new technologies to explore and align the physical, emotional and spiritual - tuning the body just as any instrument, cultivating a mind that is free of attachments and surrendering to the heart and all it holds. On the final night, we gathered around a flower mandala for a ceremony - a culmination of our collective journey - opening the heart through cacao, breath and sacred movement.
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#spring #retreat #srilankatravel #ayurveda #meditation #yoga #breathwork #ceremony #ritual #nature #cacao
While the south coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its pristine beaches and natural landscapes, the Rekawa Nature Reserve where the Sanctuary is located stands out as one of the most enchanting places along the coast— serene and unknown to many travellers. Join us in the heart of nature, amidst a forest of mangroves and palm trees.
Video by @maikenf 🌸
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#nature #srilankatravel #rekawabeach #rekawalagoon #southsrilanka #mangroveforest #palmtrees #natureheals
“The hand of a stranger is the hand of God. The stranger does not come accidentally; he brings a particular gift and illumination” - John O’Donohue
From March 28th to April 6th, we are hosting our signature Spring Awakening Retreat. As we prepare for this retreat, we are inspired by the words of John O’Donohue in his book ‘Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World’. We are reminded that each guest who joins us brings a unique energy and light to the group, and there are no coincidental crossings in our paths. An unexpected encounter – perhaps an act of kindness, a story or a different perspective – can bring about clarity and enrich our journey. We look forward to meeting everyone and facilitating new connections as they unfold.
This 10-day journey will be led by Sen Wellness founder, Sam Kankanamge and supported by yoga teacher @ann.schreppers and our wonderful team. A season during which many religious holidays converge, we will be hosting various special offerings and ceremonies throughout the week to connect with nature and flourish as one with the spring.
With one week to go, we have one space remaining and extend an invitation to anyone seeking healing and connection. Visit our website or send a message to book your place.
Sending light to you as we welcome spring with the vernal equinox this week.
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#spring #awakening #retreat #yoga #meditation #ayurveda #breathwork #nourishment #silence #naturehealing #vernalequinox #srilanka🇱🇰 #srilankatravel
Just 100 yards from the Sen Wellness Sanctuary lies Rekawa Beach, a beautiful stretch of unspoilt beach where turtles frequent to lay their eggs. Here, you’ll often find yourself with the beach all to your own.
From dawn to dusk, the landscape transforms dramatically - skies painted with a kaleidoscope of colours, the rhythmic crashing of ocean waves, and footprints and turtle tracks gently swept away by the tide as swiftly as they appear.
It is the perfect backdrop to explore your inner landscape.
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#nature #ocean #turtlenesting #srilankatravel #retreat #meditation #yoga #ayurveda #calm #natureheals
SEN R I T U A L S
Whether staying for 3 nights, 21 nights or joining a Signature Retreat, something special undoubtedly happens when one arrives at the Sanctuary. Through welcoming the openness of ones heart to embrace change, to learning something new, and to return to the inner place of stillness and rest - a subtle yet inevitable transformation takes place as one surrenders to the natural surrounds and retreat schedule.
At Sen, we honour the opportunities presented daily that enable space to deepen our connection with nature and in turn with ourselves. Rituals have and continue to be the foundation of our daily schedule – the daily rhythm. Whether it is the ritual of gathering in circle during a new and full moon, moving through the day with the rise and fall of the sun, growing in awareness through movement and breath during morning yoga and evening meditation, and connecting through the communing for meals- it is through these daily rituals where healthy habits become established within a safe and supportive community. Through experiencing the variety of practices and methods of healing modalities the Sanctuary offers, one comes to understand their own rhythm, listening through the growing melody singing from the heart space. A rhythm inspired by the Ayurvedic principals of harmony and balance within oneself and ones surrounds, actioning small and incremental steps of change, sets the foundation for healthy routines long after leaving the Sanctuary. Bringing heart centred intentions and mindfulness to each moment, newly established habits through practice and consistency transforms from routine to ritual.
~ What are the rituals that bring you back to centre, a state of harmony within yourself?
#heartcentred #srilankatravel #rekawabeach #ayurvedicretreat #senwellnesssanctuary #sadhana #ritual #ayurvedasrilanka #gratitude
A peaceful morning boat ride in the lagoon 🌿
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#lagoon #nature #mangroves #calm #meditation #srilankatravel
Panchakarma, which translates to ‘five actions’ in Sanskrit is an Ayurvedic cleansing and detoxification treatment programme designed to release toxins, restore the body’s natural healing capacities and release deep-rooted stress. Developed over 5,000 years ago, it is a treatment method that has stood the test of time.
Panchakarma comprises the following five treatments that work synergistically to eliminate toxins and balance the doshas to their natural equilibrium:
- Basti (herbal oil enemas)
- Nasya (nasal rinsings)
- Vanama (therapeutic vomiting)
- Virechana (purgation treatment)
- Raktamokshana (bloodletting therapy)
Although panchakarma is traditionally an intensive and demanding programme, our team at the Sen Wellness Sanctuary have developed a modified version that is suitable for the modern lifestyle, based on decades of experience working with Western constitutions. Our focus is on non-invasive methods which integrate well with other treatment modalities. Whether you are in good health or have a specific condition that you wish to address, panchakarma treatment can serve as both a preventative and curative measure, to bring vitality and wellbeing.
