Authentic Connection Retreat
July 3rd - July 5th, 2026 • Euskirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia
If you’ve been longing to slow down, reconnect, and meet others in a space of honesty and care, this retreat offers a gentle reset for body, mind, and heart.
In the peaceful surroundings of a historic Eifel monastery, you’ll explore what it means to truly connect: first with ourselves, and from there, with others. Through guided sessions of mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and relational practices inspired by Authentic Relating, Compassionate Communication (NVC), and Zen Coaching, you’ll be invited into a weekend of stillness, clarity, and heartfelt connection.
You’ll nourish your body with plant-based meals, your mind with silence and nature, and your heart through real human connection. In a welcoming, international group, you’ll rediscover authentic ways of being and relating, and learn how to carry this awareness into daily life.
What to expect
-
![]()
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Gentle practices to ground in the body and deepen your inner connection.
-
![]()
Authentic Relating
Real-time relational exercises that make communication honest, safe, and alive.
-
![]()
Optional Individual Coaching
Space to explore personal themes in a one-on-one setting.
-
![]()
Wholesome Plant-Based Meals
Nourishing vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared with care.
-
![]()
Silence & Nature
Time for reflection, journaling, or simply being with the beauty around you.
Day 1: Landing & Grounding
The journey begins with arrival and grounding. As you settle into the peaceful rhythm of the monastery and the forest around it, the pace of life naturally slows.
You’ll come together for the first circle to connect, share intentions, and create a field of safety and trust by welcoming all parts of ourselves.
Afterwards, you’ll unwind with gentle yoga and mindfulness practice, easing tension and arriving fully in the body.
The evening ends with a nourishing dinner followed by a Yoga Nidra session, allowing you to relax deeply and prepare for a restorative night’s sleep.
Day 2: Connecting with others
This day explores how authentic connection with others naturally grows from self-connection.
You’ll start with morning yoga and meditation to anchor presence, followed by a mindful brunch. A Zen Coaching session offers space for inner reflection and clarity.
Through Authentic Relating, Compassionate Communication & Zen Coaching practices, you’ll explore how to show up as yourself without performance or masks, to communicate & listen from the heart. You’ll practice presence, honesty, and empathy in simple yet transformative ways.
In the afternoon, you’ll have space to rest, journal, or wander through the beautiful forest paths. Later, the group will gather again for ecstatic dance, expressing freedom, aliveness, and joy through movement. You’ll close the day with dinner and a bonfire circle, celebrating warmth, laughter, and connection under the stars.
Day 3: Connecting with the world
The final day focuses on integration and bringing the weekend’s insights into life beyond the retreat.
A morning yoga and meditation session unites body, breath, and awareness.
After breakfast, you’ll gather for a group coaching and sharing circle, reflecting on what you’re taking with you and setting clear intentions for the days ahead.
You’ll finish with a gratitude ceremony that honors the journey, the group, and yourself. You leave grounded, open-hearted and ready to meet the world with renewed presence (and with some real connections).
Retreat location
Schweinheim Monastery • North Rhine-Westphalia
Enjoy your little break at Schweinheim Monastery, in the historic setting of the former Cistercian convent. Quietly located in the northern Eifel, in the sunny valley of the Steinbach stream, this place offers you soothing silence, relaxed care from our monastery team, and wide open nature to breathe deeply. Experience a valuable time in which you can leave your everyday life behind and recharge your batteries.
Investment
Retreat fee: 400€
Accommodation is paid separately:
Single Room (17-20 sqm, 140 cm bed): 421€
Single Room (23-25 sqm, 140 cm bed): 457€
Single Room (19 sqm, 140 cm bed): 433€
Single Room (19 sqm, 200 cm bed): 529€
Single Room (50 - 58 sqm, 140 cm bed): 649€
What’s included
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation and meals in a shared double room at Schweinheim Monastery
Retreat Program
3 yoga sessions
Daily meditations
Yoga Nidra session
Group coaching & connection exercises
Guided hike
Goodies & Journal
Health-supporting goodies
Journal with reflection questions and wellness tips
Meet the space holders
-
Yoga Teacher & Mindfulness Coach
Alicia Buss is the founder of The Self Care Network and a certified yoga teacher and mindfulness coach dedicated to holistic wellbeing. She supports others in developing deeper self-awareness, inner balance, and compassion through yoga classes, group circles, retreats, and one-on-one sessions. Rooted in her belief that true health is more than the absence of illness, Alicia’s work focuses on nurturing inner peace, clarity, and joy through mindful movement, reflection, and community.
-
Zen Coach & Facilitator
Andreas Fredriksson is a coach with a background in engineering and management consulting who supports people in reconnecting with their body’s innate intelligence and inner wisdom. Trained in Zen Coaching, Internal Family Systems, and Family Constellations, he helps clients move out of old patterns toward greater calm, clarity, and authenticity. Andreas guides women especially to feel truly seen, access their intuition and creative energy, and step into a more aligned and fulfilling life.
