We are inviting you on a journey of direct experiencing, sensing and being, witnessing the mystery of existence reveal itself. The Dyad is a powerful meditation technique which rapidly takes us to a heightened level of mindfulness and self-awareness. In contrast to silent meditation methods practised alone, this is practised face-to-face. Through the Dyad enquiry we watch our hearts unfold, learning to trust ourselves, to listen with our whole being and to speak from a place of inner awareness. Just as in Origami, each fold presents a new facet of ourselves; another aspect of life. Individual and group processes will be alternated with periods of individual reflection and quiet contemplation in the beautiful natural surroundings of the BRC.  Click here to view a clip of a previous retreat.

The Buddha’s teachings emphasise the importance of taking care of ourselves in order to be of service to others. Most of us, whether we are professional caregivers or people caring for family, colleagues or friends, miss this vital step.  When we are told to take better care of ourselves we either feel we don’t have the time or don’t know how to do that or where to begin.  The secret lies in finding your Centre - because when we are centred in our own wholeness, we are able to deal with what life throws at us.  This retreat will teach you practical tools to help you find, regain and retain your balance and centre so that you can ride life’s merry-go-round with equanimity. This retreat is ideal for care workers and anyone wanting to be more effective in caring for themselves.

In a series of talks and Mindfulness meditation sessions, we will explore the chemistry which mediates the effects of mind states on the body: psychoneuroimmunology or PNI. The talks and demonstrations will show that we can attain optimal wellness and performance by getting to know our temperament and personality traits; by being more present-minded; and through sensible, informed ways of living and behaving.

This is a silent meditation retreat focusing on the relationship we have with ourselves: what does “being our own best friend” really mean? Can we be steady and at ease simply being who we are without needing to be particularly special or better or worse than anyone else? Can we similarly be at peace with others who are different to us without being critical and judgmental? We will explore these questions, using insights from both psychology and the Buddha’s teachings on what keeps us trapped in cycles of negativity and suggest ways of how we can restore ourselves into a more natural state of ease and well-being. During the retreat, there will be periods of sitting and walking meditation, morning and evening talks, and opportunities for dialogue and discussion.

The happiness of one depends on the happiness of all. Among the methods that the Buddha taught that enables one to experience happiness of mind and wholesome attitudes to all sentient beings are the Four Immeasurable Practices and Tonglen or 'giving and taking' meditation.The Four Immeasurables are Equanimity, Sympathetic Joy, Loving-Kindness and Compassion towards ourselves and others. These boundless states can replace more narrow states of mind like fear, miserliness, jealousy and anger.Tonglen or "Giving and Taking" meditation reverses our habitual self-cherishing as we take on the suffering of others and mentally give to them our happiness and merit. As the heart opens, there is the opportunity to experience more peace, love and joy and lay the foundations for Insight. Chamtrul Rinpoche will give detailed instruction on these methods with guided meditation.

To reduce the suffering in the world, we need the skills to reduce our own. This workshop will teach you the practical, effective tools to do exactly that. Unless it is released, stress gets locked into our bodies, accumulating until it erupts in panic, aggression or illness. Only a bold and brave reorientation can heal the roots of the growing epidemic of anxiety and depression that psychiatry has failed to quell with its quick-fix suppression of symptoms. Deep relaxation is an art, and the doorway to profound bliss.

This 4-day, long-weekend retreat, which integrates meditation and the wisdom of Buddhist psychology, is held in a nurturing and containing atmosphere of contemplative (Noble) silence. Through the teachings and practices of compassionate wisdom, we will cultivate a calm, spacious awareness which inspires courage and trust in the face of change, uncertainty and loss. Drawing on the Spring theme of new beginnings, we will open our hearts to our vulnerability with kindness and compassion, so that we can embrace our lives with greater freedom and joy. In addition to offering short, individual sessions, Sue will offer daily sessions of chi kung movement meditation, to enhance the integration of body, heart and mind. There will also be time for restorative rest, as well as for silent walks in the beautiful gardens of the BRC. Beginners as well as experienced practitioners are very welcome. See: sue.stillmind@gmail.com.

Open to newcomers and seasoned meditators alike, this retreat gives participants a taste of the practice of Mindfulness: developing moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness. This powerful practice enables one to relate with equanimity to whatever is unfolding and makes it possible to work more creatively with the stresses and demands of daily living. Based on the work of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, this retreat combines traditional eastern wisdom with modern science and psychology and aims to generate a greater sense of present-mindedness, less reactivity, more relaxation, body awareness and self-compassion through mindful exercises, yoga, group discussion and reflection. This unique format enables one to integrate this practice into one’s daily life.

Biodanza is an invitation to dance with life. It uses music and movement to create a space in which to taste the joy of living; to experience yourself deeply and to open up more fully to others and the world around you. It fosters a capacity for creativity and play and confident, heart-centred living. Although the facilitator will give guidance, the movements are spontaneous and entirely your own. There is nothing to get “right”, so experience in dance is not a requirement. The retreat uses Mindfulness practice to support participants to be more present to their experience, and will include periods of silence and meditation. We all have, inherently, each in our own way, what is needed to live a life that is rich and full, vital and present-centred.

We are all born genius. That is to say - we all begin with the full spectrum of intelligence - analytical, operational, emotional and creative. Yet, as our journey through life unfolds, we begin to adjust and conform to societal structures and norms - one of which is the manner in which we acquire the abundant knowledge, that is there for the taking. These standards and conformities ultimately produce a different thinking and behavioural mind from the one we started with, often to our detriment. Much of what we learn is beneficial. Equally, a great deal of our gained knowledge ends up getting in our way, limiting our thinking and reducing our experience of life; stunting our growth, defeating self-development and self-awareness. The Genius Programme helps identify those voices of judgement that have captured our thinking and created unproductive habits. It introduces new liberating tools that rebirth the intuitive and creative aspects of ourselves, and provides everyday practical exercises that connect us to the genius within.