What is Satori? The word Satori originated in Japan and describes that moment of illumination that can only be described as direct experience of profound truth that accompanied certain Zen practices. Once a person experiences Satori it can often mean that their life fundamentally changes. The experience of Satori can vary from person to person but the essence of the state is similar – a profound feeling of peace, a knowing, without doubt – truth. For some people the experience may only be a momentary glimpse, for others it may be an extended period – a common aspect, however, is that the knowledge of the experience is lasting and life changing. Often there is the experience of empowerment, a foundation within themselves creating a more relaxed outlook on life, choices and future potential. What exactly is the structure of Satori retreat and what benefit can I gain? 'Satori' as we are discussing it here refers to a retreat of six days duration that has been carefully designed to support an individual to open into experiencing truth. It has evolved from techniques of the East combined with Western methods to support each person to have the maximum opportunity to have a Satori experience. A Satori allows you to experience your whole self, and that is inclusive of your humanness, your spirit – you. For many the experienced depth of acceptance is profoundly freeing. With the acceptance comes the ability to watch the process of the mind without becoming involved, without believing it - giving you back the sense of power and the realisation that YOU can, and do, have conscious choice in each situation, and that you are not a victim of circumstance but the creator of your life. The more you see the natural flow of life the clearer it is to see your interaction in the relationships in your life from a more neutral perspective. This can support you to participate more deeply in life from less reaction, generating understanding in your day-to-day interrelationships. Once you have experienced the freedom of Satori it also gives you the possibility to experience a life without tension or at the very least to realise that when you are in a state of tension being gentle and caring with yourself relieves this tension. While the focus of attaining Satori is to have a peak experience – a “Satori”, the journey involved frequently provides a microcosmic look at your basic attitudes towards life. It lets you see your behaviors, the way you think, what you think, how your mind works - many of the aspects to which you may have been previously blind to. This gift of seeing your-self empowers your future choices and impacts the potential that can unfold in your life.