Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect - A 5 day Digital Detox Meditation Retreat
"Awakening isn't about finding a better culture or religion. In fact, it isn't even about meditation. It's about waking up; its about becoming free from being subject to suffering. It's about learning to look at our experience directly, with honesty and integrity. In the final analysis, it's about freedom, and anything that gets in the way of that goal is counter-productive, however great its potential." - Qapel
Teachers:
Evangelos Diavolitsis
and Nishta Matarese
When: December 14-19, 2025
Where: Lake Orta, Italy - Mandali Retreat Center
Unplugged: Disconnect to Reconnect A 5-day Digital Detox Meditation Retreat - Dec 14-19 2025
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of our true selves amidst the incessant buzz of social media, work demands, and the never-ending stream of notifications. Are you craving a pause, a moment to rediscover your inner harmony and to disconnect from the digital chaos? Join us for a rejuvenating mindfulness and movement workshop designed to guide you on a transformative journey towards balance, healing, and renewal. We will learn to unplug from the inner and outer noise of day-to-day living.
Why is unplugging from the world necessary?
When you unplug from the world, you start to notice at first that your inner world is overrun with plans, regrets and storylines. This exhausts the nervous system so step one is to unplug and reduce external stimuli, Step two is practicing to unplug from our own internal voice which is giving commentary and interpretation about every experience. Most of this commentary is unnecessary and at times harmful and distorted. The third step is to plug into something new, unaltered and radiantly beautiful. What exactly are you plugging into? A transcendental field of compassion and pure potential. A place that is free of story making and worry. In the echoes of silence, you plug into your true nature.
What to Expect
Meditation and Conscious Movement: We will offer guided meditations that are joyful and easy to practice anywhere and everywhere. These ancient techniques will help you reconnect with your body, allowing you to release tension and rediscover your natural flow. Discover the power of mindful movement as we guide you through dynamic movement practices using music and creative exercises that open your body and mind to unlimited potential.
Addressing Burnout: We understand the toll that life and work burnout can take on your well-being. Nishta and Evangelos will share insights, strategies, and practices to help you identify the signs of burnout and find balance, resilience, and joy once again.
Two Days of Silence: In the heart of this transformative experience, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery with two days of group silence. We will enter silence from the 16th-18th. This sacred silence will provide you with the opportunity to go within, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and find clarity in the chaos of life
Heart-Centered Connection: Explore the depths of your heart and discover the beauty of authentic human connection. Through guided group discussions and activities, you'll forge meaningful bonds with fellow participants, creating a support network that will extend far beyond our time together.
Nature Immersion: Our retreat takes place in a serene natural setting, providing the perfect backdrop for our mindfulness practices. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Winter Solstice as we connect with the healing power of the outdoors.
Digital Detox: During this workshop, we'll provide you with practical tools to reduce your digital footprint. Learn to navigate the digital world mindfully and create healthy boundaries with technology to regain control over your life.
What are the practicalities of a digital detox in this retreat?
To build new neuronal pathways towards spiritual freedom and to sit in one’s beingness (rather than the habit of always “doing” something), one must give up a few technological addictions that currently define modern living. You will be expected to stay offline, hand in your phone for a period of time, stay away from social media, refrain from taking photos while the retreat is in full swing, give up reading (because this keeps your mind busy), no movie watching and generally staying off your computer. We have yet to meet someone that did not fully enjoy the experience of sincerely unplugging. This retreat is focused on healing an overly strained nervous system and allowing ourselves to settle into a relaxed state of peaceful presence. **This retreat is not recommended for participants who have many business meetings or wish to stay in regular contact with family and friends.
Takeaway Skills: Leave this retreat equipped with a toolbox of mindfulness practices, digital detox strategies, and burnout prevention techniques that you can integrate into your daily life.
Join us on this rejuvenating journey of self-discovery, connection, and renewal. Reclaim your life, recenter your spirit, and rediscover the profound beauty of the present moment. This is your time to reset and restore your body, mind, and heart.
Reserve your spot now and embrace the opportunity to unplug, for in the silence and stillness, you'll find the wisdom and strength to flourish in this unpredictable and quickly paced world.
We look forward to meeting you in person and embarking on a powerful journey into wholeness, health and clarity.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Curious seekers wanting to deepen their understanding of how one’s inner world works.
Visionaries, leaders, and cultural creatives wanting to recalibrate and fortify.
