🔭 The Present Perspective Newsletter

👍Even now, some part of you is OK

What if, beneath all the noise, the worry and the stories of the mind, there is already something in you that is steady and OK?

Even in difficult moments, there are often small sanctuaries of ease available to us.

“Wholeness is not the absence of brokenness, but the capacity to hold it all.” — Parker J. Palmer

Dear Reader
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The truth is, we are all OK.

Our mind, past conditioning and life circumstances may tell us otherwise. Yet in any given moment, with enough awareness, we are often able to discover some part of ourselves that is at ease, grounded and OK.

It takes practice to be able to locate this part, which is exactly why we practise.

We know, from scientific and evidence-based research, from psychology and from the lived experience of countless people who have practised mindfulness and meditation, that this is possible—the part of us we find does not need to be big, dramatic or profoundly deep, although sometimes it can be.

Often it is far simpler than that.

It may be the pause between the in-breath and the out-breath. The feeling of our feet on the ground. A momentary gap between thoughts. The caress of the breeze on our skin. The feeling of the breath leaving the belly.

These are micro-moments of relief. Subtle, but very real moments of ease and OKness.

They offer a counterpoint to the messages we may be receiving from the mind, from old conditioning, from the media or from the difficult life circumstances we may find ourselves in.

Even in the midst of fear, anger, panic, stress, anxiety, worry or resistance, there are often small sanctuaries of calm, spaciousness and release available to us.

These moments remind and reassure us that, even within the pain and challenge of our human existence, real peace and real ease are not only possible but available right now.

This is not wishful or positive thinking.

It is also not denial, where we push away or pretend that the parts of us that feel threatened, hurt or in pain no longer exist.

Rather, it is a realisation and tacit felt sense that part of us is OK.
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It is spacious enough to allow all parts of us to be here, including the parts that still feel afraid, wounded or under threat.

The more we learn to notice and turn towards these aspects of our felt experience, where there is relief, release and a sense of groundedness, the more confidence we begin to have in our own capacity to regulate and return.

We begin to trust that no matter what is happening, we have the capacity to reconnect with a sense of stability and OKness—no matter how small.

From a neurological perspective, the brain rewires itself so that these moments, and our recognition of them, become more readily available.

Just as learning to drive or play a musical instrument becomes easier with practice, so too does the practice of awareness, attention, and returning to this felt sense of groundedness and inner stability.
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We can have more faith in ourselves and our life, that no matter what, there is a 'north star' of OKness.

As we practise more and become more familiar with this felt sense, it offers us a deeply precious gift....
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The evidence that, at a fundamental level, all is well.

That growing realisation that we are whole, complete and OK, just as we are.

​Queenstown, New Zealand, 6-Day Meditation and Mindfulness Retreat — Small Group Immersion in Mountain Surroundings​
​29 May – 3 June, 2026​

A carefully curated six-day immersion in mindfulness, movement and mountain landscapes—designed for people who value depth, structure and intentional practice.

Limited to 10 participants, this programme blends our grounded, nature‑based style with a refined flow inspired by Queenstown’s majestic mountains and beautiful Lake Wakatipu.

This exclusive retreat, led by two highly-experienced teachers is for those who value nature, simplicity and evidence‑based mindfulness practices, and who appreciate an intentional, well‑paced journey of transformation.

This retreat includes...

• Daily meditation and mindfulness practice
• Guided mountain and lakeside walks
• Gentle movement and breathwork
• Periods of nourishing silence
• Relaxing spa pool available all day and night
• Community connection and shared meals
• Personalised individual interview with one teacher
• Time for rest, reflection and integration
• Incredible stargazing when conditions are right
• Detoxifying sauna

This is an invitation to slow down, breathe and pay attention—not in a forced way but in a way that brings you home to yourself.

The Location: Ora Retreat, Queenstown

Ora Retreat is a boutique mountain home overlooking Lake Wakatipu —peaceful, welcoming and surrounded by forested hills and alpine views. Guests consistently praise its warmth, comfort and the sense of being “at home” in nature.

