Lyn Varty
Founder of Pause Retreats
Lyn is the founder of Pause Retreats and the CEO of Connections Healthcare Centre.
She created a nurturing space where women are welcome just as they are, to unplug, to just be, to relax, recharge and reconnect to self and God. A safe haven away from the busyness, demands, responsibilities and pressures of life.
Lyn has found over the last 30 years that it is extremely beneficial and vital to take time out, to be still and surrender. God has ministered, healed, restored, encouraged, inspired, and given her creative ideas, refreshed and drawn her closer to the Heavenly Father, where He has showered her in His love and grace.
It is extremely beneficial and vital to take time out to nourish our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. It is not God’s desire for us to go through the motions and merely survive but he wants us to thrive.
She is still learning and growing in how to practice the presence of God, being still and hearing God’s gentle still voice. She has found it is a discipline and commitment to set time aside to be with her Heavenly Father.
Lyn loves creating space to hang out with God, to pause, be still and surrender. Where your mind, body and soul will be nurtured; a space to re-centre, reconnect, replenish, recharge, and realign to self and God.
What Attendees are Saying about Pause Retreats
Pause Retreat in Rockingham
Two-Day Pause Retreat at St. John of God Retreat Centre at Shoalwater
Retreat 1: 9:30am of Fri 19th June 2026 to 12:00pm of Sun 21st June 2026
Retreat 2: 9:30am of Fri 23rd October 2026 to 12:00pm of Sun 25th October 2026
(Both retreats will have different content, pre-requisite for all new attendees is Friday’s workshops on Solitude, Silence, and Stillness. Previous attendees will have the opportunity to attend other workshops on the Friday.)
Cost: $700
Deposit to secure booking $100, non-refundable.
Payment plan available to suit your circumstances.
E.g., book now before 30 June 2025 with a $100 deposit and payment plan $50 X 12 a month for 1 retreat. For both retreats, $200 deposit and payment plan $75 X 16 a month.
Add-ons will be charged separately.
What is included in my two-day retreat?
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Accommodation, either Seaview unit, house, or single dorm
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All meals, morning, and afternoon tea
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Decadent morning tea upon arrival
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Welcome gift
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Friday: 2 Interactive workshops relating to Solitude, Silence, and Being Still (For all new attendees)
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Friday: 2 Interactive workshop TBC for previous attendees
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Saturday: 2 Interactive workshops (choose from 4 electives TBC)
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Sunday: 1 Interactive workshop “In the words of Jesus with meditative prayer.
Pause Retreats Reflections are designed to have a holistic approach: reflective, biblical, scripture, prayer, creative, thought provoking (cognitive) and to be aware of what emotions come up during this time (emotional intelligence).
Additional add-ons will be available at an extra cost.
Prior to attending your retreat, you will receive an information and preparation email.
Workshops
Five Interactive Workshops TBC
The five interactive workshops will cover nurture, self-care, running and rest, the importance of seeking a balanced life, and monitoring the dashboard. Being still, the meaning of being still, how to enter into stillness and God’s presence, the obstacles that prevent us from entering the state of being still, the benefits of being still, and seeking solitude. We will be reflecting on the power of Jesus' words, with the opportunity to meditate and allow Jesus to minister to you.
These workshops will be interactive, practical, and informative with Q & A at the end of each session with time for application and practice.
Note: Previous attendees will have the opportunity to attend other workshops on the Friday. This a special session with Lyn, digging deeper into solitude, surrender, and being still and prayer.
Personal Reflection Time
During your Pause Retreat, you will have plenty of time to hang out with God, reflect, process, and pray. To rest, to be replenished.
Take a moment to enter a space of solitude and silence, to examine our hearts, to see our sin, flaws, to struggle, to know, understand ourselves and surrender.
It is in times like this that we experience the redemptive, restorative healing power, and intimacy of our Lord Jesus Christ. To sit back and bask in God’s presence reduces us to tears where joy, pain, freedom meet together; a time of being overwhelmed with God’s love and grace. A time to be revitalised, refreshed, and renewed.
The schedule will be provided on arrival.
Counselling
Add-on a session with Lyn - FULLY BOOKED
Discounted Rate for 2-Day Retreat only at $90
Original price $130+GST (30% exclusive discount)
To enhance and complement your retreat, book a 50-minute counselling session with Lyn. This is an opportunity to answer any questions that have come up during your stay, to dig a bit deeper, to talk about something that you are struggling with, to receive prayer, etc.
She brings a wealth of personal and professional experience into a therapeutic counselling session along with deep empathy, compassion, and wisdom.
Massage Therapy
Add-on a session with Tamala Bosveld
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Hour Table Massage
45-min for $75 or 30-min for $60
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Chair Massage (over clothing on a specially designed chair during the Pause Retreat workshops)
10-min for $15 or 15-min for $20
Book a private massage therapy session with Tamala Bosveld at a special participant rate.
With over 10 years of experience as a massage therapist, Tamala takes great pride in providing relief from daily pain and stress. Her training encompasses Remedial, Oncology, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Swedish Relaxation, and Therapeutic Treatment Massage. She listens carefully to each client and tailor sessions according to individual needs, always prioritizing comfort.
Tamala’s mission is to not only improve the quality of life for her clients but also to educate them on the long-term benefits and overall wellbeing that massage and bodywork can offer. Working beyond superficial tissues, she addressed deeper underlying issues to create effective treatment plans. Through careful assessment, evaluation, and personalized treatment, Tamala aims to help each of her client achieve their wellness goals.
Creative Workshop
Add-on a free session with Carmen Mears
The 60-minute creative workshop embraces the diverse expressions of individuals, offering a variety of modes and materials to inspire. Carmen will provide guidance as needed, walking alongside each participant as they explore their concepts in a relaxed environment.
Carmen is a Creative Coach whose primary value is fostering healthy relationships, which transcend her deep love for family and friends. Teaching has been her chosen career path, and her life is guided by creativity, a love of nature, and a commitment to nurturing herself and those around her.
She is a devoted Mother to four young children and finds joy in balancing family life with her personal interests. She has a passion for Pilates and walking, which help her stay active and centered. She enjoys cooking and eating nutritious meals, alongside expressing her creativity through playing the piano, singing, and exploring various art forms. Additionally, she leads the singing sessions at playgroup, sharing her love for music with the community.
Types of Accommodation
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Single Dorm room with Ensuite
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Seaview Unit with queen bed and Ensuite
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Seaview Unit with single bed shared bathroom with one other person
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Unit 43B with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (group booking only for 5+, each room has two single beds)
