KOKORO: Finding Stillness in the Heart of the Himalayas
In a world that never seems to slow down, where productivity is often mistaken for constant motion and noise, we at Jilling Terraces are excited to host a rare opportunity for profound transformation. This spring, we welcome the extraordinary Sensei Rashid Ansari for KOKORO: The Heart of Stillness, a 4-day immersive retreat that promises to reconnect participants with their authentic selves through the ancient practices of Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Gong, and Dance Your Senses.
When Stillness Becomes Strength
The Japanese concept of "Kokoro" represents the integrated heart-mind-spirit—a state of being where intellect, emotion, and spirit work in harmony. Far from being a retreat from productivity, KOKORO teaches us that true strength, balance, and effectiveness arise not from chaos, but from cultivated stillness.
"To be still, to be silent, to slow down when life's frenetic pace just about seems to overwhelm and suffocate one... Here, stillness and quietening down doesn't mean loss of productivity; on the contrary, it actually means increasing productivity," explains Sensei Rashid, who brings over 50 years of experience as a master practitioner and teacher in martial arts and movement disciplines.
The Mountain as Teacher
There's a reason we chose to build Jilling Terraces at 7,000 feet, surrounded by ancient oak forests and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. The mountains have always been sanctuaries for those seeking clarity and perspective. When combined with the transformative practices of Tai Chi and the 5 Rhythms, our natural setting becomes not just a backdrop but an active participant in the journey toward holistic well-being.
Each morning, as participants greet the sunrise with gentle movements that have been practiced for centuries, something remarkable happens. The boundary between self and surroundings begins to dissolve. The rhythmic patterns of breath align with the swaying of oak branches. The solid stance of Tai Chi forms finds resonance with the mountains themselves.
The Dance Between Structure and Freedom
What makes KOKORO particularly special is its integration of seemingly opposite practices. Tai Chi Chuan offers structure, precision, and form—often called "meditation in motion." Meanwhile, Dance Your Senses and the 5 Rhythms (Flow, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness) provide space for spontaneous expression, emotional release, and creative exploration.
This dance between structure and freedom, discipline and spontaneity, mirrors the very journey of balance we all seek in our lives. As one previous participant shared, "The combination of Tai Chi's structured movement and the freedom of the 5 Rhythms helped me break through longstanding emotional blocks. Rashid's guidance was transformative, and the setting at Jilling Terraces added a magical dimension that wouldn't have been possible elsewhere."
A Day in the Life of KOKORO
What might you experience during these four transformative days?
Your mornings begin with the mountain mist, perhaps a sunrise hike to a ridge where tea awaits, followed by Chi Gong practices that cultivate vital energy. The late mornings bring focused Tai Chi instruction, where you'll learn movements that regulate blood pressure, strengthen muscles, and align your entire system.
Afternoons offer space for rest and integration, followed by exploration of the 5 Rhythms—each day building upon the last as you move through Flow, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and ultimately, Stillness. Evenings bring nourishing meals from our kitchen, meaningful conversations, and perhaps even star-gazing from our mountain perch.
By the final day, as you experience the complete Tai Chi sequence and full 5 Rhythms wave, many participants report a sense of coming home to themselves—a reconnection with an inner stillness that has always been there, waiting to be remembered.
Beyond the Retreat
The most powerful aspect of KOKORO may be how it continues to unfold long after participants descend from our mountain home. The practices learned become tools for daily life—ways to find center amidst chaos, to respond rather than react, to move with intention rather than impulse.
"I came to KOKORO exhausted from corporate burnout," another participant told us. "After the retreat practicing these ancient movement arts, I rediscovered a sense of balance I hadn't felt in years. The practices were accessible even for a beginner like me, and I've continued with them daily since returning home. The results have been profound—better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a newfound clarity in decision-making."
Join Us This Spring
KOKORO: The Heart of Stillness will take place at Jilling Terraces from May 29th to June 1st, 2024. With a maximum of 12 participants to ensure personalized attention, spaces are limited and early registration is recommended.
The standard package is priced at ₹45,000 per person (shared accommodation), with an early bird discount of 10% available until May 15th. The package includes accommodation, all meals and refreshments, complete workshop materials, and guide service for the trek to and from Jilling Terraces.
For those seeking to rediscover balance, cultivate presence, and learn practices that will serve them long after the retreat ends, we invite you to join us where the clouds meet the mountains, and where ancient wisdom meets modern life.
To reserve your place or learn more, please contact us at [email/phone/website].
KOKORO: The Heart of Stillness is a collaboration between master facilitator Sensei Rashid Ansari and Jilling Terraces, bringing together decades of embodied wisdom practice with one of India's most unique mountain sanctuaries.