We say “O·shram”
a place to hang out with people who are interested in being healthy for real and For Good
“...it’s been 6 months now and...the time I spent with you all has really changed my life, which sounds like a cliche and something I never thought would come out of my mouth but it’s so true. For sure people around me haven’t changed, it must be me. I feel different, happier and calmer. I feel a bit more like myself and it’s amazing to be me :)”
Get re-orientated in Thailand
The O·shram is where we integrate simplicity, and a sustainable and kind lifestyle into our modern world, both respecting oneself, our close ones, and the rest of all living forms.
The difference in between the O·shram and other Ashrams or similar such places is that, this is a real treat, but not because we have the best ACs or bleached white sheets or swimming pools or infrastructure, but because we don’t want them. We’ve studied these things. We’ve done our research. We live it. This is a real healing treat in that our temple is nature, our texts come from the universe itself, and the translator of information is your body.
Air flow. Energy flow. Light.
We are next to the royal jungle reserve in Khao Tao, 14 km South of Hua Hin. We meet animals roaming freely. We hear them at night. We tread lightly around them in the day. We are near the beach, and under the mountains. It’s the perfect place and climate for this 100% outdoor spiritual treat.
Wait until you encounter nature in its pure form. Wait until you hear the tropical rain, have a rendezvous with a sunset on the mountain, or the sunrise while floating in the sea. You hear the deer grazing at night, the peacocks call out, or the monkeys pass by in the tree tops. The O·shram isn’t a traditional retreat from society, it’s a means of preparing you for an enhanced, more energized experience of life. Like water, we learn to follow the path of least resistance. We flow into miracles of insights and learnings.
Here you’ll get the real individualized re-treat, the one you need and want, and you’ll bring this treat back home and wherever else you travel. Whatever you seek, your O·rigin, your O·neness, your O·ptimism, or what ever O·s you want to plant in your life, you’ll find them here.
We don’t withdraw, don’t get stuck in discipline, or any particular schools. All teachings (nearly all) have something beautiful to share, and we pick the cherries but we don’t get stuck in one size fits all because life has created a orchestra of diversity. We love to read, study, and try new stuff and keep the best. Isn’t that what our evolution is about?
We Feel for Real while we do things and we analyze what it means before actions are taken. We use all of us, not just the “heart” or the “mind”, we include the liver, lungs, toes, eyes, everything of us, and beyond “us” too, in time and form. It’s the opposite of forcing, or of “letting go.” We figure it out and learn from it, and it happens so fast, the health and happiness, that many don’t believe it’s possible. It has to be lived and felt. Love a first sight?
You’ll get enhanced vitality, Prana (life force) and with that, those around you will too. You will feel deeply how we are all connected, more so than is taught by our modern world (which is a good question, why?) and you’ll learn how to tap into it.
“...so nice to talk about it but without the guilt trip. It’s not my fault, I don’t have to fix it but I can if I want to...”
Think of it like this. Can you be happy if your lover is not? If Einstein (and basically all natural science after him) is right, you can’t be 100% happy and healthy as long as there is suffering and toxicity in the world. So how do we deal with all the “badness” and turn it into “goodness?” Why do the heathen prosper? Well, here we start with the body, our nature, and the O·live 8 dialogues and a few more good and very proven things. Then, the rest is easy.
Open 24 h, our daily program is offered but not compulsory from 5.00-21.30.
Our classes will widen your learning on levels.
We have one simple aim - Enhance Prana, O•live.
06:30* Yoga/Walk on the beach to get your detox going, Pranayamas + meditation to meet your O•
07:30 Breakfast; a protein boost for the hungry, a pleasure for the body and the mind.
10:00* Body & Mind Health Dialogue/Class; to make friends with your body.
13:00 Lunch; from nature to nurture with all the spectra of light from the source. Cook with us if you want.
14:00 – 17:00 Free time/massages/one-to-ones/walks & hikes/special activities**/etc.
16:30 Meditation and Mind Detox Dialogue/Class to figure things out and dialogue with your body.
