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

Chia Om

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  • Volunteering
1 month ago

Social Media Intern

Ecovillage Network logo with sun and moon symbols in purple.
Ecovillage Network logo with green leaves inside a circle.
Ecovillage Network logo with a heart-shaped handshake symbol.
Logo of the Global Ecovillage Network with a stylized flower design.
Logo of the Global Ecovillage Network with interconnected figures.
Social Media Intern for GEN International Hours: Up to 20/month, flexible around your schedule and availability Location: Remote, work with Eva Goldfarb Focus: Instagram + LinkedIn (TikTok if you’re into it!) Hi! I’m Eva, and I run social media for GEN International — the global network connecting ecovillages, intentional communities, and regenerative culture-builders across every continent. I’m looking for a co-conspirator to help me tell the stories of the people quietly building the future: off-grid villages in the Philippines, permaculture farms in Senegal, urban cohousing projects in Berlin, elders passing down land wisdom in the Andes. It’s a wildly rich, wildly underrepresented world, and I want more people to fall in love with it the way I have. What you’ll actually do: Dream up and create content for Instagram and LinkedIn (reels, carousels, stories, captions that don’t sound like a corporate newsletter) Dig into our global network and turn your findings into stories people want to share Pitch your own ideas. If there’s a series, a theme, a format, or a corner of the network that lights you up, that’s what I want you to focus on. What we’re looking for: A natural storyteller, someone who can spot the human thread in a project update or a photo from a faraway village Genuinely curious about ecovillages, sustainability, intentional community, regenerative living Self-motivated and communicative; this is a flexible, trust-based role Why this role: This isn’t a “post 3x a week and don’t ask questions” internship. You’ll have real creative freedom to work on what excites you, learn how a global grassroots network tells its story, and build a portfolio full of meaningful, purpose-driven content. Plus you’ll be talking to people living some of the most interesting, intentional lives on the planet. If storytelling for a better world sounds like your kind of fun, let’s talk.
  • Events
12 years ago

Ashevillage Eco-Urban Program

Work Site: Ashevillage Sanctuary, Asheville, NC Dates: March 23 – October 23, 2015 (with roughly 40 hours of preliminary online permaculture homework) Schedule: Monday-Thursday (full days) + special workshops two weeks in the season — details below. Room & board: Apprentices will live off site and make their own living arrangements. Leads on affordable housing will be provided. Fee: Includes Permaculture certification, water retention landscape & natural building workshops, primitive skills gathering, weekly hands-on mentorship, field trips, and more. Apply by March 15th for the Early Bird discount. ECO-URBAN HOMESTEAD & BUILDING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM A small group of apprentices will work together in a mentored team environment. The majority of your 32 hour week will be working on hands-on site projects with roughly three hours of structured learning ‘classes’. There will be several field trips over the course of the season. You will receive a Permaculture Design Certification, 1-week Water Retention Landscape Course, 1-week Natural Building Workshop, and a free pass to the annual Firefly Gathering. Free time generally includes three days per week (Fri – Sun), plus two weeks off over the course of the season. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. We expect spots to fill, so apply soon. WHO SHOULD APPLY This apprenticeship might be for you if you are eager to: Learn with your hands. Understand, trouble shoot, and help establish a living water system. Engage in some natural building projects. Be an active member of a small team. Work hard. Show up each day with enthusiasm. Design as a systems thinker. Bring your positive attitude. Enjoy nature’s wonder while living in a small, vibrant, progressive city. Carry this work and knowledge into your own life and out into the world. Practice being a land listener, steward and partner….in a backyard neighborhood setting….with a mission of modeling an organic, integrated way of life.

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