The aim of Inner Walk is to help you to understand suffering; that is, the confusion, delusions and projections that the human mind is prone to – from a conscious perspective – and then teach you how to release the suffering. Intellectually, it’s easy to understand “be here now”, but pragmatically we don’t know how to do it.
The practice allows you the space to connect to yourself by walking in silence for 4 hours a day, 4 days consecutively.
Through this practice we learn experientially how to “be here now”. It becomes intuitive. We repeatedly see the delusions of past and future fixations and repeatedly come back to clarity. If we don’t see and accept reality as it is, how can we expect to know how to respond in a way that benefits us and our environment?
This transformational experience will provide you with the tools to discover your own healing abilities, learning abilities, and inner strength.
Where does it take place?
At the newly built Inner Walk temple, tucked away in a lush, tropical jungle on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, and designed specially for this practice.
What is the difference between Inner Walk and other meditative practices?
Most meditation practices teach us how to focus and calm the mind. Inner Walk practice teaches us how to to meet the noise, and to fully notice, perhaps for the first time, the onslaught of thoughts running through our heads 24/7. Instead of seeking peace and quiet, or a break from the weight of existence, here, we learn to be with the chaos inside our mind and in the outside environment, so we can experience true peace whatever the circumstances.
What is the schedule?
Every Monday a new group starts together, walks together, supports each other and ends together on Thursday. Each day starts with an opening talk at 12 PM, we walk for 4 hours, and close with a sharing circle at 5pm.
Who is this practice for?
This practice is for anyone who wishes to go deeper into the experience of being human, with the exception of certain limiting physical disabilities, or diagnosed psychiatric conditions. It’s suitable for total beginners, those who find sitting practice hard, or those who feel they need a ‘fast track’ to clarity.
Why should I do this?
Perhaps you are seeking or even already experiencing a profound change in your life. You feel called to learn new ways of being and of relating to reality. You have a sense that you are much more than your thoughts and want to explore this realisation. You sense that your current way of being in the world is unfulfilling. You sense that there is ‘more to life’ than this. You feel called to see yourself and life more clearly, without all the filters and conditioning you’ve accumulated over the years. You’ve had a realisation that your habitual reactions and patterns are not serving your evolution or well-being. You feel restricted by your self-created identity and sense there is something far greater to discover. You are in a state of burn out, anxiety or high stress.
Do I need any kind of prior experience?
No.
What do I need to know before signing up?
This is not a typical rest and relaxation retreat. This program teaches you tools to improve your quality of life. The lessons, realizations and knowledge of inner self that you will discover, along with the long-term support and guidance from the Inner Walk community and your fellow walkers, will help you to live the more expansive, liberated life you sense is possible.
What challenges can I expect from the experience?
While everyone’s experience is different and unique, we would like to share some of the more common experiences that may arise during the program;
Physical: Achey legs and feet, although this usually passes after the 2nd day. We have had walkers with prosthetic legs walk for 2 weeks, so the initial physical discomfort is not something to be concerned about.
Emotional/psychological: Everything ranging from boredom, frustration, tears, to deep insight, clarity of purpose, forgiveness of self and others, increased humour, renewed love of life.
What can I expect in the days/weeks after the program?
Most walkers decide to carry on walking after the 4th day of the program because the new sense of clarity and emotional resilience feels so good. Many report mental calmness and equanimity, a renewed appreciation of life, and a felt sense of their internal resilience. And one of the many great things about this practice is that you can do it anywhere (where there is enough space to walk around 15 meters back and forth), so you really can incorporate the benefits of the practice into your daily life at home.
Is accommodation included?
At present, if you require accommodation you can book through Wonderland Healing Center close to the Inner Walk temple. Transport is provided daily to and from the temple. A 7-night retreat includes:
- 4 days of ‘Inner Walk’ walking meditation
- Daily yoga classes
- Daily guided meditation sessions
- Daily vegan meals and drinks
- Swimming Pool & Herbal Steam Sauna
- Reiki treatment and Thai massage
- Shuttle transfer to the ferry port
- Evening events and lectures
What do I need to know before arriving?
There is nothing you need to bring except your own two feet, a refillable water bottle for the drinking water dispenser (preferably not disposable plastic), and some comfortable, light clothing. Part of the practice is taught by Buddhist monks so please be respectful and cover shoulders. Knee length shorts or long trousers are suitable.
Upon arrival you’ll meet your Team Leader and fellow walkers who will embark on this journey with you. The site provides water, toilets and admin support.
Is there any short and/or long term support available?
During the retreat you will receive support from an experienced team leader and often from the Monk himself. There is also an Inner Walk private Facebook group where walkers can connect with each other and continue to support each others journey and progress.