The Essence is a conscious slow living community, operating a retreat centre in the serene Nature of the Óbidos region in Portugal.

About me

We are a conscious community— united in a life of connection, awareness and simplicity.
Together we inquire into the nature of the mind to remember the root cause of our suffering and pain. We create a space where we can be vulnerable and authentic. By sharing our struggles and reactions openly and honestly, we bring clarity to doubts and find peace with who we are and each moment as it is.
Our Vision
To share the light of awareness with all beings, holding space to support and be supported, now and for generations to come.
Our Mission
We are creating a space where awareness, connection, and presence form the foundation of a conscious way of living.
Through daily practice, reflection and guidance, we cultivate clarity and resilience—supporting the journey of self-realization, self-transformation and a life in harmony with nature, ourselves, and those around us.
About Us
We are grounded in slow living, sharing plant-based meals, and living close to nature and to ourselves. Life here is about being rather than doing. We’ve cultivated a sanctuary where we can stay present, be conscious, and build resilience.
Our Current Phase
Our community currently consists of seven members plus a one-year-old.
We are currently based in Obidos, Portugal, where we focus on building our inner foundation and strengthening our connection through shared living and daily practice.
We host life-awareness retreats and welcome those interested in joining our conscious community. Whether for a short stay or a longer-term commitment, we invite you to grow stronger, connect deeply, and live with authenticity alongside us.
As we grow together, we envision settling on a piece of land in the coming years—a space to nurture a conscious way of life for generations to come, and stay awake.
The Essence – Conscious Community Program
Location: Portugal
Program Type: Immersive Community Living
Discover a life of presence, connection, and growth.
The Essence offers an immersive experience in conscious communal living. This is not a retreat, but a full integration into the daily rhythm of our community—a space where simplicity, shared work, and spiritual growth come together.
You’ll engage in daily meditation, self-inquiry, conscious movement (like Qigong and breathwork), and mindful plant-based eating. Each day is structured to support deep presence, self-reflection, and communal connection.
Who is it for?
This program is for those who feel called to slow down, live simply, and participate fully in shared living. Ideal for individuals interested in self-realization, shared responsibility, and conscious contribution.
Program Structure:
2-week immersion (€1111)
Optional 2-week extension at no extra cost
Pathway to a 3-month residency (€3000 total)
What’s Included:
Shared double-room accommodation
Daily vegan meals and juices
Meditation and movement practices
Group awareness sessions
Time in nature and communal co-creation
This is a space for those who want to live the practice—together.

Languages

  • English
  • German
  • Hebrew

Promoted Needs and Offers

  • Events
8 years ago

Awakening Leadership Training

Awakening Leadership Training is a 6 month empowerment training based in Thailand that weaves inner transformation and societal understanding with techniques for community building and effective mindful leadership. It provides space for dialogue, reflection and contemplation on the deep questions facing humanity and our planet. It will help you to take new steps with increased confidence, broadened perspective, and enhanced social change skills. You can join for one week, or the full 6 month course, engaging in the learning process that emphasises inner cultivation as a foundation for fostering new paradigm leadership. About This program is developed in partnership with Gaia Education, and is offering a pioneering Advanced Ecovillage Design Education certification. The learning journey integrates and deepens exploration of four dimensions of sustainability: social, economic, worldview and ecological, as well as incorporating a fifth dimension on Skillful Means for Social Transformation. The program is based at Wongsanit Ashram (near Bangkok) eco-community, and we will take journeys to live and learn with indigenous, grassroot and intentional communities across Thailand, explore and experiment with community building and self governance, and participate in the co-creation of knowledge together. It is designed to support people committed to social change to: HEART – Deepen self awareness and compassion to stay balanced to cope with the uncertainties of the present world situation HEAD – Broaden perspectives on social and environmental issues HANDS – Develop practical skills and meta-skills SPIRIT – Cultivate Right Mindfulness as the key factor for awakening Highlights The journey grounded in critical self awareness as a foundation for personal growth. Mindfulness practice is embedded into the daily rhythms in order for participants to become present, calm and develop emotional stability, empathy and comp
  • Events
10 years ago