Anyone who needs to shake up the status quo of their life.
Professionals or couch potatoes looking for a practice that is more easily integrated in the modern world.
Adventurous types who want to try something innovative.
Ideal for people struggling with burnout and year-end exhaustion.
Anyone having difficulty making decisions and lacking in direction of what’s next.
HOW WE WORK:
Meditation and Dharma (Wisdom) Dialogues / Talks with Q & A.
Guided embodiment practices - Mindful movement, somatic explorations, mindful walking & nature immersions, 3 optional yoga classes during the week.
Dynamic Inquiry (Insight & dyads)
Contemplative writing and creative healing arts.
Silent sitting - mindful breathing - cultivating inner witnessing.
Periods of social silence and digital detox.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Increased self-awareness and peace of mind.
A greater ability to infuse meditation into simple daily actions.
Return to daily life with a resourced and integrated center body.
Access the spacious, effortless, openness of your unique self.
Increased skill and ability to interrupt the habitual grasping mind.
Cultivate compassionate communication through group - relational development.
Radically reduce tension and anxiety.
Increase vitality & creativity.
Sleep without interruption or body stress.
Eradicate inaction and sluggishness.
Become the actor, director and producer of your life without the fear of failure or allowing supporting actors to control your authentic destiny.
Warning: You may be so inspired and empowered to let go of what no longer serves you that you may not recognize your own relaxed body/mind. You might actually start living the peaceful, balanced life you always imagined.
Schedule subject to change - final program shared on the first day.
Please clear your working calendar ahead of arrival in order to be fully available for the program.
* we will have a two-day period of total social silence *
Arrival Day
14.00 - 17:30 Arrivals - Free Time - Enjoy your own rhythm
17:30 - 19:00 Open Session
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
20:30 - 22.00 Evening Session
Daily Schedule
07:30 - 08:30 Session 1
08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast (in Silence)
10:30 - 12:30 Session 2
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
15:00 - 17:00 Session 3
17:00 - 17:30 Tea Break
17.30 - 19.00 Free Time - Enjoy your own rhythm
19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
20:30 - 21.30 Session 4
Departure Day
07:30 - 08:30 Session 1
08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast (in Silence)
By 10:00 Check Out
10:30 - 12:30 Closing Session
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
14:00 - Departure
Mandali Retreat Center - LAKE ORTA - ITALY
Accommodation - Included:
Workshop, Material and Teaching Fee
Accommodation for 5 nights
Coffee/tea/snack service daily at 5pm
All meals (vegetarian)
Herbal teas, coffee, and fresh fruit throughout the day
Filtered water + in-room tea service
Spa facilities (swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room)
Excluded:
Travel cost to Mandali Retreat Center
Optional massages
Local Taxes
Quadruple Lake View
These rooms are built in a dormitory style, with two sets of bunk beds. This is the most economical choice to enjoy Mandali and your course. There are additional toilets and showers in the hallway, as well as the bathroom en-suite. All shared rooms have lake view.
Hermitage Garden w/ Kitchen - Double or Triple
Our hermitages are small apartments with a self-contained kitchen. They are built on two levels, with a small mezzanine loft-space for sleeping, a cozy living room downstairs and a private veranda overlooking the garden. Please be aware that the hermitage is a shared space that sleeps four people.
Twin Garden View
Share a twin room with a friend. Two single beds, with view and quiet verandah looking onto the garden and Temple or over beautiful Lake Orta. One can walk out the back door and walk slowly along the path that leads directly to the kitchen, or make a 90-degree turn to go back to your retreat.
Single Garden View
Most of our rooms are designed for single occupancy. We recognize the need to be alone on your special journey, and have taken every care to make our rooms comfortable and refined. Each single room has a full double bed, so you can sleep well, and be well rested for the course that you are there for.
Twin Lake View Premium
You want the ultimate experience. Italy, top of the mountain, and a spacious room. All of our rooms are interesting. The premium rooms are positioned for the very best view. Even the locals envy this view. Enjoy an inviting chair, and delicious solitude. The premium rooms have premium view.
Single Lake View Premium
The ultimate way to compliment your experience is the premium single, spacious room overlooking the lake with a bathtub on your veranda or inside the room for the epitome of indulgence. There are times in life where treating yourself is of the utmost importance and the fastest way to recharge your life force.