About
Science tells us that we cannot separate the mind, body, and spirit in health.
There is much support available for the body—from western medicine to healthy food and natural remedies. Our free virtual retreat is here to support the mind and spirit.
This retreat is for those who have undergone the challenges of treatment (as a patient or supporter) and are now wondering, "What comes next?" ​​​
How it Works
Our programme features five powerful teachers, handpicked for their deep understanding of the impact of cancer on the mind, body, and spirit. Each day for five days, you will receive a video lesson in your inbox, where each teacher shares their tools to help you not only survive but thrive.
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Each lesson is approximately 20 minutes long. At the end of the five days, you'll receive a closing integration exercise from our Thrivers Ark team.
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So, let's begin. Sign up below to get instant access. Your Day 1 lesson will be emailed straight to your inbox, with Day 2 following the next day, and so on.
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And did we mention it's free? Why? Because we've been where you are—wondering what it all means—and we now want to share what we've learnt.
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Welcome to Retreat to Inner Freedom!
Retreat Programme
Day 1
Retreat into the Five Healing Senses
with Dhevaksha Naidoo
Dhevaksha Naidoo shares how the power of retreat can help people access the five healing senses and facilitate healing.
Dhevaksha is a retreat researcher, teacher, and speaker who merges complementary medical science with contemplative practice. She has published in academic journals and presented at scientific conferences in Australia and internationally on the impact of retreats on happiness and wellbeing. Dhevaksha has developed the Five Healings Senses model, as well as retreats and an academy for wellness practitioners, as pathways to realise wellness and thriving. Dhevaksha lives in Melbourne with her husband, their son, and toy cavoodle. More at dhevaksha.com
Day 2
Empowering to Thrive
with Jodie O’Dea
Join Australia-based Jodie O’Dea as she shares her journey of empowerment and healing from breast cancer.
In her late 30s, Jodie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer and faced immediate and multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. In this video, she shares the key principles that empowered her through her cancer journey and beyond.
Having led personal and professional growth and development programs for more than 15 years, she is an expert at empowering others, including fellow cancer patients, particularly with their mindset.
Through her candour and compassion, Jodie offers invaluable insights and shares simple, easy-to-replicate support, helping others to benefit from her journey.
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Day 3
​The Only Time is Now
with William Kenower
William Kenower shares his transformative tools to inspire you to live fearlessly, creatively, and purposefully.
William is the author of three bestselling books, is the Editor-in-Chief of Author magazine, and a sought-after speaker and teacher. In addition to his books he’s been published in The New York Times and has been a featured blogger for the Huffington Post. William lives in Seattle. More at williamkenower.com
Day 4
The Art of Therapeutic
Writing
with Ali Zidel
Ali Zidel, MSW, shares her journey of healing from colon cancer (diagnosed at the age of 33) and breast cancer (at the age of 46), alongside the role that therapeutic writing played in her recovery process.
Ali is a United States cancer survivor, writer, mother, and teacher. Before COVID, she led the ongoing workshop Writing Your Cancer Journey at the Stanford Supportive Care Center in Stanford, CA. Ali has taught writing and coached people in Executive Functioning skills for over 20 years. More at
holy-mess.com.
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Day 5
What We Gain When We
Give Up Control
with Lara Charles
With a deeply personal story and guided visualisation, Lara Charles shares her tool for letting go of control and creating space for her higher self to lead life.
Lara is an Australian writer, mother and blood cancer-thriver. Through her newsletter and in print, Lara writes reflective, thought-provoking personal essays and poems about our inner human life. Her work has been featured in New Zealand's most prominent media platform, Stuff, and internationally. Her debut memoir will be ready for publication in 2024. More at laracharles.com
Day 6
Integration Through
Embodiment
You have learnt a lot these past five days. Your mind will undoubtedly be humming and whirling. During our last day together, we invite you back into your body.
Embodiment moves us from thinking about these tools to living from them.
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The Thrivers Ark team summarise the retreat's key lessons and offer an integration exercise.
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Who Is It For?
If any of these statements resonate,
Thrivers Ark is for you.
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Is there a deeper meaning to my diagnosis?
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I don't want to live in fear anymore.
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How can I be the grounded and present supporter my loved one with cancer needs?
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What does it mean to be alive?
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There has to be another way to be.
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I want to live a full life.
Ready to go deeper in your cancer journey?
Welcome aboard!
