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Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu The daily mantra chanted every morning and night at Hariharalaya - “may all beings be happy and peaceful” these words instantly summarise this blissful oasis in one. As I nervously stepped out of my Tuk Tuk and adorned to the busy streets of Siem Reap in anticipation for the 6 day retreat, I was embraced with a warming smile from Hariharalaya’s leading teacher Amanda that immediately put my mind at ease. Along with 20 other like minded souls from all over the world we were ushered into our Tuk Tuks ready to begin the onward journey into a week of digital detox, meditation, yoga and self reflection. Weaving our way along the thick layered dusty red roads from the busy streets Siem Reap passing by small villages with lively children riding their bikes, fresh food markets and sacred cows amongst the rice fields, we arrived to the jungle utopia of Hariharalaya, the place where I would be calling home for the next week. Welcomed by the beautiful local Cambodian staff we were blessed with coloured cotton scarfs around our necks and greeted with love by the Hariharalaya family. “Leave your shoes and ego at the door” were the words displayed over the 6 day retreat schedule and to that the soles of my feet were instantly engaged with the beautiful grounding earth of Mother Nature, the sand between my toes immediately elated the feeling of my inner child coming through, I new I was at home. With daily meditation, chanting and yoga to suit anyone’s ability, the days are left to your own creativity wether it be colouring mandalas, rock climbing, indulging in a massage, taking a walk into the local village to surround yourself with the Cambodian culture, or perhaps just the simple pleasures of lazing in a hammock/ hiding in the tree house with a good book from the incredible spiritual library. Each day was there to harness what your heart was calling for, to truly be in the present moment. A Silent day as well as mornings and nights were there to allow time to be with yourself and reflect on the true values of life. The array of vegan food that is provided and sourced from the local villages will nourish anyone’s mind, body and soul throughout the retreat. Meal times were always shared as we gathered in circles to give thanks to be grateful for the food that was about to fuel our bodies. The Juice Bar was opened daily to serve that sweet spot with homemade ice cream sundaes, beautiful fruit smoothies or a lushes green coconut to quench your thirst. There are many accomodation options to suit all travellers from dormitories, bungalow houses to private rooms, which allows a diverse range of people from all walks of life to afford to come together and experience this retreat and make friends that you will undoubtably have for life. The team at Hariharalaya are without doubt the most inspiring, nurturing kind hearted souls who are there guiding you every step of the way. Through their beautiful dharma talks, ecstatic dance nights, sharing circles and the most amazing fire ceremony I have ever experienced, this is all apart of the process to allow yourself to take time, breath and truly focus on been in the present moment of life. Walking barefoot with the sand between your toes and all egos left at the door, Hariharalaya is the safest place on earth to truly find yourself and any answers you may be seeking, perhaps planting the seeds to the next chapters of your life. Hariharalaya is where I truly found myself and felt like I was at home. Namaste