19th – 21st May
A rare opportunity to join a mindfulness and meditation weekend led by monastic students of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh from Plum Village France.
Learn how to act from a place of more compassion, peace and freedom in our daily lives, particularly as Educators.
Live talks, Q and A, deep relaxation, sharing circles, walking meditation and eating together as a community will be offered.
The retreat will also include a special interest group for Educators, led by the monastics.
For more information on how Plum Village retreats are offered, please see here: https://plumvillage.org/retreats/visiting-us/. Plum Village is a monastic and lay community founded by Thich Nhat Hanh in south west France, to create a nourishing environment where people can learn the art of living in harmony with one another and with the Earth.
Please note, this is a non-residential retreat, and you will need to find your own accommodation nearby.
Two monks and two nuns from Plum Village will lead our retreat, teaching how to cultivate the energy of mindfulness in ourselves, to enrich our lives and those with whom we live and work. Practising as a community, it will be an opportunity to grow new friendships and to build a collective energy of support.
Venue and Meals
The retreat will be held at The Birchcliffe Centre, home of Hebden Bridge Learning Community, a mindful democratic setting supporting home-educators.
Lunch and dinner will be provided by Vinod who runs the Indian street food market stall in Hebden Bridge. Meals will be vegan including gluten free options.
Breakfast will be buffet style, provided by the retreat organisers.
On Friday evening there will be an optional hike in the surrounding hills, leaving at 5pm from the Birchcliffe Centre. It will last about 2.5 hours and will be hilly! It will be followed by a “Bring and Share” picnic dinner in front of the Birchcliffe.
Provisional Programme TBC
Friday 19th May 5pm
An optional hike in the beautiful surrounding hills is offered for those who can arrive on Friday.
Saturday 20th May
Registration 8-9am
9.15 am short Guided Meditation
9.30 am Presentation and talk by the monastics
11.30 am Walking Meditation
12.30 pm Lunch
2.30 pm Deep relaxation
3.30 pm circle sharing in groups / affinity group
6.00 pm Dinner in sharing family / affinity group
8.00 pm Meditation or workshop TBC
9.00 pm Noble Silence
Sunday 21st May
6.00am Guided Meditation
7.30 am Breakfast.
9.30 am Talk by the monastics
11.30 am Walking Meditation
12.30 pm Lunch in circle sharing group/affinity group
3.00 pm Q and A with monastics and closing circle.
5.00 pm Retreat ends.
Accommodation
The retreat is non-residential, so you will need to arrange your own accommodation.
Accommodation can be found at these three campsites:
https://www.hebdenbridge-camping.co.uk/
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/uk-sites/club-campsites/
https://www.oldchambercamping.com/
and there are numerous properties available on booking.com and https://www.airbnb.co.uk/
Please direct your enquiries to matthew@thelearningcircle.co.uk
