About this Event
As one year comes to an end and another about to begin, we have an opportunity to pause. To step out of the rush of everyday life, breathe, and ask ourselves: What really matters? And how can I stay aligned with my deepest wishes?
In the midst of the noise and uncertainty of modern life, it can be easy to lose touch with our inner resources. This retreat offers a chance to step back, create space and see our lives with greater clarity and perspective.
In a vibrant, cosy environment of deep respect and connection, we will explore practical wisdom teachings for enhancing relaxation, stability and clarity of mind. Through meditation, physical exercises, reflection and enriching conversation, we will explore how understanding the mind can transform our experience and open up new possibilities for the future.
As one year ends and another begins, we will experiment with leaving the past in the past, and consider what we want to cultivate in the year ahead - shaping not only how we experience the present, but how we manifest the future.
Daily Schedule
8.00am - 8.45am | Optional morning meditation
9.00am - 10.30am | Session 1: Including gentle physical exercises
10.30am - 11.30am | Tea break
11.00am - 12.30pm | Session 2: Exploring the Buddha's teachings
12.30pm - 2.30pm | Lunch break
2.30pm - 4.00pm | Session 3: Reflection and group discussions
4.00pm - 4.30pm | Tea break
4.30pm - 6.00pm | Session 4
6.00pm - 8.00pm | Dinner break
8.00pm - 8.30pm | Optional evening meditation
Practical Information
Start: Monday 28 December, 9 am
End: Wednesday 30 December, 6 pm
Optional Extension
Thursday 31 December – Saturday 2 January
For those who would like to continue into the New Year, a retreat extension will be available to deepen meditation practice and explore further aspects of the teachings, ending at 4.00 pm on Saturday.
Teacher
David Rycroft is an educator, fine artist and co-founder of Mind With Heart, an international charity training teachers and students in sustainable wellbeing, emotional health and social connection. Since 1994 he has studied and practiced consistently within the Rigpa sangha, receiving extensive teachings on mindfulness and mind from a host of illustrious teachers. During this time he raised a family, and taught art in a north London secondary school for ten years. David recently set up and continues to direct Teach-Peace, a secular education project of the European Buddhist Union.
Educated at Eton College and Edinburgh University, David also has an MA (distinction) in Buddhist Studies from Sunderland University. David specialises in teaching meditation in both Buddhist and secular settings. He brings a spirit of experiential enquiry and playful creativity to his role as a teacher. His paintings, celebrating natural vitality and inviting us to appreciate the wonders of nature, are exhibited internationally, including an exhibition at UNESCO, Paris.
How to participate
This event will be held in person only.
(Registration opening soon. Stay tuned.)
Suggested Donation for 3 Days
Standard l £100
Concessions l £60
Sponsor someone else l £ ∞
Under 25’s l Free
Donate what you can l Contact [email protected] if finances prevent you from coming
Your donation will cover the costs of running the event and enable someone else to attend.
You can cancel and receive an automatic refund through Eventbrite up to 24 hours before the event.
Health and wellbeing
Please note: meditation is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you are receiving treatment for a mental or physical health condition, please continue your treatment and check with your doctor/care professional if these sessions would be suitable for you.
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Event venue & nearby stays
Rigpa Buddhist Meditation Centre, 330 Caledonian Road, London, United Kingdom
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