Find out more in our latest blog: https://www.senwellnesssanctuary.com/panchakarma-in-sri-lanka-the-essential-ayurveda-therapy
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#panchakarama #panchakarmasrilanka #panchakarmatreatment #panchakarmatherapy #cleanse #detox #authentic #authenticayurveda #ayurveda #naturalmedicine
Thank you to everyone who participated in our GIVEAWAY, we received an overwhelming number of inspiring entries. With gratitude, we congratulate Kaly Kaul, our winner of the 10-day bespoke retreat giveaway.
This giveaway is an opportunity to honour the selfless act and we were deeply inspired by the words shared about Kaly and her devotion to higher service. A Circuit Judge at the Ministry of Justice, Kali has dedicated her life to ensuring fairness to others and empowering disadvantaged communities to find their voice. She also founded the Judicial Support Network to support and safeguard Judges who are facing discrimination.
Here is the entry that resonated with us:
“I have known Kaly for over 25 years. During this time, Kaly has dedicated her whole life to promoting the ‘voice’ of the underdog. Kaly through her own childhood traumas and issues has empowered so many humans to have a voice and achieve success. Her journey through the legal system has seen her become one of the first female circuit judges of colour and the 4th Asian woman to be appointed a King’s counsel. Through her own challenges within this area, she became the founder of the judicial support network which has been a ‘whistleblower’ for justice for everyone ever since. Kaly is a true earth Angel who has tirelessly given to all throughout her life and I feel deserves to benefit from the retreat”.
Your story has profoundly moved us, and we hope it will inspire others to help people unconditionally.
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#giveaway #gratitude #festivegiveaway #srilankatravel #retreat #ayurveda #healing #meditation #yoga
The new year is a time to reflect on the year gone, set intentions and ponder all the possibilities that lie ahead. Discover a new beginning at the Sanctuary, where you can let go of what no longer serves you and rekindle your fire ✨
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#newyear #newyearretreat #newbeginnings #meditationretreat #yogaretreat #spiritualretreat #srilankatravel #authentic #ayurveda #health #naturalmedicine
As we enter a new year, we invite you to join us at the Sanctuary for a detox retreat.
While our bodies naturally detoxify, the demands of modern-day living, the processed foods we consume, the chemicals we are exposed to and the sedentary lifestyles many of us lead can hinder our body’s natural ability to cleanse, leading to the build-up of toxins or ‘Ama’ in the body.
In alignment with the ancient healing of Ayurveda, at the Sanctuary we offer a detox programme including holistic and sustainable practices to rebalance the mind, body and spirit:
Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork to bring more conscious movement and breath into your day, and alter your stress response.
Wholesome foods, fresh juices and herbal medicines to support a healthy gut and clear the liver, as well as water and juice fasts to allow the digestive system to rest and focus its energy on healing.
Cleansing treatments, such as herbal oil enemas, nasal rinsing and medical purging, to eliminate toxins and balance the doshas to their natural equilibrium.
Following the natural rhythm of the day to restore a healthy sleep cycle and balance hormone levels.
… and a digital detox to calm the nervous system and bring focus to the present moment.
These are just a few of the many practices and treatments we offer at the Sanctuary to help restore energy levels, enhance mental clarity and improve overall well-being.
We wish you all a wonderful New Year and hope to welcome you to the Sanctuary ⭐️
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#detox #detoxretreat #detoxtreatment #newyear #newyearretreats #srilanka🇱🇰 #newyeartravel #2024 #digitaldetox #ayurveda #meditation #yoga
Mandala, which means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit, is an ancient spiritual and ritual symbol that represents the universe, one of no beginning and no end. It is believed to guide individuals through the cosmic path of enlightenment, and has been used as an instrument of meditation and spiritual practice for thousands of years. Wisdom keepers of all traditions, from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions of the East, to the Maya and Aztec civilizations of Mesoamerica, have passed down the practice through word of mouth over generations.
Often created through painting, drawing, powdered sand, or floral arrangements, mandalas feature striking geometric and symmetrical patterns and vibrant colours.
At the Sanctuary, we create botanical mandalas that form the centrepiece of our sacred space. We gather as a community to honour the wisdom keepers and connect with the ancient symbols. This particular mandala contains the sacred symbol for the universe and ultimate reality, ’Om’ (pronounced ah-uu-mm), with flowers and petals radiating outwards to create a complete circle.
Photo by Richard Kalina.
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#mandala #floralmandala #buddhism #hinduism #sacredgeometry #sacredsymbols #omsymbol #ceremony #ritual #spirituality #meditation #srilanka
Rituals from various cultures and times weave the fabric of human consciousness, serving as a means to connect with ourselves, our community, our ancestors and the natural world. Integral to our evolution, for many thousands of years, our ancestors gathered around fires, seeking warmth, sharing food and uniting to dance, chant and meditate together. Whether commemorating the passing of loved ones, marking the changing seasons, or connecting to the divine, rituals are a portal to the collective human experience.
At the Sanctuary, we will be hosting a number of rituals throughout the festive period - an opportunity for our guests to come together, reflect and set intentions for the year ahead. Here are a few of our favourites:
Dehi kepima - An ancient Sri Lankan lime-cutting ritual of blessing, healing and cleansing, led by a local indigenous shaman.
Fire ceremony - the oldest of human rituals, associated with renewal, purification, and transformation.
Cacao ceremony - Rooted in ancient Mesoamerican traditions, a heart-opening ceremony to facilitate emotional release and connection.
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#spirituality #spiritualretreat #meditation #yoga #ayurveda #srilankatravel #ritual #ceremony #fireceremony #cacaoceremony #shamanism
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