The information, exercises and meditations in the Cultivating a Calm Mind website, retreat and bookclub membership are intended for general interest and use and not as therapy or treatment for any mental or physical condition. Please seek the advice and services of a professional health practitioner for the treatment of any disorder or if you are at all concerned about your physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.

The term “Materials” refers to the Cultivating a Calm Mind book in all its formats, as well as the meditations, exercises, audio and video demonstrations, worksheets, memberships, online courses, coaching, retreats and websites. The term “Retreat Facilitator” refers to Michelle Eckles, Cultivating a Calm Mind and Meditation Sunshine Coast.

Payment Methods

You acknowledge and agree:

• You have the legal right to use the credit card or PayPal account or other payment method utilised to make your purchase.  
• The information you supplied at checkout is true, correct and complete.
• Materials will not be made available until full payment has been received.
• We have the right to refuse or cancel an order if fraud or an unauthorised or illegal transaction is suspected.

Liability Waiver

You acknowledge and agree:

• That you are over the age of 18.
• It is your choice to do any physical movement, such as yoga, sitting, laying, standing and walking during any of the exercises and activities during or after the retreat.
• You have no physical or mental health condition that would prevent safe participation in any of these exercises.
• That the exercises, meditations and techniques in the Materials are not to be substituted for professional medical or psychological consultation and advice.
• To assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries or damages, known and unknown, which I might incur as a result of participating in the exercises.
• You knowingly, voluntarily, and expressly waive any claim you may have against the Retreat Facilitator for injuries or damages that you may sustain as a result of participating in the exercises in the Materials and release the Retreat Facilitator of any and all liability.
• You are responsible for safeguarding the password that you use to access any Membership services and agree not to disclose your login details or password to anyone else.

Content

• The Author is constantly updating the Materials and products and services may be mispriced, described inaccurately, or unavailable if they experience delays in updating information.
• The Author does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information and reserves the right to change or update information and to correct errors, inaccuracies, or omissions at any time without prior notice.
• There are no warranties, guarantees or promises of any kind with respect to the Materials by the Author.
• All Materials are the copyright of Meditation Sunshine Coast, Cultivating a Calm Mind and Michelle Eckles - it is illegal to copy, duplicate or share.

• The rules and safety measures at the venue must be observed at all times. If you cause any property damage, you will be liable for costs incurred.

• If van hire has been organised on your behalf, you agree to observe your van's rules and safety measures as per instructions given to you by the van hirer. If you cause any damage to the vehicle, you will be liable for any costs incurred (not covered by the insurance) and any applicable insurance excess. 

• If your transport option for the retreat is your own vehicle, you must have fully comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance, and you may be asked to provide proof of this when booking.

• Travel insurance is recommended for your own protection. 

• There are areas we travel to on the retreat where phone reception is limited and non-existent. If you don't have a two-way radio in your vehicle, a booster device or satellite phone is recommended. These can be rented or purchased. Michelle can provide you with recommendations.

• You are responsible for your own COVID-19 protective action, e.g. vaccination mandates, social distancing, hand sanitiser, mask-wearing, checking in, tracking and tracing, quarantine regulations. Please check all restrictions, mandates and regulations before departure.

• All retreat and program materials are not to be copied, shared or distributed (including meditation recordings).
• There are no warranties, guarantees or promises of any kind with respect to this retreat and the activities.
• You acknowledge that all activities may carry inherent dangers, such as the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, or death. By participating in these activities, you understand and agree that you have freely chosen to assume these risks.

Inclusions:

• Van hire - if you have selected this package, including insurance and roadside assistance. All vans are hired with selected providers through Camplify. Bonds are required for the insurance excess and are payable by the retreat attendee.

• Accommodation:

  • Unpowered or powered sites for those with vans

  • Safari tents or cabins for those who have paid for the upgrade package or BYO car package (at the discretion of Meditation Sunshine Coast, using selected providers).

  • Safari tents at Carnarvon 

• Activities – lavender farm visit (Moogerah), walking and hiking (Moogerah Gorge, Girraween, Donnellys Castle, Carnarvon Lower Gorge, Roma Gardens), eco tour (Carnarvon), journal making workshop (Moogerah), winery tour (Stanthorpe), cheese factory tasting (Stanthorpe), Big Rig Show (Roma), 45-minute massage (Carnarvon), self-care workshop, drum-making workshop (Gin Gin), labyrinth walk (Bargara).

• Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners Group Coaching Package – 5 x face to face sessions

Cultivating a Calm Mind Course Membership

• Cultivating a Calm Mind PDF with worksheets and links to audios, videos and meditations
• Cultivating a Calm Mind eBook, Kindle
• Cultivating a Calm Mind Audiobook
• Library of 10 guided meditations
• Mini courses x 4:
  1. Breathing exercises to reduce and manage stress and increase focus and clarity
  2. Relaxation techniques to release muscle tension and pain and improve sleep quality
  3. Tools to manage thoughts and stop overthinking and worrying
  4. Processes to release emotions and stop being overwhelmed or scared of them

Exclusions:

• Food and meals
• Petrol 
• Lady Musgrave Island trip 

Cancellation policy:

• The $500 deposit paid to secure your place is NON-REFUNDABLE.
• Your balance for the retreat needs to be paid in full a month prior to departure.
• If you cancel 30 days or more before departure, all monies paid less your $500 deposit will be refunded.
• If you cancel between 14 and 30 days before departure, you will forfeit all monies paid. If the retreat is at full capacity and you find a replacement for your spot, they may take your place. A $100 transfer fee will apply.
• If you cancel within 14 days prior to departure, you will forfeit all monies paid.
• Requests to transfer to another retreat will be on a case-by-case basis.
• You will not receive a discount or refund for any activities you choose not to do or that get cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of the retreat leader.
• If the retreat leader cancels the retreat for any reason, you may choose between a refund or rescheduling to another date.
• You may discontinue your use of the Materials, at any time. However, you will not be entitled to a refund unless it can be shown unequivocally that there are defects in the provision of these Materials or they do not comply with the Australian Consumer Law. We do not offer refunds for change of mind and are not required to by law.
• The Retreat Facilitator reserves the right to change or discontinue the provision of any of the Materials any time.

For the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all participants and to maximise the benefits of this retreat please observe the following:

• Any type of harassment, verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated, including slander, racial or prejudicial comments (participant will be asked to leave the retreat).
• Illegal substances are not permitted. Alcohol is permitted during evening meal times and free time but intoxicated persons will be asked to leave an activity.
• Personal space and privacy is to be respected at all times, as well as the opinions, thoughts and feelings of other participants.
• Refrain from talking or distracting other students during a meditation (there will be time for sharing/feedback afterwards). Persistent disruptive behaviour will be addressed.
• Reserve the need to judge, react or try to fix yourself or anyone else - choose instead to listen mindfully, creating a confidential, trusting and open space for sharing.
• Solicitation or promotion of businesses, products or services is not permitted (unless asked).
• Turn your mobile phones off (or leave them secured in your van) during the workshops, meditations and hikes to avoid distractions and interruptions.
• It is quite likely that as a part of this retreat, your photograph may be taken and this content may be visible to people outside of the retreat. Please advise Michelle ASAP if you do not wish to have your photo taken or published.
• This is a retreat for women only and the activities and accommodation are only for participants who have paid to be part of the group. Please leave your husband or boyfriend at home and disable your online dating profile notifications!
• Your Retreat Leader will be available from 8.00am to 8.00pm daily – please respect her privacy and need for down time, outside of these hours (unless there’s an emergency), in order to give you the best experience.