This is an old retreat and no longer available for booking.Facing illness and loss in our lives can be a time to slow down and look deeply into our experience.
This retreat provides an opportunity to explore being present with our experience just as it is without judgement or blame, thus opening to the possibility for transformation that this approach brings.
The practice of Insight Meditation will be used as the basis for exploring our relationship to bereavement and illness. Developing greater mindfulness in times of transition, challenge and confusion can enable us to find new ways of relating to our daily lives. The retreat includes guided meditation and reflection, reflective exercises and contemplative art/writing.
Because of practical constraints, we request that those attending be able to manage the tasks of everyday living.
Please note the arrival time for registration for this retreat is 2pm till 4.30pm.
“The retreat was a safe space for me to start to explore my relationship with a relatively recently diagnosed chronic illness for the first time. The silence allowed me to really be with my experience, in beautiful, therapeutic surroundings, and the daily afternoon sessions helped me to face issues and feelings in a kind and supportive environment. Going through the Brahma Viharas was perfect for me – exactly what I needed – and I have come away with a clearer feeling of wholeness and strength to help me live with the condition.” (2016 participant)
Click here for additional information This unique annual retreat has been running at Gaia House since 2011 and has received much positive feedback from participants. Zohar and Nathan offer a wealth of experience in supporting people find greater peace when facing the difficulties of illness and bereavement, through Dharma teachings and tailored meditation techniques. Below you’ll find answers to some additional questions you may have about the retreat. How heavy is the schedule? What does a typical day entail? The daily programme is lighter than an average Gaia House retreat. A typical day will include meditation sessions, teaching, and some reflections and exercises relevant to the theme of the retreat to explore how these practices can support self-care and well-being. What if I need to take a rest? Rest time will be scheduled into each day and you can rest whenever you need to. Meditation practices can be done lying down if necessary. What are the seating options in the meditation hall? In the hall people can choose to sit on chairs, or on cushions or benches on the floor, or lie down. What is the accommodation like? The accommodation in the house is basic but comfortable. We will do our best to meet requests for single rooms, but there may be a need to share. We can guarantee that people will share with no more than one other person. Bathroom facilities consist of shared bathrooms with showers. What food is available? Nourishing vegetarian or vegan food is served three times daily. A simple diet is available for people with special dietary needs. What access is there for people with disabilities? There is one bedroom and bathroom available with full wheelchair access. The meditation hall and dining room are all on the ground floor and accessible. Most of the bedrooms are upstairs. What does the daily work period entail? The one-hour work period might include vegetable chopping, washing up, or cleaning. It will be allocated to suit any physical limitations you may have. What support is available if I encounter any problems or need help with something? The teachers offer both group and individual meetings to support your practice and talk about any difficulties you are having. The staff and coordinators are available for help with practical questions. What if I can’t afford to come on the retreat? What if I need to cancel my booking? Due to the nature of this retreat we understand that you may need to cancel your booking. Cancellations can be made by telephone or email and we will offer flexibility around our cancellation policy, taking into consideration personal circumstances. We also recommend you visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have any further questions, please contact our Reception team on 01626 333613 or info@gaiahouse.co.uk The teacher will be assisted by: and Retreat Code = 19148 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. Thursday 30 May – Tuesday 4 June 2019 (5 nights) Standard Rate: £265 – Please pay this rate if you can Extending Your Retreat = £54 per night – Conditions apply – please see box
ZOHAR LAVIE has been practising meditation in different traditions since 1995. This journey has taken her from the meditation cushion into exploring further ways of expressing truth and love and in 2004 she co-founded SanghaSeva. She now spends most of her time facilitating retreats that offer service as a spiritual path around the world. Since 2006 she has been teaching on silent retreats and Dharma gatherings in India, Europe and Israel.
Listen to one of
Zohar Lavie's Talks from the Dharmalaya Silent retreat on 29.03.2017-: Emptiness, Self and Dependent Arising (Duration 50:33)
NATHAN GLYDE began meditating in 1997, and teaching retreats in 2007. From continued exploration grew a deep love for meditation’s alive stillness and creative silence. Feeling the potential for all of life to play a part in awakening opened an interest to cultivate attentiveness in every experience. In 2004 this led to co-founding SanghaSeva to offer retreats combining meditation with engaged action.
JUHA PENTTILA has been practising meditation since 2002 and has spent time living and practising in meditation centres and Buddhist monasteries in Asia and in Europe. He co-founded the Nirodha
Insight Meditation community in Finland in 2006 and has been actively involved in supporting the development of the practice community. Juha is currently in teacher training and is being mentored by Rob Burbea, Caroline Jones and Martine Batchelor.
Before you book, please read these guidelines about mental well-being and silent retreats:
Sponsor Rate: £318 – A benefactor rate, which helps others to come here on the Supported Rate
Supported Rate: £225 – Available if the Standard Rate is too high for you
FAB Fund Rate: £133 – For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Young Persons Rate: £80 – For more details please see the Financial Assistance page
Please only book if you are able to commit to the entire retreat: