Calendar of upcoming events and retreats – Bristol Insight Meditation

Below is a list of upcoming retreats and other events. Some are regular events and you will see the next session below. At the bottom of the page you can see view details of past Teacher-led retreats.

Jan

Tuesday evening sitting group

The sitting group meets every Tuesday evening at the Central Quaker Meeting House, Champion Square, Bristol BS2 9DB. These evenings are a good way to meet others and have a taste of what we have to offer. All are welcome.

Feb

Saturday self-led day retreats

These popular, well-supported day retreats are a great way to create spaciousness and stillness in our busy, daily lives. They are based sitting and walking meditation. They are not led by a teacher and no meditation guidance is given, so they suit participants who are comfortable with a basic meditation practice. We also have an archive of all the recorded talks we have listened to. Please go to our Resources page for these.

Feb

Sangha Walk – Sea Mills, Blaise Castle, Kingsweston House

The first Bristol Insight sangha walk of 2019 will be a circular walk from Sea Mills station via Blaise Castle and Kingsweston House led by Katie Dick on Saturday 9th February. The walk is a fairly gentle 4-5 miles and will include a stop for lunch either at the Blaise Castle cafe or at … Continued

Feb

Equanimity: Dancing with Uncontrollable Life with Stephen Fulder

The last words of the Buddha to his disciples as they gathered to say goodbye included: ‘Be an island to yourself’. This sense of autonomy, quiet and steadiness are certainly needed in times of uncertainty, anxiety, conflict and difficulty. But how can we stay quiet and yet speak our voice and go out and make change in the world?

Mar

Ground, body, breath, space – the art of knowing support with Kirsten Kratz

During our day together we will explore creative ways to perceive ground, body, breath, space and gesture as possible resources, as means to support, hold and nourish us in our practice and in life.

May

The silence of the heart – 3 evenings with Suvaco

We are delighted that Suvaco is willing to make the journey to Bristol for 3 Wednesday evening sessions in the Spring. These evenings will be a wonderful chance to deepen and sustain our practice right on our doorstep. On these evenings we will draw attention to the mystery of the heart, or Citta. The heart … Continued

May

Inherent states of wellbeing with Maura Sills

The day concentrates on interconnection; belonging; attunement; acceptance and generosity. We will include the Four Sublime States of Love (metta); Compassion (karuna); Sympathetic Joy (mudita) and Equanimity (upekkha). How to Book Booking will be available soon. For more information about our day retreats generally, please visit our ‘General information and practicalities’ page. Please note this … Continued

Jun

A day with John Peacock

John Peacock is both an academic and a Buddhist practitioner of nearly forty years. He was initially trained in the Tibetan Gelugpatradition in India and subsequently spent time in Sri Lanka studying Theravada.

Sep

A Path of Wisdom and Love with Jake Dartington

In this silent day retreat we will explore our potential to bring wise and loving responses to each moment in our lives. Through sitting and walking meditation, we will learn ways to respond creatively to the obstacles that appear to block our capacity to live in a wise and loving way. We will explore what it means to bring these beautiful qualities to our meditation practice and to our everyday lives.

Oct

A day with Suvaco

Suvaco is originally from Denmark, and currently lives in Devon, UK. Suvaco holds an MA in Mindfulness Psychotherapy Practice and is a registered psychotherapist and cranio sacral practitioner. He trained in the Thai forest tradition of Ajahn Chah for 17 years as a Buddhist monk and currently teaches meditation, mainly to activists committed to make social or environmental changes. He is part of the teaching staff at Gaia house, Devon.

Dec

A day with Julia Wallond and Andrea Hosfeld

More information about the theme for this retreat will be available soon. How to Book Booking will be available soon. For more information about our day retreats generally, please visit our ‘General information and practicalities’ page. Please note this retreat will be held at St Michael’s Parish Hall. Directions can be found in the General … Continued

Past retreats - 2019

2019 2018 2017 2016

Jan

Focusing group

Focusing and Insight meditation have in common a willingness to sit with one’s experience from a place of presence, acceptance, warmth and curiosity. If you’d like to attend a meeting please contact Gordon to book a place.

Jan

Seeing things differently with Mark Ovland

When life is so full and seems to demand so much from us all the time, where and how can we find peace? Is it even possible, without escaping into a convent or up a mountain?