Return to Joy
An Immersion Retreat with Brad Laughlin
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa
May 14-27, 2026
This intimate retreat is open to those who have participated in at least one CoreLight course
“Blyde” means joy in Afrikaans—and you’ll feel why at the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon. The beauty, power and spirit of this land are profoundly uplifting and transformative.
In these times of great change and division, returning to spiritual practices that sustain our highest vibration—joy—is more important than ever.
This intimate retreat offers meditations and dialogues with Brad in the mouth of the canyon, at the foot of Modimole, the sacred mountain whose name means “God is here.” Together, we’ll deepen practices that awaken joy and release the patterns that block it, supported by the peace and vitality of the land and its abundant wildlife—zebra, antelope, baboons, monkeys, mongoose and more.
Discover Authentic South Africa
In addition to our immersion in the sacred Blyde cocoon, we also plan several inspiring outings to nearby sites:
White Lions
A two-day spiritual initiation from the majestic white lions at the Global White Lion Protection Trust, a pioneering reintroduction program CoreLight has supported for over 20 years.
Kruger National Park
A three-day safari in the renowned Kruger National Park, which is the size of New Jersey. Immersed in vast, virgin wilderness teaming with African wildlife, we take in its great natural beauty and tremendous spiritual power.
Blyde River Canyon
Exploration in and around Mother Nature’s masterpiece, the Blyde River Canyon. Gazing in silent awe at its grandeur and spectacular, breathtaking vistas, we sink easily into meditation.
Acornhoek Village
An authentic experience of rural South Africa in the village of Acornhoek, where our humanitarian arm, Seeds of Light, supports the local, marginalized community, including orphans and vulnerable children.
The African Dreamtime
Our area in South Africa is known as the lowveld—an extraordinary place, where the virgin bush is so vast and untamed that there are more animals than people.
The lack of thought forms fosters deep meditation and a great relaxation of the mind, body and spirit. Here, it is easy to let go into the enormity of the inner and outer landscape and experience the mystical nature of the land and animals. We have come to call it the African dreamtime.
Entering into the African dreamtime dissolves the separate mind and awakens our interconnectedness with the web of life. It is one of the great gifts that Mother Africa offers to visitors. Those who come for this experience are brought to their inner core of stillness, reconnected with something so ancient and primeval within themselves that they can never be the same again.
An ancient, earthy presence on the planet, Mother Africa is the cradle for our human development and creates life-changing transformation for all who take her into themselves.
If you feel called to join Brad for this intimate, spiritual immersion, we welcome you and invite you to return to joy.
The Canyon and the Sacred Mountain
Gathering at the foot of the sacred mountain, Modimole, which is in the mouth of the canyon, we receive a powerful transmission of primordial earth energy which can lift one’s meditation practice to new heights.
Modimole is situated on Lulungwa Mangakatsi, also known as the Nilotic meridian, Earth’s axis mundi, which is the same longitude as the Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx. The meridian is seen psychically as a great river of golden light and energy stretching between southern and northern Africa. It is profoundly transformative and uplifting in body, mind and spirit.
We will take in the exquisite natural beauty of the canyon by driving along the rim and stopping to meditate at a scenic lookout which offers spectacular views. Here we explore the mystery of this extraordinary sacred site, which is home to a rock altar so ancient that it predates the local people’s oral history.
Testimonials
Read below what previous retreat participants have to say about their experience.
“If you are on a spiritual path and deeply concerned about the future of the natural environment, I recommend CoreLight’s “Return to Joy” retreat…..In this timeless environment you will experience many African wild animals, beautiful birds and plant life as well as spectacular scenery. All the while learning to tap into your own capacity for joy through meditative practices that deepen your experience of light, love and connection with nature. Brad exudes these qualities as well as a well-developed humorous approach that makes it easy to connect with him.”
—Christie G
“Every detail of this retreat was so gorgeously crafted: from the lovely accommodations…..the wonderful meals that we shared…..to the excursions that were planned every other day, giving us time to digest all that we experienced. Every day felt like a week in the best possible way. There is magic to be made in the Blyde River Canyon, and spending time at an immersion retreat called Return to Joy a necessity. My life is richer for having had this opportunity.”
—Diane D
“In addition to the deeply powerful, transformational inner work with Polarities, there were also wonderful places, sacred sites, filled with energy and beauty, and the warm welcome of the people in the local communities we visited. The entire retreat was designed with a lot of love and care. I recommend it to anyone. It is a great opportunity for profound personal transformation and for connecting with authentic South Africa. Don't miss the opportunity!”
—Eduardo A
“Traversing inner and outer landscapes, Brad led us on a journey of healing, both individually and with the beauty of Mother Earth. Joy was an essential component, paired with shining light on shadows that obscure the bountiful love within us poised for explosion. I would be on this retreat for the rest of my life if possible.”
—Ruth C
About Brad Laughlin
As a spiritual teacher for over two decades, Brad ’s dedication is to the transformation of consciousness and to helping people discover inner peace, love and joy amidst profound world change. His unique, potent, self-inquiry practices help free the mind, open the heart and foster connection with the natural world.
Brad believes that the greatest gift we can give the world is our own awakened consciousness and that global change can happen through individual willingness to change. He is the author of Living With Enlightenment—A Journey of Love, and with his life-partner, Leslie Temple-Thurston, is co-founder of the nonprofit CoreLight.org. Using ancient Truth teachings, yogic practices and spiritual psychology, he works with CoreLight students worldwide to dissolve old, limiting ego structures that keep us trapped in negativity, pain and fear.
Apply to join the retreat
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