14 Day Conscious Community Program
14 Day Conscious Community Program
Villa Mimosa - Lote 38 Quintas de Óbidos Country Club, Lugar do Bom Sucesso 2510-065 Óbidos
Up to 6 in group
Open Dates
Retreat Highlights
- Practice Conscious Slow Living
- Become more resilient mentally, emotionally and physically
- Detox, Meditation, and body-mind awareness
- Transform unsupportive habits with nourishing and supportive ones
- Discover and integrate conscious living practices in your daily life
About this Retreat
Your Guides
I am a sincere explorer of truth, dedicated to live consciously, simply and authentically.
My journey began in a dark place. Life wasn’t delivering anymore, and I reached a point where I had to make a choice: make a radical change or give up completely. I chose to change, and that decision brought me from darkness into light.
Through my transformative journey and wisdom gained from teachers and personal experiences, I've learned that true happiness and love for the world reside within us, and that freedom only exists in the present moment. By observing my thoughts and feelings, I've discovered the power of presence and connection to oneself.
I support myself through others in confronting fear, releasing limiting beliefs, and reconnecting with our true essence. I am passionate about living a conscious life with a community—a space where people can connect, grow, and live in harmony.
My gift lies in inquiring into the nature of the mind and offering insights that awaken self-awareness. In this community, I envision to inspire connection, simplicity, and awareness as we co-create a life rooted in clarity, presence, and resilience.
Bio
Chi was born in 1971 in Israel, making him 53 years old. He has a 25-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter.
Chi grew up in a kibbutz in Israel, a form of community where people share living spaces and work together.
This communal upbringing shaped his early understanding of community life and collective support.
At the age of 18, Chi joined the army and served for three years. A pivotal experience during his military service
was observing how one mind could dominate another, each side believing they were right and fighting for peace
through conflict. This realization sparked Chi's journey toward self-realization, recognizing that true peace must
be achieved through peaceful means, not war.
Following his military service, Chi embarked on a profound quest for self-realization, driven by an inner yearning to understand himself and find true contentment. His journey took him to the Far East, where he immersed himself in various communities dedicated to spiritual growth and self-awareness. These communities ranged from ashrams led by gurus to business-oriented groups requiring investment for participation. The most influential community for Chi was one where individuals worked on themselves to recognize their inner freedom, allowing everyone to be their authentic selves and contribute uniquely to a unified, supportive environment.
Chi's quest for self-realization was not without challenges. The most difficult aspect was the loneliness of walking the path alone, as his ego constantly offered excuses for why he couldn't recognize his true self and transform his conditioning. Despite these struggles, Chi persevered, driven by a deep desire for inner freedom. Through his transformative journey and wisdom gained from teachers, different practices and personal experiences, He has learned that true happiness and love for the world reside within us, and we can all connect to this simple yet profound realization.
Details of this retreat
Discover a Life of Presence, Connection, and Growth
This program offers you the opportunity to explore what it means to live in a conscious community and discover whether The Essence might be the right place for you.
By becoming part of our family, you will join a daily structure designed to keep us awake, present, and connected. Here, you’ll have the space to reflect, grow, and deepen authenticity and awareness—both within yourself and in your relationships.
Our Essential Practices
At The Essence, we live each day as if it were our last, embracing simplicity and enriching our lives through presence and connection.
We nurture the body, mind, and spirit with the following daily practices:
Meditation
Guided and silent sessions to deepen self-awareness and build resilience.
Self-Inquiry and Awareness Practices
Explore beliefs and patterns that cause suffering, and learn how to inquire into and be free of them.
"The Work" by Byron Katie.
Reflective journaling.
Group discussions and mindful sharing after meditations and in the evening.
Conscious Movement
Gentle yet powerful practices to reconnect with and strengthen the body:
Qigong.
Inner yoga.
Pranayama (breathwork).
Nature walks.
Mindful Plant-Based Eating
We prepare and share fresh, wholesome vegan meals together every day, focusing on unprocessed and unrefined ingredients. We're cultivating connection by sharing each meal together as a community.
Is This Program for You?
This program is ideal if you:
Desire to learn about slow living and conscious community practices.
Seek greater connection, clarity, and peace in your life.
Are open to explore the nature of your mind, by reflecting on your reactions and beliefs.
Value simplicity, authenticity, and presence.
Can commit to daily practices and shared responsibilities.
Understanding the Difference: Community Program vs. Retreat
We offer two distinct experiences: Retreat and the Community Program. These programs are very different, and it’s important to choose the right one for you.
Retreat: A Personal Journey
A retreat is designed for those who seek deep personal transformation. You will receive the space, structure, and guidance to work on yourself without distractions. Our focus is on supporting your inner journey, providing you with what you need for reflection, self-discovery, and growth.
You can read more about Our Radical Life Change Program. You will receive personal guidance, in your accommodation of choice, and all the support you need to make a radical life change, focusing on your own process and healing.
Community Program: A Communal Experience
The Community Program is not a retreat—it is an opportunity to live, practice, work, and integrate into our community. Here, you do not receive extra services or special treatment. You follow the rhythm of the community, working alongside us and embracing a simpler, more challenging way of living.
No special accommodations – You do not choose your sleeping arrangements.
No personal adjustments – The community does not adapt to individual preferences.
No service provided – Unlike retreatants, you are here to participate, contribute, and integrate into daily life.
In the community program, you will be expected to follow the community structure and guidelines.
Full participation in the community schedule is required. If you prefer to focus solely on your own project or personal growth without fully engaging in community life, we recommend joining a retreat first.
The community program is for those who want a real, immersive communal experience—not just an affordable alternative to a retreat. If you are drawn to experiencing community life, sharing responsibilities, and engaging in daily work, this may be the right path for you.
Which One is Right for You?
If you want to focus purely on yourself, join a retreat.
If you want to live communally, contribute, and engage in shared work, while working on yourself, apply for the Community Program.
Choose consciously.
Pricing: Two Weeks or One Month?
The Community Program is €1111 for two weeks, with the option to extend to one month free of charge. Why? Because a deeper experience takes time. We want you to fully immerse yourself, adjust to the community lifestyle, and discover if this is the right place for you. Likewise, after two weeks, we also assess whether you’re a good fit for the community. Read More
This program offers you the opportunity to explore what it means to live in a conscious community and discover whether The Essence might be the right place for you.
By becoming part of our family, you will join a daily structure designed to keep us awake, present, and connected. Here, you’ll have the space to reflect, grow, and deepen authenticity and awareness—both within yourself and in your relationships.
Our Essential Practices
At The Essence, we live each day as if it were our last, embracing simplicity and enriching our lives through presence and connection.
We nurture the body, mind, and spirit with the following daily practices:
Meditation
Guided and silent sessions to deepen self-awareness and build resilience.
Self-Inquiry and Awareness Practices
Explore beliefs and patterns that cause suffering, and learn how to inquire into and be free of them.
"The Work" by Byron Katie.
Reflective journaling.
Group discussions and mindful sharing after meditations and in the evening.
Conscious Movement
Gentle yet powerful practices to reconnect with and strengthen the body:
Qigong.
Inner yoga.
Pranayama (breathwork).
Nature walks.
Mindful Plant-Based Eating
We prepare and share fresh, wholesome vegan meals together every day, focusing on unprocessed and unrefined ingredients. We're cultivating connection by sharing each meal together as a community.
Is This Program for You?
This program is ideal if you:
Desire to learn about slow living and conscious community practices.
Seek greater connection, clarity, and peace in your life.
Are open to explore the nature of your mind, by reflecting on your reactions and beliefs.
Value simplicity, authenticity, and presence.
Can commit to daily practices and shared responsibilities.
Understanding the Difference: Community Program vs. Retreat
We offer two distinct experiences: Retreat and the Community Program. These programs are very different, and it’s important to choose the right one for you.
Retreat: A Personal Journey
A retreat is designed for those who seek deep personal transformation. You will receive the space, structure, and guidance to work on yourself without distractions. Our focus is on supporting your inner journey, providing you with what you need for reflection, self-discovery, and growth.
You can read more about Our Radical Life Change Program. You will receive personal guidance, in your accommodation of choice, and all the support you need to make a radical life change, focusing on your own process and healing.
Community Program: A Communal Experience
The Community Program is not a retreat—it is an opportunity to live, practice, work, and integrate into our community. Here, you do not receive extra services or special treatment. You follow the rhythm of the community, working alongside us and embracing a simpler, more challenging way of living.
No special accommodations – You do not choose your sleeping arrangements.
No personal adjustments – The community does not adapt to individual preferences.
