Life is moving faster than ever. The rush of daily life, social pressures, and constant distractions often leave us with little time to pause and connect with our inner selves. We are bombarded with information, thinking about everything except our own well-being. The onslaught of negative news can make us anxious, nervous, sad, or even depressed, leading to various negative mental states. In today's world, we need a strong antidote to counteract these negative influences. We must reconnect with our inherent purity of mind, rediscovering its peacefulness, inner happiness, and fulfillment.

Positive mindfulness techniques are powerful tools to cleanse the mind and maintain its clarity. This retreat offers you the chance to learn these techniques from experienced teachers in the calm and silent environment of a Buddhist monastery, so you can bring these practices into your everyday life.

A scientific study involving 168 participants has shown that positive mindfulness significantly reduces stress and depression while simultaneously enhancing well-being, positive relationships, mindfulness, gratitude, self-compassion, self-efficacy, autonomy, meaning, and engagement. These benefits are not only impactful but also long-lasting.


Ivtzan, I., Young, T., Martman, J., Jeffrey, A., Lomas, T., Hart, R., & Eiroa-Orosa, F. J. (2016). Integrating mindfulness into positive psychology: A randomised controlled trial of an online Positive Mindfulness Program. Mindfulness, 7(6), 1396–1407.

Your Teachers in This Program Will Be:
  • Bhante Palkumbure Chandima
    Sri-Lanka
    Theravada monk, experienced teacher of mindfulness and vipassana meditation
  • Maria Hainz
    Germany
    Master of Positive Psychology and Coaching (University of East London)
  • Margarita Danilova
    Russia
    Art-therapist and positive psychology consultant
What is Mindfulness?

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness involves paying close attention to your present experience while remaining open-hearted and open-minded. Over time, as we gather life experiences and develop certain thinking habits, our minds can lose their natural state of purity and openness, becoming rigid. Mindfulness practices help restore the mind to its original state of clarity, flexibility, and purity.

What is Positive Mindfulness?

Positive mindfulness integrates mindfulness techniques with principles from positive psychology to significantly enhance practitioners' well-being. It encompasses areas such as self-awareness, self-compassion, loving-kindness, character strengths, inner motivation, and life meaning.

Why Practice Mindfulness, and Especially Positive Mindfulness?

Mindfulness has been shown to counteract negative mental states, such as low self-esteem, high anxiety, low vitality, and mild to moderate depression. It helps you access your full potential, making you calmer, more flexible, and skillful, thus enriching and enlivening your life. Positive mindfulness further improves self-efficacy, relationships, personal well-being, and overall life satisfaction.

Positive Mindfulness Program
Scientifically-Based Program
The techniques of mindfulness and positive mindfulness are well-researched and proven to be effective. This Positive Mindfulness program was developed by Maria Heinz, a master of psychology, in collaboration with Bhante Palkumbure Chandima, a Buddhist monk, psychologist, and experienced vipassana teacher.

Mindfulness and Buddhism
Mindfulness is a core component of Buddha’s teachings, with Buddhist monks practicing it for thousands of years. The Buddhist tradition has accumulated extensive knowledge about the mind, clearly demonstrating the benefits of mindfulness. It has become not only a spiritual path but also a fundamental aspect of modern psychology. The Positive Mindfulness Retreat integrates both spiritual and psychological approaches to provide a comprehensive experience.
Positive Mindfulness Retreat at the Dassana Buddhist Centre

The Positive Mindfulness Retreat offers dedicated time and space for practicing mindfulness with a focus on positive emotions, thoughts, and actions. Its goal is to help you cultivate a positive mindset. The retreat combines various activities designed to enhance mental well-being, reduce stress, and promote inner peace and happiness.

