Ever wondered what it would be like to get away for a weekend of relaxation, combined with informative workshops, travel and a beautiful surrounding? Ever wondered if your tired old limbs would spring back to life with the help of some easy Yoga techniques? Ever wondered about what the *Bleep* we really know?

Two open-minded, and dare I say lovely, lads in the south of Spain have made just that possible. The tone of the Mumonkan Centre in Alpujarra is set with breath taking views and a natural, beautiful environment; ideal for the various workshops and activities they offer.

There is no way to describe this place in specific detail: is it a Yoga/Pilates retreat? Is it a spiritual gathering? “Mumonkan is a space to experience various aspects of life, it could be a Dzogchen meditation retreat or it could be a leather workshop, it doesn’t matter, they are simply different paths that lead to the same thing, happiness and freedom. This leaves it open for a great variety of people, from the artisans and self-sufficiency lovers to the spiritual searcher or nature lover. It may seem like we are all on different paths in life but Mumonkan is a space where all can join and see for them selves that we are actually very close to each other, only we have trouble recognizing that in our daily stressful lives,” Mumonkan-organizer Max explains.

There is no need to bring any experience in any of the courses or workshops offered. Mumonkan welcomes everybody to take part, learn, have fun and experience new territories and aspects of life. For those who fear the new age hippy vibe and are worried they will be pestered with the teachings of Buddha all weekend or will have to endure long religious or ceremonial singing sessions- no worries. Every individual is coming for their own reason, their own search; no one will get in the way of that. “I don’t think the people who visit us are of one type. Particularly if they come for a practical or artistic workshop. We hope to offer a variety of courses and workshops so there will be something for everyone. There will be no Zen wind chimes, religious singing, icons, Buddha’s on permanent display etc. We don’t want to exclude anyone by using religious or traditional decorations. It isn’t necessary and by adopting this open way we promote our viewpoint of openness and equality,” Rob, another organizer,  assures. “In a nutshell – spirituality leads to a change of heart, a natural opening of the heart, as our natural intelligence springs forth. Our ordinary assumptions are challenged and our relationship with the world is renewed with many changes happening. At Mumonkan we recognise that people want to come an experience this in groups with teachers and facilitators. We hope to offer a balanced selection of different workshops that work to further our aims, and bring benefit to those that visit.”

A traditional Yurt at the Centre.

The Mumonkan Centre consists of a traditional Finca in Juviles and is surrounded by mountains and the historical white villages of La Alpujarra and from Granada airport can be easily accessed by bus or car. Accommodation at the centre if offered in the form of Yurts – Mangolian tents which are made locally. The Mumonkan Centre doesn’t place a lot of emphasis on luxury; the Yurts are cosy and comfortable with ecological toilets and warm showers. Meals are prepared in the Finca’s kitchen-simple but tasty and nourishing. The centre borders on a river and is surrounded by trees and wildlife. Hidden Terraces and secluded spots for meditation and contemplation can be found throughout these beautiful surroundings, The Secret Garden and all it had to offer a Child’s imagination instantly springs to mind; these surroundings invite you to explore, feel and appreciate. The seasons bring the changes, from long hot summers to snowy wild winters the weather proves different and stimulating at all times. For those however, who need their little bit of luxury, a hotel can be booked in the near by village.

The Mumonkan Centre also offers excursions to destinations such as India and Morocco. The idea behind these trips are simple but effective. “Our pilgrimage to south India is yet to be fully planned but it will revolve around a trip to the holy mountain, Arunchala, home of the late Advaita sage Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. Our pilgrimage will continue around South India and we will visit their ashrams and centres, journey to ancient shrines and through sacred landscapes. Our pilgrimage is a time of reflection, discovery, a time to renew and expand our knowledge of self and the world we inhabit. Morocco is a trip to learn and practice the spirituality described in a beautiful environment. In a place like Morocco anyone that goes there has to adapt to a the great changes in society and traditions, this makes you open up to new things witch is an excellent start in finding a new way of living, thinking, sensing the world,” Rob explains.

As you can see, The Mumonkan Centre has a lot to offer in forms of a fantastic environment, education, fun, relaxation and above all raising awareness in the things we tend to forget so easily in the hustle and bustle of every day life.

If you are interested to learn more about their up and coming workshops/seminars, or would like to know more about a stay in a traditional Mangolian Yurt please visit: http://mumonkan.org/