18:00 Exercise walks/runs/Yoga/Pranayamas; to fill you with the mountains, the animals, the forests, and astonishing views to tune into your body.
19:00 Dinner; to calm our senses and prepare for the beauty(full) sleep.
20.00 Evening meditation/activity/silence; we just silently hang out, go for a guided tour into the subconscious, and by 21.30 it’s silent Prana-time.
*Classes are planned to be 1h each. Timing is loose and weather dependent.
** We co-operate with the local OTOP-weaver, a dog rescue center, Trash Heros, and an orphanage. We arrange temple with local monks meditations and Tamboon. To be arranged in advance.
Feel f’ Real into finding real you
In our meditative culture adapted to modern times, there’s no place for mind over matter, or oppressing the physical form to achieve some sort of spiritual or emotional benefit. That’s the old way, to control and oppress.
There’s no competition with respect to any conventional aspect of the traditional spiritual journey. How straight our back is, how long we can sit, how softly we can speak, how many words - short or long - in ancient languages we know, how many stages of this and that, how much we can prove we have detached ourselves from the modern world. Our view of yoga, meditation and the meditative life is the opposite. It’s about exploring the body and mind with love and enthusiasm by cultivating a relationship with who we are when we are not being asked to oppress ourselves in light of spiritual accomplishments or otherworldly goals established thousands of years ago by anyone (spiritual materialism). This is the creative awareness that is going to change your life.
“The best of all worlds. It’s the most spiritual experience because it’s not pretending to be spiritual.”
To solve a problem, you first have to be aware of its properties and causes. Once you have understood these, you can begin creatively exploring the nearly unlimited possibilities and combinations for healing. Imagination is the first step in the process of solving any issue. Our method is Feel f’ Real, our temple is Nature and our teaching is a mix of whatever works from whatever we know exists, including from the humanities, natural sciences, religions, philosophies, whatever. We merely put it all together in forms that liberate and activate us. Meditation (from Latin meditare) means to reflect upon, and this is exactly what we do. You will be offered old traditions of meditation, too, if you want, but we aren’t going to wake you up at any early time for anything with a name you haven’t already heard or otherwise. You choose what works for you and build your own creative healing process as free from mosquito bites, cultural bites and your own mental bites as possible. The potential we are born with will allow you to tap into whatever you want to achieve (or have achieved in the future already) depending upon whose theory of time you prefer.
“Feeling is the most elaborate form of thought.”
Antioxidants and healthy food will help you Feel f’ Real and meditate into awareness.
With nature, not against it
Your experience at the O·shram is very different from the venues behind walls where you can’t live without an AC or fan. Here you’ll fall asleep under the moon and the stars, possibly to be woken by a dear grazing around your Prana-Pod. Perhaps you might opt to join the sunrise yoga, or you might prefer to do Pranayamas (breathing exercises) and meditation. You’ll be cared for in all ways in order to allow you the optimum space for meditation, and to reflect upon the beautiful, eternal, amazing, enlightening, innovation-enhancing, and sustainable ideas the practice always brings.
We meditate, talk and hang-out. You’ll meet others seeking sustained health on all levels and when you least expect it, like a download you’ll “figure it all out.” Remember, the “benefits of meditation come anywhere and anywhen, but not necessarily there and then.” It’s more about living and breathing it, life.
We don’t fancy “quick fixes” only to fall back in old habits. If you want permanent change in one or more areas of your life, find us in Khao Tao next to the royal jungle reserve and palace, 14 km south of Hua Hin.
“It’s like getting new pink glasses and seeing everything with compassion. ”
We love new tech and we use it, we read the news and talk about the latest, but all from a meditative perspective. We learn how to use it, but not be used by it.
Many of our guests go back and bring this new awareness into their lives, making long wanted changes in the process. We love nature and co-habit with it in mutual respect. It’s about the Earth and cooperation. It’s about major existential questions, and what we can and want to do. We explore whatever comes our way, the best and the worst of it all, to pick the right movement for us, but not necessarily the right for anyone else. And it’s all okay (O8 Mind detox #1).
