AS an introvert (and other sensitive personality types) living in an extrovert’s world, things can get really noisy and overwhelming; advice, often unwelcome, is freely given as to how to be more outgoing and to function “better” in the mayhem. No one suggests how the loud people can learn to be quieter. And that’s why Temenos Retreat in McGregor is so important.
Its ethos, which you will find on the website, says: “In the relentless pace of everyday life we often forget our capacity to embrace simplicity and stillness. Our beautiful gardens have been designed to honour and renew the practice of mindfulness, contemplation and the quiet embrace of the present moment.”
Quiet. Peace. Stillness. Tranquility. The blissful state an introvert craves.
Overall, Temenos is a large, cool, shady garden. There are shrines and places for meditation, and a chapel, as well as ducks and peacocks, and the resident cat, Lulu. There is accommodation in small, rustic self-catering cottages. These – and the sacred places – are secreted among the trees and foliage and it’s quite possible to not see another living soul during your stay. Gravel pathways meander through the garden – open to the public by arrangement – and visitors are respectfully asked to keep their voices down. This is not a place where yelling children are tolerated, and those older than 12 are welcome. It’s as if it was created especially for me.
My little cottage with its thatched roof had a kitchenette and a fireplace, an essential in the McGregor winter. It can get chilly at night, but electric blankets and hot water bottles are provided to ensure cosiness. You can always add a nice bottle of red wine. During the days while I was there, it was warm and sunny, and being unencumbered by an itinerary it meant I could wander around the gardens with no purpose other than to be silent, or to sit on a bench in dappled shade, or watch the ducks going about duck business.
My only commitments were to kuier with my friend Liewe Liny, who has lived in McGregor for a few years now, her dog Gracie and Elizabeth Royal Kat, who has embraced owlishness since she parted ways with the outer parts of her ears, and Liny’s friend (and my new one) Louise who shared the ride there and back; and to eat at Tebaldi’s and Out Of Africa (more about that in a separate story); and a massage.
The person who does this at Temenos is called Halo, and I was booked for a full body. In a moment of honesty, finally, I admitted that I do not enjoy such treatments (many reasons) and could I please rather have a hand and foot massage? Halo agreed delightedly and we were both happy, me especially because I had chosen to speak up. Sometimes it is better not to be completely quiet. Besides massages, you can book a private yoga class, a guided nature walk, or a card reading with an experienced practitioner. Continuing the restful atmosphere, there is a library, as well as a poetry library in Tebaldi’s. For those hot summer days, there is a swimming pool.
Between self catering – there are braai facilities at the cottages – Tebaldi’s and Out Of Africa on the property, McGregor has plenty of other restaurants to choose from if you are staying a while, and wine tasting at Lord’s (which has just opened its new restaurant), Tanagra Wines, or Bemind, a genuine garagiste winery in the village. Feeling energetic? Lots of hiking trails for you.
There’s a market opposite the church on Saturday mornings, beautiful art galleries, and the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary where rescued donkeys live out their days in happy loving surroundings. McGregor is a tiny village where everyone knows everyone else’s business (even I learned some choice details which I in turn shared with locals), with one main road, but there’s no time for boredom…especially if you are content with your own company, birdsong (and I exclude the screeches of the peacocks here) and soothing self-care.
For more information, click here.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bianca Coleman ©
