We are delighted that the Self-Led retreat has returned to its Friends Meeting House, Bristol venue for 2021. The retreat continues its popular format with periods sitting and walking meditation. Payment for the day is in cash or by an online bank transfer.
Who’s it for?
These self-led retreats are suitable for anyone with basic meditation experience. This could be from attending a group retreat, for example, or an eight-week mindfulness course. Although Insight Meditation is rooted in Buddhism, all traditions and backgrounds, both spiritual and secular, are very welcome.
What’s the format?
The day is silent and based around alternating 45-minute periods of sitting and walking meditation with no teacher or guidance. There’s also a carefully curated recorded dharma talk to listen to, a shared lunch and, at the end of the retreat, a chance to break silence and discuss the day’s experiences as a group.
Where is it?
In the light and airy surroundings of the Quaker Meeting House , 300 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 8PD. An oasis of calm amid the busyness of Bristol. The group has sole use of the entire meeting house, including a wonderful enclosed and secluded garden.
When is it?
On the first Saturday of every month. The front door to the Meeting House opens at 10.00 am. You will then have 15 minutes to settle in before the retreat starts.
Payments
A donation of £20 waged or £7.50 unwaged towards the costs of the day. Payment for the day is in cash or by an online bank transfer. For bank transfer details, please contact lesleywye2@gmail.com.
What should I bring?
Please bring a vegan or vegetarian contribution to our shared lunch and whatever else you need to feel comfortable. For example, a mat, cushion, meditation stool, blanket or thick socks. There are plenty of chairs to use.
Can I find out more?
Please call Max Beseke on 07581 127734 or email David Ringsell at david@talk-it.biz. Both are happy to answer any questions. The group sends a monthly reminder email with the upcoming retreat date and details of the talk. If you’d like to be added to the distribution list, please email retreat@gmx.co.uk. Your email address won’t be used for anything else.
Retreat talks
January talk:
2021-04-12 Joy (Mudita) | Monday Night Dharma talk 58:35
Jack Kornfield
“Live in joy, in love, even among those who hate. Live in joy, in health, even among the afflicted. Live in joy, in peace, even among the troubled. Look within, be still. Free from fear and attachment, know the sweet joy of the way.” —The Buddha (Dhp 197-200, Byrom) From suffering, greed, hatred, and fear we can shift our whole identity and find well-being, release, & freedom. This is possible for us and those around us.
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
David says:
Joy can arise from our meditation practice. And then be experienced in many everyday moments. Yet when we are surrounded by news of suffering it is easy to miss joy. Opening to delight can deepen our practice and lighten our lives. A great talk to start 2022.
To listen to this talk click on the audio image.
Recorded talks archive
Explore and listen to an archive of the dharma talks played at the monthly self-led retreats since 2016 by clicking anywhere on the picture below .