No service provided – Unlike retreatants, you are here to participate, contribute, and integrate into daily life.
In the community program, you will be expected to follow the community structure and guidelines.
Full participation in the community schedule is required. If you prefer to focus solely on your own project or personal growth without fully engaging in community life, we recommend joining a retreat first.
The community program is for those who want a real, immersive communal experience—not just an affordable alternative to a retreat. If you are drawn to experiencing community life, sharing responsibilities, and engaging in daily work, this may be the right path for you.
Which One is Right for You?
If you want to focus purely on yourself, join a retreat.
If you want to live communally, contribute, and engage in shared work, while working on yourself, apply for the Community Program.
Choose consciously.
Pricing: Two Weeks or One Month?
The Community Program is €1111 for two weeks, with the option to extend to one month free of charge. Why? Because a deeper experience takes time. We want you to fully immerse yourself, adjust to the community lifestyle, and discover if this is the right place for you. Likewise, after two weeks, we also assess whether you’re a good fit for the community. Read More
Schedule
7:00 AM Stillness meditation
8:30 AM Awakened body movement*
9:30 AM Morning oatmeal with fresh fruits
10:00 AM Resting time
11:30 AM Meditation practice with Life Awareness Session
1:00 PM Detox juice
2:00 PM Nourishing vegan meal with fresh salad
2:30 PM Resting time
4:00 PM Tea time
5:00 PM Qigong session
6:00 PM Vegetable Soup
7:00 PM Stillness meditation + closing the day
8:30 PM Lights out
*Awakened Body Movement: A nature walk, pranayama breathwork, or inner yoga session—chosen based on the group dynamic, weather, and participants' abilities. This program is not centered on physical exercise. Movement practices are integrated to keep the body awake, vital, and nourished in support of your inner process, but they are not the essence of this journey. If you are primarily seeking physical activity or have specific expectations regarding it, this retreat may not be the right fit for you.
8:30 AM Awakened body movement*
9:30 AM Morning oatmeal with fresh fruits
10:00 AM Resting time
11:30 AM Meditation practice with Life Awareness Session
1:00 PM Detox juice
2:00 PM Nourishing vegan meal with fresh salad
2:30 PM Resting time
4:00 PM Tea time
5:00 PM Qigong session
6:00 PM Vegetable Soup
7:00 PM Stillness meditation + closing the day
8:30 PM Lights out
*Awakened Body Movement: A nature walk, pranayama breathwork, or inner yoga session—chosen based on the group dynamic, weather, and participants' abilities. This program is not centered on physical exercise. Movement practices are integrated to keep the body awake, vital, and nourished in support of your inner process, but they are not the essence of this journey. If you are primarily seeking physical activity or have specific expectations regarding it, this retreat may not be the right fit for you.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Read MoreGetting Here
The Esssence, Villa Mimosa - Lote 38 Quintas de Óbidos Country Club, Lugar do Bom Sucesso 2510-065 Óbidos
Directions
The easiest way to reach us is by flying into Lisbon (LIS) and taking an Uber directly to our location, which is about an hour’s drive from the airport (approximately €100).
Alternatively, you can take a direct bus to Caldas da Rainha, which is 20 minutes from our center. From there, you can take an Uber to the retreat center (around €20). Read More
Alternatively, you can take a direct bus to Caldas da Rainha, which is 20 minutes from our center. From there, you can take an Uber to the retreat center (around €20). Read More
Accommodation
Our Center offers 5 bedrooms, including 3 private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and 2 double shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms. It also features a dining area, living room, swimming pool, terrace and a space for awakened body movement and meditation.
Double shared room with shared Bathroom
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Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Nestled in the serene town of Obidos, our retreat center offers a peaceful sanctuary for deep transformation and self-discovery. Surrounded by breathtaking nature and offering stunning views of the lake and untouched landscapes, this is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself. Located one hour north of Lisbon, it’s a 15-minute drive to the beach and a 15-minute walk to Obidos lagoon.
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Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We provide vegan and gluten-free food
Read More
What's Included
- Accommodation in a serene, natural setting.
- Daily plant-based meals and juice.
- Meditation and movement sessions.
- Life-awareness group discussions.
- Nature-based activities and time for personal reflection.
What's Not Included
- Airport transfer (can be arranged upon request)
- Travel insurance
- Flights costs
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