relaxation.

But an alternative healing centre is offering locals the chance to get away from it all to enjoy a day spent in utter peace and tranquility.

The Holistic House, located in the Brunswick Mall on Front Street, will host an all-day meditative retreat at Harmony Club on April 30.

Proprietor, Donna-Lee Meyer said that the idea for the one-day retreat grew from a discussion following one of the House's free mediation classes held every Wednesday night at the Baha'i National Centre.

"We are very pleased at the response we're got from the free mediation classes,'' said Ms Meyer who is also the mediation leader. "The idea for the retreat was borne out of a group discussion one evening after mediation.

"Everyone agreed that the hectic pace of the outside world can often throw us off balance and saw a need to create a time and a place to get away from it all even if only for a day.'' Under the retreat's theme, `practising mindfulness and expanding consciousness', participants will perform breathing, fruit, hug, music, silent and tree mediation.

"The simple practice of mediation brings a sense of peace, tranquillity and stillness within which empowers us to live in balance, harmony and with a feeling of oneness with all beings,'' Ms Meyer explained. "This is essential if we are to go back out into the world and participate in our lives in a calmer, more connected way.'' Individuals at the retreat, which costs $20 per person, will also practise the gentle yoga pose and the tree pose.

In addition to their "precious souls'', Ms Meyer said participants should also bring lunch and a fruit snack to the retreat.

To register for the retreat, call the Holistic House at 295-9198. The last day for registration is Saturday, April 22.