Center Balance - Home for the Healthy Active Family and Well-being.

In the base of “Stara Planina”, lies the village of Kostenkovtsi, where for 5 years “Center Balance” has developed into a space for personal integrity, development, awareness and family relationships. These activities have been proven to create real change in people’s lives for those seeking personal improvement in their relationships, health and well-being.

We have at our disposal already 5 Hectares of land on which we host outdoor retreats and events. To do this we use tents and temporary constructions, under which spaces for meetings and practices are formed. Participants often camp out in the open. This natural environment brings out people’s authenticity and helps them leave their comfort zone, while encouraging self-reflection. 

The activities we do to encourage this internal development are possible only during the beginning and end of Summer due to the lack of indoor space which makes activities seasonal and limited.

This is why, in April we are beginning the construction of a two story building.

The 1st Floor will be made out of stone slabs to match the style of a traditional Bulgarian home and grounds the property. On this floor will be the Kitchen corner which will be fitted out for activities and practices rooted in tradition and community - Bread making, Home cooking and sharing of recipes between families and generations. Aiming to restore the connections to traditional roots and communities. On this floor we’ll also include sanitary facilities.

The 2nd Floor will be a bright open space for group meetings and practices, with an amazing view to Stara Planina (The Old Mountain). It will consist of 2 halls, each with about 47m2 allowing for a capacity of 25-30 people total. This space will ensure the all year round hosting of groups and activities to further develop the center and communities.

During my own holistic practice I have noticed a trend: many families have lost their ability for dialogue. Parents often feel confused and overworked. Children grow up in extremes - lack of presence or hyper-control. Technologies keep replacing social connection. Comfort doesn’t bring fulfillment. This isn’t just a local issue, it's a modern crisis of relationships.

Family remains the main environment in which a person builds their own integrity. From there stems the capabilities to tackle hardship, to take responsibility, build character and independence. When the relationships in the family are underdeveloped or strained, the consequences get passed onto the next generation.

Our activities are practical. We create an inclusive environment without blame or opposition, where we encourage participation, realisation and real internal change through shared knowledge, activities and life experience.

My name is Petya Peneva, Psychologist and holistic therapist. More than 10 years ago, personal loss and a crisis in my own family have brought me in front of the question of how to build genuine inner resilience. This marked the beginning of my personal transformation through education in psychology and different therapeutic methods to help and assist families. Today I work with adults and children, leading groups and retreats through their healing process. Restoring relationships, educating parents and encouraging young people to be more aware. Center Balance is a natural continuation on this journey.

For the construction of the building we will need around €25000 and around another €20000 for equipment and finalising the construction. The project is currently being financed by personal means, loans from banks and acquaintances. The Fundraising campaign aims to ease the financial load and to allow for expedited construction.

Each donation is supporting the creation of a long term place of education, personal development and strong relationships between families and communities.

In the long-term plan Center Balance will be open all year round to provide a space for courses, retreats, an area for connection to the earth and traditional skills. 

A space to bridge the gap between generations and allow the passing of wisdom, knowledge and experience. 

A place which supports building sustainable people by sustainable relations.