1 Week Awareness with Alexis Santos
Many of us come to meditation with the assumption that we need to control our minds, eliminate distractions, or attain special states of calm. Yet approaching practice through striving can easily become another source of stress.
This October, join international meditation teacher Alexis Santos at Peli Kastri for a week of practice grounded in the teachings of the Burmese meditation master Sayadaw U Tejaniya. Set amidst the quiet beauty of Southern Pelion, where ancient olive groves meet the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, this retreat offers an opportunity to cultivate mindfulness in a natural and sustainable way.
The phrase When Awareness Becomes Natural, the title of Sayadaw U Tejaniya’s most recent book, points to the possibility of developing awareness so that it becomes part of the way we live, rather than something we do only during periods of formal meditation.
Unlearning the Struggle
Rather than trying to force the mind into a particular state, we will explore how to practice through the cultivation of Right View and Right Attitude—qualities that support a relaxed continuity of awareness throughout all activities. If the mind is busy, can we know that it is busy? If there is tension, can tension be recognized? Through this interested and steady awareness, we gradually come to understand the nature of experience more deeply.
What to expect
The retreat schedule will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, opportunities for self-directed practice, Dharma talks, group meetings, and Q&A sessions. Participants will be encouraged to discover their own rhythm of practice, learning to trust their capacity to be interested in awareness within any activity.
For Beginners and Advanced
Whether you are deepening an established practice or you are a beginner exploring a more integrated approach to mindfulness, this retreat offers an opportunity to cultivate a way of being aware that can continue long after the retreat has ended.
Course language
English (translations German or Greek upon request)
Good to know
Capacity Limit: To maintain an intimate, high-quality container for practice, this retreat is strictly capped at a maximum of 40 participants
From 26.09. – 03.10. 2026 there is a women only week organized by “Xanthippe Gang”. More info: HERE
If you want to stay longer and take your time, just tell us when you book.
Registration & Info
Requests via our enquiry button or info@pelikastri.com
If you have any further questions about the retreat and method please contact us, we will gladly forward your questions to Alexis.
The small print
Registration, Cancellation, and Travel Responsibility
- Minimum Attendance Requirement: The realization of this retreat depends on reaching a sustainable minimum number of participants. If the required minimum occupancy is not met by August 15th, 2026, the retreat may be cancelled or postponed. In this event, Peli Kastri will notify all registered participants immediately.
- Limitation of Travel Liability: Peli Kastri and its organizing partners (including U&W GmbH) act solely as the event hosts and accommodation venue. We are not liable for any personal travel expenses incurred by participants in preparation for or as a result of a canceled or rescheduled retreat. This includes, but is not limited to, airline tickets, train or ferry fares, car rentals, or independent hotel bookings.
- Mandatory Travel Insurance Recommendation: Because unforeseen events can disrupt travel plans, we strongly urge every participant to purchase comprehensive travel cancellation and interruption insurance at the time of booking. Ensure your policy covers trip cancellations due to organizer cancellation, medical emergencies, and travel delays to protect your flight and transit investments.
