Take time to heal.

NEW LIFE FOUNDATION- THAILAND

Trip Length: 4 weeks

Trip Budget: €20 per day per person( Accommodation and all meals) as a volunteer.

Several years ago, we were looking for a place of peace and healing for our daughter who was struggling with depression. I searched Australia with no luck, so widened my search.

We had discovered that the broken western approach to depression, provided no answers. We knew that a 60 minute counselling session once a week would have no impact. We were looking for more, for people who understood and were seeking healing for themselves- we were seeking a therapeutic community:

A place where you could stay as long as you needed- I week or one year

A place where others who were there could understand and support you, had shared your experiences and could through their wisdom, growth and compassion, contribute to your acceptance of self- knowing that you are not alone

A place where you could be open and be yourself, free of judgement

A place where professional help was available as often as you needed it, but was not forced

A place where the mindset was not of clinical illness and flawed character but of acceptance A place where the food was healthy and healing

A place of healing for a broken heart of aching soul

A place of friendship, trust and sharing

A place to meditate, breath, rest and step away from the chasing of a busy world

A place free from drugs and alcohol- in nature- quiet

A place where you can focus on yourself without the distractions of the world

Oh- almost forget- a place that is affordable (probably should have put this at the top).

Does such a place really exist? The answer is yes. The New Life Foundation is this and so much more.

My daughter ended up not visting, (not yet anyway) but knows that this place is here for her should she one day choose to visit. The more I explored what it said it could offer, the more I looked with interest at what it may have to offer me. So, much to everyone’s surprise, I ended up going myself, not because I had major issues to address, but simply because I had lived 56 years on this planet. It is not easy to be a human being in this complex world. I had suffered loss and pain in my life. I had fears and confusions. I had been hurt and questioned myself. I had worked too hard and my mind and body were tired. I was human. I was a daughter, a mother, a wife and a successful professional but who was I at 56?. I had made the decision that I was ready for a new chapter and that new chapter was going to look very different. This was to be my chapter! And where better to start that chapter than a retreat, in beautiful Thailand, on my own, just for me!

So, I quit my job and nervously booked myself in for my first 4 week visit to New Life. I had no idea what to expect as nothing you read prepares you. I had tried to mediate a few times and been to a few yoga classes but that was it. I don’t think I would say I’m spiritual but I do seek out wisdom. I think the world is full of people that have learned much in their lives (some learn quicker than others and some don’t seem to learn much at all) and I wanted to explore what they had to say. I wanted to read and think. I want to re-evaluate myself, my relationships and my life for the next chapter. A tall order, for a controlling ex- High School Principal.

The first few days were confronting with a few moments of – what the hell was I thinking- how can I sneak away without them noticing. But things shifted really quickly and 4 weeks was suddenly too short! I met so many amazing people. All so different but somehow connected by the desire to know themselves better, to heal from life, to flourish, to love, to be understood and to understand, to grow and to take this moment in time, right now to step back from life. The Friday night Women’s Circle became a personal highlight of the week- where women from all around the world share, support and bond.

But I’m getting ahead of myself- a few details first- all of which can be found on their web page.

https://www.newlifefoundation.com/th/

WHAT IS NEW LIFE?

New Life is a healing community made up of the residents, volunteers, guests, and staff who come from around the world.

HOW WAS IT ESTABLISHED?

The New Life Foundation was founded in June 2010 by Johan Hansen, a Belgian entrepreneur. Johan’s lengthy struggle with cocaine addiction led him to join many rehabilitation programs around the world. He discovered the healing powers of mindfulness practice and community in Thailand and decided to share his experience by founding a non-profit centre offering an affordable mindfulness-based recovery program. He bought 67 acres of land in Chiang Rai province, and established a community where people from all over the world could take the time to start a new life. Johan is no longer with us, but the foundation continues to work in his memory. Julien a fellow Belgian and former Monk has been with the Foundation since the beginning and is the Managing Director.

WHAT PROGRAMS DOES IT OFFER?

You can join New Life as a Resident, Guest or Volunteer. Everyone is expected to be at meditation or yoga in the morning and do one work session a day of 1-2 hours ( I volunteered in the village school and designed a program and resources for future volunteers). Residents have counselling sessions a few times a week and attend workshops every day. They often stay longer and come with a specific need they wish to address. Guests like myself, come more often for the community, space, meditation and yoga and many stay 2-4 weeks. Volunteers do 2 work sessions a day, but pay less. So, there are several different.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Residents including counselling and workshops are between $60-90 a night (it is seasonal)

Guests are between $50-60 and night

Volunteers are between $30-35

Amazing! All meals, a private room with private bathroom, a pool all yoga and meditation!! Where else could you find so much at this rate. They also offer financial help to people who struggle to find the money. You can of, course donate more as it is an invaluable NOT-FOR-PROFIT and can use all the donations it receives!

So, what did I get from my time in New Life? Well, so much that I went again 9 months later, and like so many people hope to build a visit to New Life on a regular basis, into my plans moving forward.

· I learnt to mediate and now have meditation as a part of my daily life

· I discovered the importance of community for me personally and for human beings

· I learnt how to step away, step back and listen

· I now understand yoga and incorporate that into my life

· I have been exposed to Buddhism- I am in search of wisdom to answer my questions and Buddhism has such profound wisdoms

· I learnt that I do like vegetarian food and now try to eat differently

· I have made many amazing friends and keep in contact through a Warriors group- support and encouragement is on tap 24/7

I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and am still in awe that such a place exists. I want the world to know, but I also want to keep it just like it is. I can only imagine how many lives have been saved and how many have been shifted by their time at New Life. But don’t take my word for it…..go and see for your-self. Good luck!