The unseen becomes obvious, the obvious becomes seen. The right becomes wrong, and the wrong right, and by the end of the stay there’s nothing left but an enhanced ability to feel your connection with life itself, and that you are likely to be intricately woven into something way bigger than you, than us, than anything we can imagine, or can’t possibly because it’s so huge, or small, like quarks or photons or the universe itself, and - if you’ll allow us to - say “God” (of if you prefer, “counterfactual definite”, or “Olive 8 Mind detox #2”, or “electron”.)
A vibration -
super-unified catharsis of entangled atoms?
Besides the headstands, the local Buddhist vibes give us a new perspective of our best friend - our bodies, the most loyal and loving being we will ever encounter.
Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, and other great ancient texts have been useful for insights, as much as the latest psycho-immunological studies, research in non-essentialist socio-linguistics, special and general relativity, history and anthropology to name a few, all of which form an echo throughout time, and with meditation as the spine of our teachings, constantly updated and re-interpreted with new information. We pass it all on, just as it has been passed on to us, and as our genes have been passed on through 13.8 billion years of evolution. Biology becomes culture and culture becomes biology.
Hear it?
“A fragmented world view creates a fragmented mind. Nothing can be more wrong from the perspective of natural science.”
To support your learning we offer the best possible environment with our rewarded (by travel journalists) healthy vegan food, individualized detoxing herbs, program and classes, Prana Pods, all included, but always optional. You do what you want, really want so let’s find out what it is, and the numbers will appear…
08, 1111, 23, 55, 27, 9, 6, 69, 33, 47, 22, 44, 11, 88, 62, 23, 1014, 0811, 0803, 111, 1010, 7, 1014, 99, 1144, 1122, 74, 56, 1123, 10110, 66...
You can call it spiritual if you chose, science if you chose, life if you chose. It’s all just belief anyway.
“It’s the vibe, the setting, and more so it’s you two and the fact you’re intelligent and compassionate, that live and breathe everything you believe in and teach. Very rare!”
You find us next to a royal nature reserve and a temple, 5 minutes from the beach, in the village of Khao Tao, only 3h south of Bangkok on the mainland. No hassle with boats to get to us and the most amazing beaches. The perfect setting to "re-orient" our thoughts and feelings to combine the best of all worlds. The O·shram with the open O·shala are totally unique, leaving guests with a renewed sense of what tangible acts of hope exist.
Apart from new friendships, by the time you leave you will also bring a calm, energized, fresh and detoxed body and mind back home. Your Karmentum comes next, and your family will thank you for it.
“Dear Ray and Cristina,
What can I really say other than thank you so much for an incredible three weeks. I have been so incredibly well taken care of, nurtured in fact, and I feel blessed to have met you both and at the perfect time too.”
“Feeling so alive and full of love, thanks my friends.”
De-stress & relaxation · Performance · Creativity · Self-care & kindness · Career & life choices · Nutrition · cooking · Fitness · exercise · Meditation · Yoga and stretching · sex & relationships · Understand Anxiety, depression, loneliness, sadness And loss · Addiction · allergies & sensitivities · Inflammation, disease and disorders · Family Relationships · life changes · Breathing · Living & seeking · Understanding the world
“Thank you so much for everything that you have done. Your love, knowledge and wisdom is in abundance.”
“Now I see that I am lucky with my karmentum!”
Before we built our new shala.
“Thank you for the most amazing time this week. It has been wonderful, revelatory and just the most perfect end to 205 days of travelling. It has also been the best camping experience ever! Stars, comfy sleeps and cold showers next to the jungle!! All amazing. ”
Old problems require new solutions
In Khao Tao we find inspiration to change and heal that doesn't involve pretending, pushing, or faking until we hope we make it. Imagination is the first solution (O8 Mind Detox #7), and the O·shram in Khao Tao offers this just through the amazing vibes, the sole reason why the temple next door chose the place, a very enlightening environment.
