5 ways to practice mindfulness around Daylesford

Escape to Shizuka Ryokan, a stunning Japanese country spa and wellness retreat where they offer a range of unique workshops, including Zen Your Space, Japanese Cookery, Kokedama and SAORI Weaving.

Our pick, though, is their two-day Move, Meditate and Massage Retreat. After spending 2 hours with an experienced yoga, meditation and shiatsu therapist, you’ll receive a personalised program which will incorporate a range of yogic and oriental therapy techniques to help you to ground yourself and move your body with greater ease. Your retreat also includes accommodation with daily breakfast and a relaxing shiatsu massage.

You’ll find The Old Auction House in the quaint town of Kyneton. The historic 80-year-old weatherboard building which once served as the Ferris auction rooms has been converted into multiple creative spaces. The galleries, artist studios and retail stores are perfect for wandering through on a rainy day.

Better yet, there are numerous workshops and courses you can sign up for to expand your creative horizons and lean into the mindful headspace that creativity cultivates. Learn to make your own silver jewellery, get an introduction to leadlighting, build your own Kokedama, brush up on your sketching or explore the world of eco printing – the perfect way to while away a few hours.

The many wonderfully calm lakes, waterways and reservoirs around Daylesford make it the perfect place for some quiet time on the water. Probably the most famous is Lake Daylesford which is home to the stunning Lake House Daylesford with its luxury accommodation, fine dining and day spa.

But there is also the lesser known (but equally beautiful), Jubilee Lake, where you can hire a canoe from the local holiday park and head out for a mindful paddle on the tranquil waters. Or you may like to visit Lerderderg State Park just near Bacchus Marsh, about an hour from Melbourne, a favourite spot for the locals. You can camp close to the Lerderderg River and take to the water to explore the deep and picturesque gorge it has slowly carved through this rugged region.

Sometimes we can find ourselves in a place that isn’t comfortable and not know how to move forward. Or maybe you are plagued by an itch that there is something more out there for you than the monotony of the daily grind. Nat from Wander into Wildness knows exactly what that feels like. For a long time she was longing for something she couldn’t quite articulate.

Close to 10 years ago, she followed a nudge to radically change her path and ever since she has been helping others do the same. Through nature connection, sound healing and story rewriting she will help you reconnect to your wildness and uncover the sense of wholeness and embodiment that you have been craving. This is the kind of experience that could change your entire life!

The 2-hour Yoga and Meditation Bliss package at Daylesford Heart of Yoga will enliven your body, mind and spirit. It starts with a one-hour yoga class individually tailored for you with your own personal yoga teacher. This is followed by a one hour ‘Learn to Meditate’ class to empower you with the skills to bring meditation and mindfulness into your daily life.

We love that you can enjoy this experience at the gorgeous studio in Daylesford, or on location in your home or holiday house.