The Positive Mindfulness Retreat Includes the Following Activities:
  • Mindfulness Meditation
    Guided sessions to help you focus on the present moment and develop a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts and feelings.
  • Mindful Movement
    Gentle movement practices that connect the body and mind, promoting relaxation and physical well-being.
  • Workshops and Talks
    Educational sessions on topics such as positive psychology, stress management, and techniques for fostering a positive mindset.
  • Nature Walks
    Time spent in natural surroundings to enhance tranquility and deepen your connection with the environment.
  • Journaling
    Guided journaling exercises to reflect on experiences, set intentions, and reinforce positive thoughts.
  • Group Activities
    Activities designed to encourage connection and sharing with fellow participants, fostering a sense of community and support.
  • Healthy Meals
    Nutritious meals to nourish the body and support overall well-being, along with mindful eating practices.
  • Free Time for Reflection
    Unstructured time for personal reflection, rest, or exploration of the retreat environment.
Dassana Meditation Center
The Positive Mindfulness Retreat is held in a serene location in the heart of Sri Lanka, providing a peaceful setting away from daily distractions. This supportive environment allows you to focus on your well-being, develop mindfulness skills, and leave feeling rejuvenated and more positive.
Meditation halls
The monastery features three comfortable meditation halls and several outdoor areas for various meditation practices.
Location
Nestled in a quiet area away from highways and cities.
Atmosphere
A very friendly atmosphere that supports achieving the best results from the retreat.
Spirituality
A beautiful Buddhist temple located on the monastery grounds.
Comfort
The expansive grounds are designed to ensure that participants remain focused and undistracted.
Culture
Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of life in a Buddhist monastery for several days.
Dassana Meditation Centre Tour (Sri Lanka)
The Program of the Positive Mindfulness Retreat
Sunday, October, 12
Sunday, October, 12
Arrival at the Dassana Buddhist Centre
Monday - Friday
6.30-7.30
6.30-7.30
Mindful morning exercises
7.30-8.00
7.30-8.00
Breakfast: Mindful Eating
8.30-11.00
8.30-11.00
Positive Mindfulness Program
Focus areas include self-awareness, positive emotions and thoughts, self-compassion, positive self-talk, meaning of life, and positive relationships, along with the Meditation of the Day.
11.30-12.30
11.30-12.30
Lunch: Mindful Eating
12.30-13.00
12.30-13.00
Walking Meditation
14.00-17.00
14.00-17.00
Individual talks
Time for one-on-one sessions with the Center’s leader, Bhante Palkumbure Chandima, as well as art therapy and other positive mindfulness practices.
17.00-17.30
17.00-17.30
Laughter Yoga
17.30-18.00
17.30-18.00
Meditation of the day
18.00-19.00
18.00-19.00
Free Time: Journaling
19.00-20.00
19.00-20.00
Dinner: Mindful Eating
20.00-21.30
20.00-21.30
Group activity. Positive talks. Reflection
21.30-22.00
21.30-22.00
Meditation of the day
Saturday, October, 18
Saturday, October, 18
Excursion (extra) or departure day
IMPORTANT NOTE
The retreat does not have any religious orientation

Although it takes place at a Buddhist meditation center, the training is not associated with any specific religion. The principles of mindfulness and mental management are universal. Whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or follow another faith, you will find these techniques beneficial. The retreat is designed to enhance your skills in positive awareness and mental management, and may deepen your understanding of your own religious principles.

Tour dates: October 12-18
If you would like to extend your stay in Sri Lanka before or after the retreat, please contact us for assistance.
Retreat Сost: €499
Included in the price:
Practices as outlined in the retreat program
Meditations, lectures, and training on positive mindfulness
Individual consultations and group activities
Accommodation in the monastery
Double rooms in the main building or a separate house
Shared shower and toilet facilities
Meals 3 times a day
Three meals a day in the monastery dining room
Several coffee breaks throughout the day
Not included in the price:
Visa, flights to and from Sri Lanka
Transfer between the airport and the monastery
Excursions outside the monastery
FAQ
Leave a request in the form below
We will contact you shortly to reserve your place and answer all your questions.
Open Your Mind to New Experiences
Hello! My name is Margarita, and I am the retreat coordinator. If you have any questions about the retreat, feel free to reach out to me. I live at the Dassanā Buddhist Centre in Sri Lanka, located at Nagalen Purana Viharaya, Bebalagama, Galagedara.


You can contact me via the messaging platforms listed below
I’m available to take your calls from 08:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central European Time (CET) and you can send me messages at any time that suits you.
WhatsApp Telegram Phone