On this retreat, we will explore social, generational, and oppressive systemic conditionings that shape our personal and collective lives in ways that undermine our ability to fully and authentically engage the extreme challenges of our times.
In a safe and carefully held retreat space, we'll explore our experience of internal narratives and the energetic and emotional shapes we embody, while inquiring into the sense of self that arises from the conditioning of class, patriarchy, race, and gender. From the lens of unconditioned awareness, we will hold the possibility of freedom from painful conditioning, without disassociating from its impact, so we can compassionately respond within our fast moving world.
This retreat, framed by the practice of Insight meditation, includes guided interactive inquiry, Dharma reflections and guided meditations as well as devotional practices and Qigong.
All, regardless of background, who feel resonant with this theme, are very welcome.
SUVACO is a former Buddhist monk and a passionate advocate for embodying life in all of its forms. He lives in the South West UK where he works as a psychotherapist and Tai Qi teacher.
Listen to one of
Suvaco's Talks at Gaia House on 15.06.2015: Evening Talk from Touching the Earth Retreat (Duration 47:09)
THANISSARA trained in the Burmese Vipassana School, and Forest School of Ajahn Chah. She has taught meditation retreats since the 1980's, and is co-founder of Dharmagiri Insight Centre, South Africa, and has an MA in Mindfulness Psychotherapy Practice. Thanissara is co-author of Listening to the Heart, and author of Time To Stand Up.
Listen to one of Thanissara's Talks at Dharmagiri, South Africa on 26.12.15: The Evolutionary Journey of Love (Duration 42:04)
Retreat Code = 19156
A = suitable for all
Mental well-being guidelines - please click here to read before booking Intensive silent meditation retreats can be very nourishing; however, as they require sustained meditation practice, they also need some stability of psychological health. If you have recently (within the past year or so) experienced significant trauma or psychiatric illness, or if you are currently experiencing acute emotional distress such as serious depression or anxiety, it may not be the best time for you to attend an intensive retreat in silence. The teachers might not be able to give you the kind of individual psychological care you need at this time. A setting with more opportunities for interpersonal engagement may be more appropriate.
Before you book, please read these guidelines about mental well-being and silent retreats:
Thursday 15 August 2019 - Thursday 22 August 2019 (7 nights)
Standard Rate: £413 - Please pay this rate if you can
Sponsor Rate: £496 - A benefactor rate, which helps others to come here on the Supported Rate
Supported Rate: £351 - Available if the Standard Rate is too high for you
FAB Fund Rate: £207 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Young Persons Rate: £124 - For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Extending Your Retreat = £54 per night - Conditions apply - please see box
- Arrive for registration between 2-5pm on the opening day.
- Depart after 12.30pm on the final day (or 1.30pm if staying for lunch).
- Please only make travel bookings to fit with these times.
- These conditions apply even if you've been to Gaia House before.
- The teachers and staff at Gaia House require this commitment in order to respect the retreat environment and minimise disruption to others.
- We are not able to accept bookings from people who want to arrive and/or depart outside of these times.
Note: If you are booking for yourself and someone else -
you must make a separate booking for each person.
Spaces AvailablePlease make your selections below
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