Curso Tratamiento EcolĂłgico de Agua

Desde la Ecoaldea Los Guindales y Colectivo Paissano les invitamos a participar en el curso formaciĂłn sobre el agua, el recurso mas importante para la vida. Durante los 10 dĂ­as de experiencia de convivencia y compartir vamos a enfocarnos principalmente en el tema del diseño y construcciĂłn de un sistema de bajo costo para tratar las aguas residuales y reutilizarlas para riego. Además, trataremos de cubrir otros aspectos del uso consciente del agua, como su potabilizaciĂłn, aprovechamiento de agua lluvia y creaciĂłn de pequeños ecosistemas acuáticos – estanques y piscinas naturales. ÂżPara quiĂ©n? El curso está dirigido a: Personas interesadas en autoconstrucciĂłn de un sistema de fitodepuraciĂłn y aprovechamiento en sus casas Pequeños constructores y arquitectos que quieren profundizar el diseño de sistemas de aprovechamiento de agua Personas interesadas en soluciones accesibles para mejorar los hábitos del uso y la calidad del agua, tanto en el ámbito rural como urbano Todos interesados en profundizar y entender mejor el ciclo natural del agua y la interactuaciĂłn humana dentro de Ă©l Parte teĂłrica: Ciclo natural del agua – ÂżporquĂ© tratar aguas residuales? FitodepuraciĂłn de aguas residuales – parámetros fisicoquĂ­micos y biolĂłgicos de aguas residuales, tipos de tratamiento, herramientas para el diseño de un sistema casero de fitodepuraciĂłn con consejos prácticos PotabilizaciĂłn del agua – tipos de contaminaciĂłn y estrategias de su eliminaciĂłn, potabilizaciĂłn y mejora de calidad del agua urbana y rural Aprovechamiento de agua lluvia – análisis climático, cálculos del potencial de aprovechamiento, almacenamiento, tratamiento y posibles usos Pequeños ecosistemas acuáticos – estanques y piscinas naturales – parámetros importantes para su equilibrio y tipos de plantas acuáticas, impermeabilizac
  • Events
12 years ago

Curso Certificado Diseño Permacultur

Diseña para la vida con permacultura La Permacultura nos ofrece nuevas formas de pensar, hacer y ser que pueden ser utilizadas individual y colectivamente para crear culturas humanas sostenibles en armonía con la naturaleza. Curso de 90 horas con Certificación Internacional El Temario incluye, entre otros: ética y principios, practicas de diseños, gestión del agua, el suelo, agricultura regenerativa, bioconstrucción, energía, nuevas economías, aplicación ecológica y humana: al hogar, la huerta, el vecindario, la comunidad, región, … Además: Actividades prácticas, Ecología profunda, Dragon Dreaming, Ecoaldeas, Moneda local… El aspecto residencial del curso nos permitirá vivir la Permacultura de forma tangible en el día a día. A nivel ecológico el sumergirnos en la aldea “eco” de Los Molinos y experimentar por 2 semanas como se vive utilizando principios, éticas y técnicas. A nivel humano, seremos parte de una comunidad que formaremos participantes, facilitadores, organizadores y otras personas afines. Crearemos espacios para la interconexión y creación de redes, intercambio de habilidades y auto-organización de talleres y actividades alternativas y también para soñar y celebrar junt@s!! Facilitadores: Antonio Scotti, Kirsty Heron, Maria Vela, Jesús Ledesma, Jef Carrick y Patricia Cañas. Con la posibilidad de contar con otr@s facilitadores invitad@s.. Inversión: 575 €para reservas antes del 30 de Septiembre 605€ para inscripciones a partir del 1 de Octubre 345€ para personas que ya hayan cursado un CDP y tengan el Certificado. Incluye curso y materiales. También todas las comidas (ecológica) y alojamiento en proyectos ecológicos y sostenibles – Sunseed, El Mirador y La Pita-Escuela DESCUENTOS Y BECAS: ofrecemos un descuento de 5% a miembros de diversas asociaciones y posibilidad de 1 plaza becada. Estamos abiert@s a intercambios y colaboraciones por productos y servicios que nos sean de utilidad. Lugar: Los Molinos del Río Aguas – u

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