‘The Way of Fascia’ led by Bert Schmitz

16 - 20 September 2026

Guided by Bert Schmitz, we moved between theory, sensory awareness, movement, meditation, dialogue and hands-on practice, exploring how perception shapes the way we touch and meet another person. The retreat brought together themes including mindfulness of touch, felt sense, interoception and neuroception, psychofascial integrity, fascia as a living and adaptive process, and the relational field between practitioner and client.

Rather than focusing on new techniques, ‘The Way of Fascia’ invited us to examine the practitioner behind the hands: how we listen, how we perceive, when we intervene, when we wait, and how our own presence becomes part of the encounter.

Set within the nature of Loural Ecovillage in Portugal, the days combined morning and afternoon teaching with time for integration, shared meals, optional Feldenkrais practice and meditation — creating space not only to learn together, but to slow down, exchange experiences and reconnect with the deeper questions underlying Structural Integration.

Group of seven people standing in front of a stone wall, nature, retreat, course
Five people sitting on a wooden platform outdoors, engaging in a conversation, with a green, leafy background.
Client facing up on a massage table, receiving a massage or therapy from a seasoned practitioner who is leaning over him, with another person in the background also on a massage table in a room decorated with plants and artwork.
People receiving massage therapy in a bright, airy studio with wooden floors and potted plants, with a woman in striped pants massaging a shirtless man lying on a massage table.
A group of people attending a yoga or meditation class in a bright, spacious room with wooden floors and plants. The instructor is seated and gesturing, with a whiteboard beside him displaying notes.
A woman and an older man sitting on an ornate wooden bench outdoors surrounded by green foliage and rocks, enjoying a sunny day.

Testimonials

“Being part of this gathering in Portugal was a deeply meaningful experience for me. I was inspired by the openness, curiousity, and presence that emerged through sharing different perspectives and practices. It reminded me how much we can learn when we truly listen, connect, and remain open to what unfolds between us!”

— AnaCris Pinheiro Villaça, Rolfer and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

“I came away from the retreat with a great deal of inspiration, particularly around learning more about permaculture.  I also very much enjoyed the beautiful natural surroundings of the village.  The village itself is a truly special and beautiful place, and I found the people there to have a wonderful, healing energy.  

The meals prepared by the chef were absolutely beautiful and delicious, and I really appreciated the opportunity to exchange and experience different styles of bodywork.  That experience gave me an important personal insight:  I discovered how much I enjoy gentle touch  and I would like to bring more of that quality of touch into my work with my clients.

Overall, I had a wonderful experience and left feeling inspired, nourished, and grateful for the time I spent there.”

— Jami Chung, Hellerwork Structural Integration Practitioner and Personal Trainer