Our garden is a herbal pharmacy with Neem trees and medicinal herbs. We have constructed an open O·shala and Prana-Pods to keep you close to nature. Every drop of air getting into your lungs and every herb will be as clean as we possibly can provide it and every drop of water will be as close to the source as we can get it. It matters, and your body will speak for it self. You (and others) will notice it in your eyes, your skin your movements and your mood. Your meditations, classes and talks will help you too.
In the process of creating the ultimate detoxing venue for you, we have become more beautifully minimalist and freely less dependent on stuff, asking ourselves in the process - what do we really need? Really? If you’ve read this far you will sooner or later ask that question too and the more you get rid of the more you’ll respect your nature (body).
“Spectacular nature and the BEACHES! OMG...How can this place be so unknown? ”
“Thanks for an endless adventure and your unconditional kindness, love and support. Hanging in the shala, testing healthy spice-coffee recipes and coming up with monkey strategies will be sorely missed. Lots of love! Enjoy the stars for me ✨✨✨”
Meditation is in the culture!
Meditation boosts our immune system, raises our energy levels, alleviates or eliminates anxiety and depression, raises our sense of self esteem, helps us make decisions, lowers inflammation, brings awareness, peace and tranquility, rejuvenates, boosts creativity – and more!
Our preferred method of meditation is our Cm (C stands for creative). The creativity and imagination requires a widespread neural network involving both the cerebrum and the cerebellum. It trains your imaginary brain and the more you do it the more you will get out of it in all parts of life.
At a our jungle paradise we review various historic forms of meditations and awareness and then quickly jump to more modern practices to get the most of our connection with the universe. We don’t force anything, especially our minds. We allow them to roam the history of our existences and settle into a peace and acceptance with what the universe has given us. Join us and learn about how meditation can help improve your life in so many ways, including escorting you into your own future. Free gifts from a regular practice include gratitude, health, awareness, creativity, serenity and liberation. Who wouldn’t want that? For free!
“I’ve had highs but the meditation journeys blew me away.”
“The concept of Karmentum did it for me. So cool and such Einsteinish perspective on the whole universe in us. How can I thank you enough?”
Yoga & Pranayamas
Yoga (see it as stretching if you'd like) enhances the detox process in a natural, healthy way. A flexible body is more likely to be a happy body (and mind). We use our method Feel f’ Real and the old version of Yoga (Raya Yoga to become Ashtanga), with the 8 limbs of Yoga, that makes it so much more than a physical exercise, and that's when students often 'get it', to ultimately use the body to meditate, with no competition, no struggle, just observation and flow to get to know their movements. That's the healing and connecting yoga!
All levels of experience are welcome - from beginners to intermediate and advanced. All sessions are followed by breathing exercises, or Pranayamas, and meditation or relaxation.
“Can you believe I do yoga, and I love it. I found a perfect group next to my home. None of that bullshit look good yoga, just regular yoga. ”
“I get it now, it wasn’t wrong with me. I just did it wrongly. I’ll definitely continue now, it feels so good.”
Food Inspires
Health is not only about food but it’s very important. Few think of food as components for our brain and body. We serve a delicious, homemade, Multi-Cultural-Thai-inspired, nutrient-packed, all vegan diet as nature produced it (non refined) without sugar, gluten, yeast, additives, etc. Why only plants? Because it's simply the best for us. No doubt in science and in trials. Our food is deliciously simple, the most anti-inflammatory, healing and detoxing we can eat. Nowadays we don’t need to convince you anymore, just google the you’ll find the stats. The benefits of a vegan diet is evident when you meditate.
You won't be hungry, tired or sluggish, the contrary. We teach you to read your own nature, your body, to restore your nutrients and maximise your health. You will be delighted by our colourful food, we promise, read what the media said.
At a recent retreat, we hosted one of the food critics (not knowing it) for The Independent who specializes in French food and wine. She said that her week with us was “the best food week of my life.” Enough said. Needless to say she went vegan.
“Such a beautiful and unusual way to see food. I’d say it’s spiritual. Love it!”
“Tasty, beautiful and loving food. Cristina made a meal in 30 minutes, she’s amazing.”
