Retreat - Find your own expression in dialogue with Mother Earth
6th June- 13th June 2026
During this retreat we deepen our connection to Mother Earth and step into our power. In the process of finding our own expression, each participant sews a power doll by hand.
We spend our time in nature on the beautiful island of Brac. Through shamanic journeys, a medicine hike, yoga and meditation, we immerse ourselves in the power of the earth mother. Held and nourished by the power of her heart, we show you how you can communicate with her and with places of power to overcome what is holding you back. These tools will enable you to shape your own life and find your strength, also during the time to come. As an initiation, we will visit the mystical dragon's cave.
In the shamanic understanding, every person has their own unique qualities to express in their earthly life. We will hold the space for you in which you can connect with your intuition and sew your power doll. Supporting you in your creative exploration, you will become clearer how you can live an breathe your qualities. We will sit on the floor in a circle and make our dolls by hand without any patterns or guidelines. You can bring your favorite materials from home and use items you find in nature. We will also bring a supply, including sheep's wool for filling the dolls.
Retreat facilitators
Laura Erceg-Simon
A trained actress, Laura has been working as a clown with the Red Noses for 13 years. She is involved in permaculture and shamanism, gives shamanic treatments and has been sewing dolls and giving doll courses for 17 years.
Due to a long illness in childhood and adolescence, her life has always been a search for healing through artistic expression. She wants to pass this on to those around her.
She says of this new course: "With this new course, I want to give more space to the heart-opening aspect, which I have been able to observe during my courses over the years.” (In connection with the Earth Mother, we give our healing path an artistic expression through the dolls.)
Website in German
Sabine Engelhardt
Since her youth Sabine has experienced moments of clairvoyance . As the founder of Gea Viva, she has lived in close connection with nature for many years and communicates with the invisible forces of the earth (geomancy). She practices permaculture and is a yoga teacher.
It is important to her that we live in harmony with the earth and all living beings. To this end, she inspires people to reconnect with nature, find their inner truth, and follow the guidance of their heart's.
Website
The place
Gea Viva is located in a peaceful olive grove on the Croatian island of Brac, a ten minute’s walk from the sea and the harbor town of Milna. A group of women, led by Sabine, have created a stone circle there, which is the focal point of Gea Viva, It’s healing field that will support our process. The camp is designed according to permaculture principles, with a vegetable garden, solar showers and composting toilets. No alcohol or drugs are consumed on the premises.
Retreat programme
We will begin each morning with yoga. After breakfast, there will be approximately four hours of retreat programme, followed by lunch. The afternoons are free for swimming, rest, etc. We will immerse ourselves in nature and spend the entire day outdoors. Please be aware that we will go through processes, both individually and as a group, that can be intense.
The retreat begins at 18.00 hrs on the day of arrival and ends after breakfast on the day of departure.
The retreat languages are German and English, and there is time to translate anything required.
Food and practicalities
The cuisine at Gea Viva is vegetarian and we will prepare the meals jointly. Some ingredients will be from the garden. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know on the registration form. Please note that no alcohol or drugs are consumed on site.
The fishing village Milna has shops, restaurants, bars, ATMs, a currency exchange office, a doctor, a pharmacy, and a post office.
Gea Viva is easily accessible by public transportation. Here is more information on how to get there.
Fees
Tiny house
1175 € single occupancy | 985 € shared by two
This unique tiny house is equipped with two double beds, a seating area, a terrace with sea views, and it has electricity. Showers and toilets are shared. Bedding and linen are provided. Please bring your own towels.
Glamping hut
985 € single occupancy | 905 € shared by two
The glamping huts feature two single beds, camping lamps, a thatched roof for shade, and small terraces with sea views. Bedding and linen are provided. Please bring your own towels.
Tent
890 € own tent | 945 € hire tent
To truly connect with the earth, bring your own tent. We also have tents for rent, including a matt, sleeping bag, and pillow.
Own camper
905 € Camper up to 7m length
Our camper pitches are located within the campsite. As we are off-grid, the solar energy generated cannot power fridges in campers. Space is available in the shared fridge in the kitchen.
Sockets to recharge electrical appliances are located in the kitchen.
The following is included in the price
Shamanic process, Yoga, meditations
Sewing the doll
Trip to the dragon’s cave
7 x breakfast, 6 x lunch und 6 x supper, Vegetarian, prepared jointly
7 night’s accommodation
1 year’s membership of Gea Viva
Booking and deposit
A deposit of €200 is due upon booking, with the remaining fee due upon arrival. You can pay by bank transfer or in cash. Please register by 20th May . For bookings before March 1st, we offer a 5% discount.
For cancellations up to one month before the start of the retreat, we will refund the deposit, minus a €50 processing fee. For cancellations within the last 30 days before the start of the retreat, we will retain the deposit and the full participant fee must be paid. If political travel restrictions are imposed, we will refund the entire amount.
Reviews
“The first doll I made under your guidance, Laura, was a deep spiritual experience, just as the fairy tales I created back then. MALIE (MAya LOVES) came into the world as my inner child. As a girl who carried the laws of love within her, laws she hadn't yet forgotten. She also touched my subconscious and helped me to transform.
I am so grateful to have met you and your soul dolls. And I am delighted that this kind of transformation towards inner wisdom and love continues through further doll-making workshops.””
— Maya, Switzerland
“What Sabine offers comes from the heart, which I noticed immediately upon arrival. During her retreats, she ensures that there aren't too many participants so she can give everyone her personal attention. A relaxed conversation at the kitchen table can bring deep personal patterns and blockages to light, and Sabine is skilled at working with and healing them. Give yourself the opportunity for this transformation.”