You’ll stay in cozy, thoughtfully designed rooms, enjoy quiet mornings on the deck, and unwind each evening with mountain air and the glow of the fire. Hiking trails begin right from the property, and Queenstown’s dramatic landscape frames each day.

​Book Your Place Now​

Teachers: Kovido Maddick and Eric Chagnon
​Location: Ora Retreat, 26 Arawata Terrace, Sunshine Bay, Queenstown, New Zealand
​Dates: Friday, 29 May – Wednesday, 3 June, 2026​
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💗 The Essence of Self-Love, Premium 6-Day Silent Meditation Retreat, Byron Bay, NSW​ — May and June, 2026​

The Essence of Self-Love Retreats at Sangsurya, Byron Bay are the premium retreat offerings of 2026.
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These retreats feature incredible artisan accommodation, a stunning retreat centre setting and an on-site chef, Todd Stream-Cameron providing world-class meals.
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​Book your place now with a $500 deposit.​
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Teachers: Karl Baker and Stephen Archer
​Location: Sangsurya Retreat Centre, Byron Bay, NSW
​Dates:
​May Retreat: Friday, 8 May – Wednesday, 13 May, 2026
​— SOLD OUT.​
​June Retreat: Friday, 19 June – Wednesday, 24 June, 2026
​— 2 PLACES LEFT.​
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💗 The Ease of Being, Luxury Weekend Retreat, Noosa, 29–31 May​ 2026 ​

When was the last time you truly stopped, breathed, and let yourself simply be?

This premium three-day meditation retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the noise and into a world of effortless relaxation, deep presence and quiet luxury.

“The Ease of Being retreat gave me the gift of a weekend filled with peace and calm—time out in a beautiful, natural setting away from the demands of everyday life.” — Christine Donnelly​
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​Book your place now with a $250 deposit.​

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Teacher: Karl Baker
​Location: Senses Beach Rd Holiday Homes, Noosa North Shore
​Date: Friday, 29 May – Sunday, 31 May. ONLY 1 PLACE LEFT.​
​Price: From $895 all inclusive
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​Get one on one, private Mindfulness Coaching​

One on one work with a certified mindfulness teacher can assist with anxiety reduction, improving sleep, reducing over-thinking, improving relationships and making mindfulness a habit in your life.
​

​Find a certified mindfulness teacher to work with now.

🧘‍♀️ Mini Mindfulness Exercise: The Micro-Moment of OKness Practice

Duration: 5–10 minutes

Take a comfortable seat.

Allow the body to settle naturally.

Rather than trying to feel calm, simply notice what is already here.

Bring your attention to the breath.

Can you notice the out-breath?

The gentle softening as the breath leaves the body?

Pause here for a few breaths.

Now widen your awareness.

Notice:

• your feet touching the ground
• the contact of the chair beneath you
• the temperature of the air on your skin
• any sense of space around the body.

Then gently ask:

“Is there any small part of this moment that feels even slightly OK?”

Do not force an answer.

It may be very subtle.

Perhaps it is the breath.

Perhaps the shoulders soften.

Perhaps there is just a tiny moment of space between thoughts.

Stay with that for 20–30 seconds.

Let the nervous system register it.

Finish by noticing:

Even with everything that is present, something in me is still here, still steady, still OK.

Purpose:​
This practice trains the mind and nervous system to recognise subtle moments of safety, ease and regulation that are often overlooked.

🏢 Workplace Mindfulness Training

Nationwide in-person or online mindfulness training for workplaces.
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– Build team mental and emotional resilience.
– Improve mental fitness.
– Reduce burnout with practical strategies.
– Enhance team communication and connection.

​Get a customised program and free quote.
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🤔 Mindful Check-In. Vote to See Results.

Why this reflection matters

Often the first signs that we are coming back to ourselves are very subtle and easy to miss. By becoming more aware of these early signals; whether it’s a softer breath, a loosening in the body, or less urgency in the mind—we strengthen our ability to recognise moments of regulation and ease as they arise. Over time, this helps us trust that even in difficult moments, some part of us remains steady and OK.

📝 Mindful Meme of The Week

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