These retreats are an excellent short introduction to Buddhism and Meditation. We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations: the mindfulness of breathing and the development of loving kindness (metta bhavana). We will also introduce some key elements of the Buddhist tradition. As well as giving a grounding in the basic principles of Buddhism and meditation, these retreats are an ideal reflective situation in which to take a fresh look at ourselves.

These retreats are suitable for complete beginners to meditation as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

The five skandhas are a description of human experience often evoked in both early and later Buddhism to point to the nature of reality through reflection. When approached experientially this list has the power to lead us to deep transformation. 

On this retreat we will take a three levels of wisdom approach to the topic; using study to conceptually understand our topic just enough to support reflection, then diving into our direct experience we will familiarise ourselves with the skandhas as they present in the immediacy of each moment, supporting deeper meditation, and enabling us to witness the unfolding of experience with a new sense of freedom. 

The skandhas are of course a description of the whole of our experience, so as well as a substantial amount of time in the shrine room we will be encouraging an integrated and holistic approach to practice specifically including periods of meditation and reflection outdoors where the full and sensuous experience of nature can gently lead us deeper. Optional movement sessions will also help us ground our experience and retreat reviews will give opportunity for personal guidance.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

This retreat will take an embodied and heartful approach to exploring and deeply connecting with our experience – out walking in the hills, through gentle movement practice and in meditation. 

We will meditate indoors and outside, where exploring our senses and opening our hearts to an elemental connection with nature will guide us. We will continue to practice the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana and also introduce Buddhist ritual and the seven-fold puja, with an emphasis on connecting with nature. Periods of silence together and quiet walks will all support a deep and rich experience of coming home to ourselves and the landscape that surrounds us, holds us and lives within us. The team will also offer mindful movement sessions to deepen our connection with our embodied experience and explore new ways of relaxing, moving with ease and deeply resourcing ourselves.

The retreat will include three days of guided walks, with walks to suit different levels of fitness. All walks are in the local area, but some require a short drive to get to the starting point. For more information on the walks, recommended fitness levels and the appropriate clothing and footwear to bring, please read the retreat information sheet. 

We are open to bookings from a range of gender identities, in keeping with the intention of this women-centred retreat. If you are unsure if this retreat is a good fit for you please get in touch.

This retreat will take a playful approach to reconnecting with the body through the elemental experience of water and through movement. Each day we will have the opportunity for several swims in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. 

We will have daily guided movement sessions to support embodiment and connection. There will also be introductory meditation teaching, daily collective meditation practice, and a practical contemporary look at some traditional Buddhist teachings. 

Swim activities will include lifeguard supported bank-based activates, swim trips (for more experienced swimmers) and the opportunity for unsupported personal swimming. There may also be the opportunity to walk by water and explore local burns and waterfalls.

For more information, including swimming ability and wetsuit requirement, please read the retreat information sheet before booking. 

This retreat will take an embodied approach to the traditional Buddhist practice of the Brahma Viharas – the cultivation of loving kindness, compassion, joyful resonance and equanimity. 

The invitation is to step into this mandala of the heart - to meet and know these qualities in our bodies and in our dance. We’ll be learning how we can deeply resource ourselves through meditation and movement to embody and cultivate these qualities in our lives. 

The dance sessions will usually be with music and will involve guided exploration, exercises and time to follow your own experience in movement. Some exercises may include hands-on touch, this will always be explained in advance and non-contact options offered.

This is a Going Deeper retreat, for people who have done an introductory retreat or have been attending a local Buddhist centre and are familiar with the Metta Bhavana and Mindfulness of Breathing meditation practices. No experience of dance or movement is required, only a willingness to explore your experience of movement in the body you are living in.

For more information, read the retreat information sheet. 

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement. This playful synthesis of body based approaches to wellbeing (through meditation and movement) in the peaceful and beautiful environment of the retreat can help restore physical and mental vitality and balance in our lives. 

We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations as well as give a solid introduction to the principles of meditation. We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a flavour of how these might be relevant to our modern lives. 

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, but they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet. 

This retreat will take a playful approach to reconnecting with the body through the elemental experience of water and through movement. Each day we will have the opportunity to swim in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. We will also be using dance and movement to support embodiment and connection. There will also be introductory meditation teaching, daily collective meditation practice, and a practical contemporary look at some traditional Buddhist teachings.

Swim activities will include lifeguard supported bank-based activates, swim trips (for more experienced swimmers) and the opportunity for unsupported personal swimming. There may also be the opportunity to explore local burns and waterfalls.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Going Deeper retreats are an ideal first regulars’ retreat. They are suitable for anyone who has already done an introductory retreat or who has been attending their local Triratna centre and wants to take things deeper.

Going Deeper with Hillwalking takes the established, successful Hillwalking retreat format and by intensifying the practice enables us to connect more deeply with our experience both in the shrine room and in nature. We will continue exploring the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana and also introduce a stronger Just Sitting element to the practice, and more reflection, both on and off the cushion. These retreats will also include an introduction to Buddhist ritual and the Seven Fold Puja. Longer periods of silence together and quiet walks will all support a deep and rich experience both of ourselves and the world around us.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.