Inside Spain's Most Remarkable Off-Grid HIDDEN PARADISE Community
Iām Gareth, your host of the Endless Possibilities podcast, and Iām thrilled to share some incredible insights from our latest episode featuring the visionary Ra, founder of the Hidden Paradise Retreat Center in the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains of southern Spain. This episode is packed with transformative stories and profound lessons that you wonāt want to miss!
š Highlights from Raās Journey:
A Vision in India: Raās spiritual awakening began with a powerful vision during a ten-day Vipassana meditation retreat in India. A one-eyed raven in a pine forest urged him to purchase a specific piece of land, leading to the creation of Hidden Paradise.
From Rupert to Ra: Ra shares his journey from a strict, conformist upbringing to embracing his true self, shedding his old name, Rupert, and embarking on a path of self-discovery.
Life in Beneficio: Raās seven years in the communal lifestyle of Beneficio, living in teepees and sharing resources, taught him the beauty and challenges of community living.
šæ Hidden Paradise Retreat Center:
Off-Grid Sustainability: Hidden Paradise operates off-grid, utilizing solar energy and natural water sources, reflecting a deep commitment to honoring the earth.
Community and Healing: The retreat center began organically, with friends and community members sharing skills and resources, creating a space for spiritual growth and connection.
Unique Structures: Discover the story behind the āSpaceshipā temple, a central gathering space inspired by a powerful teacher named Aisha.
š± Medicine for Men:
Inclusive Gatherings: Ra hosts monthly āMedicine for Menā retreats, breaking down financial barriers and creating a space for men to share experiences and engage in healing practices.
Transformative Practices: These retreats often include sauna sessions, cacao ceremonies, and, fostering openness and vulnerability.
š Sustainability and Community:
Local Support: Raās commitment to supporting local businesses and employing local resources highlights the interconnectedness of Hidden Paradise with its surrounding community.
Water Reverence: The retreat centerās pure spring water is a rare luxury, reflecting a deep respect for this vital resource.
š” New Beginnings:
Eden Retreat Center: Ra is developing a new retreat center, rehabilitating a historic 600-year-old olive mill, blending heritage with healing.
š§ Tune In!
This episode is a testament to the transformative power of community, the importance of honoring the land, and the profound impact of shared healing experiences. Raās journey and the vision behind Hidden Paradise will inspire you to explore your own path of spiritual awakening and connection to nature.
Listen now to immerse yourself in Raās incredible story and the magic of Hidden Paradise. You can find more information and connect with Ra through his website.
š Connect with Ra šhttp://hiddenparadise.org/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/foothillsoftheAlpujjaras/
š Connect with Gareth
https://linktr.ee/truespiritualawakening
If you would like to be interviewed by Gareth please email us at podcastpossibilities@gmail.com
**The Vision That Sparked Hidden Paradise (00:00:00)**
**Podcast Introduction (00:00:47)**
**Meet the Host and Guest (00:00:58)**
**Raās Background and Upbringing (00:02:07)**
**Life in the Spanish Community (00:03:56)**
**Beneficioās Evolution and Community Spirit (00:04:56)**
**Origins of Beneficio and Its Energy (00:07:56)**
**The Spiritual and Alternative Hub of the Region (00:08:48)**
**Buddhist Center and Local Spirituality (00:10:05)**
**The Birth of Hidden Paradise (00:10:38)**
**Early Retreats and Community Living (00:12:58)**
**The Importance of a Temple Space (00:14:07)**
**Manifestation and Building Process (00:17:08)**
**Off-Grid Living and Sustainability (00:19:00)**
**Water Scarcity and Its Importance (00:22:23)**
**Raās Evolving Work: Menās and Medicine Retreats (00:24:42)**
**Working with Psilocybin and Other Medicines (00:27:25)**
**San Pedro/Wachuma and Local Plants (00:29:32)**
**Food, Community, and Local Sourcing (00:31:04)**
**Community Participation and Shared Responsibility (00:31:44)**
**Weather, Seasons, and Retreat Scheduling (00:33:44)**
**Physical Experience and Connection to Nature (00:37:18)**
**The Eden Project: Restoring a Historic Olive Mill (00:38:47)**
**The Three Sacred Spaces: Airship, Spaceship, and Eden (00:41:10)**
**Temple Energies: Spaceship and Earth Temple (00:41:54)**
**The Importance of Safe, Supportive Spaces (00:44:36)**
**Business, Trust, and Community Economics (00:46:09)**
**Retreat Logistics and Guest Experience (00:48:49)**
**Calming Pre-Retreat Anxiety (00:49:43)**
**Continuous Improvement and Returning Guests (00:51:18)**
**Final Thoughts and Contact Information (00:52:45)**
**Podcast Outro (00:55:22)**