Relax into Spontaneous Presents

Mindful Spontaneity: Relaxing into Spacious Presence

5-day retreat led by Ratnadevi

7 – 12 October 2023, at Lerigoligan, Argyll,

Combining Buddhist Insight approaches to meditation with contemporary methods of psychological integration and creative expression.

For people with an established daily meditation practice of at least a year. It fulfils CPD requirements for mindfulness teachers.

Living in the modern West, we easily succumb to patterns of distraction and striving that don’t lead to true fulfilment, but to depletion of our own and the earth’s resources. Even meditation practice can unwittingly be incorporated into an agenda of self-centred achievement, where we try to override any uncomfortable experiences that seemingly stand in the way of our aims. But this approach only leads to tension and suffering.

On this retreat we will approach things in a radically different way, emphasising effortlessness, kindly acceptance, connection and playfulness. When we dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to both discipline and freedom of such practice, we may be surprised by the depth, authentic presence, freedom and peacefulness manifesting spontaneously. At the heart of our meditation practice will be ‘just sitting’, and gentle guidance will help to unfold the richness of this Mahamudra-inspired approach.

Conscious embodiment and grounding in sensory experience are essential elements of this query, helping to soften the dominance of the thinking mind. We will rekindle an intimate connection with the flow of our physical energy, through a range of gentle movement practices, with elements of Yoga, Feldenkrais Method, Fascia work and Authentic Movement, as well as Mindful Walking Meditation. Some room will be given to improvisatory explorations in movement and in writing, that can loosen our fixed sense of ourselves in playful and profoundly affecting ways.

Anything that arises in our experience is welcome and we approach it with kindness and curiosity, using elements of the IFS (Internal Family Systems) approach to psychological integration and wellbeing.

There will be extended periods of silence on this retreat and a work rota, helping the smooth running of things. We will have a cook and the food is going to be mostly vegan.

For more details and booking: Book Now

The Poet’s Way 8th October 2023

5:15pm in person and on zoom

Hello dear Poetry Wayfarers- Sunday 8th October – zoom door opening at 5:15pm for a prompt start at 5:30 – ending around 9pm and with one short comfort break and a longer 30 to 40 minute break for refreshment and writing time. NB. This is an in-person hybrid event. If you’re within an hour of Glasgow, please come to the Glasgow Buddhist Centre: 72 Berkeley St (G3 7DS), sharing space with the Glasgow Unitarian Church.

Awakening to the power of poems to compliment & enhance our spiritual practice. Inspired by Manjusvara’s book The Poet’s Way (Jane Hirshfield says “this book offers warm-hearted, step-by-step awakening into the possibilities and powers of poems”).

Please bring a poem to screen-share – yours or a published poem you’d like to hear appreciated through a deep reading. The zoom link will open at 5:15 for a 5:30pm start. Those attending in-person, please bring 3 copies of the poem.

Do you have an Autumn poem to share?

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. , 12th November, 10th December