Dialogue with O•live 8 Mind Detox
You have questions and we have more questions. Each day we choose a beautiful setting and engage in stimulating dialogues about topics as varied as the science of nutrition to what thoughts hold us back from experiencing contentment and peace, energy and creativity of all forms. The answers to absurd human behavior as “why we don't do what we know is good for us”, will be revealed.
Old problems require new solutions and we believe in the importance of discussion for leading us to our own unique and deeper truths. There is a story that fits everyone, and you’ll find the one the offers you hope and faith in your particular way. The first of many questions is what healthy really mean to you, and what you want? Bring all your questions.
One thing we can promise - you'll figure it out.
“Now suddenly it all makes so much more sense. For the first time in a long time I feel I can do things I always dreamed of.”
Sleep Perfection
Sleep is detoxing, more so when the air is fresh, and the lullaby of the jungle cicadas, ocean waves and village life is uninterrupted. Thailand is the prefect climate for living and sleeping outdoors all year. We have created Prana-Pods for the perfect sleeping experience. Every night there is a slight breeze, and every nuance of it cascades through our high strength, lightweight design. You won't miss a breath, a sound, a subtlety. Nothing stands between you and nature but a few millimeters of sturdy screen.
The inner sleeping unit slides out for amazing moon and star gazing on the many strikingly clear nights, and on those occasions when it rains, slides back in in a matter of seconds. The functionality of the unit also allows greater floor space for naps, yoga, meditating, reading, hanging out, or just surfing the web. Up to you. Enjoy
“Cristina and Ray is an amazing combo. I don’t think there is anything they haven’t thought of. ”
“I can’t believe I slept the whole night. I haven’t done that in 2 years. ”
Exercise
Well of course! We all know that our nature is to "exercise", but do you know why? It's not only to get a strong heart muscle and a healthy respiratory system, it's also about the hormones, the micro-biome, your liver detox and to give yourself a chance to be happy and at peace. Exchange adrenaline for endorphins, we don’t need much, and absolutely not a marathon (actually not healthy at all).
The difference is that we integrate it in all we do so that you won't even notice that you have done it. We bike to the village to get mangoes, we hike up the mountain for a sunset meditation, we explore the temple on the hill, or you might like to walk around at the evening market, run at the beach, or swim after the morning yoga. Whatever you like is what you are going to do.
“I have no idea what got me to book, but I’m so glad I did. I feel alive again. ”
pictures from Olive Retreat Thailand is part of Khao Tao Group. We co-create with NGO's, temples and local companies to help and support each other in any way we can, and to enhance your re-orienting experience. Don't worry, we got you covered from real to proverbial door. thailand
“I loved nature from before, I knew that, but at Olive I learned to love myself.”
Sunset at the beautiful beach Sai Noi, down the road from the O•shram. One of two beaches where we do yoga, swim, meditate, walk, our just hang out. Both are amazingly free and perfect for contemplation and meditation.
“Thank you for introducing me to meditation. I have only practiced it once on a budhist yoga weekend in Wales several years ago, in a room of about 200 practising budhists whereby we were only guided to clear our minds and make them empty! I couldn’t do this as so many things were buzzing around in my head so presumed meditation wasn’t for me! But I really enjoyed the experience this time. I’m not particularly good at dealing with my emotions at times, and I know I keep things bottled up. The night we meditated under the gazebo, I felt overwhelmed with emotion, like the past 9 months was bubbling up inside me. You asked us to look at where we might be in the future, and for the very first time in a long time, I really felt positive about it and I could observe myself as being free and happy again. So thank you for that :-).
”
“At first I didn’t know what to expect as this is all very new for me but for some reason I just had to book and I’m so glad I did. I’ve been back four times now and Ray and Cristina have become dear friends. ”
Olive Retreat Thailand is part of Khao Tao Group. We co-create with NGO's, temples and local companies to help and support each other in any way we can, and to enhance your re-orienting experience. Don't worry, we got you covered from real to proverbial door.
“Another day in paradise.”