About the event:

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,

Where your thoughts never think to wander,

This beginning has been quietly forming,

Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

– John O’Donohue

This time of the year may be particularly inviting to open ourselves to new beginnings.

The intention of the one-day Mindfulness Network Community Friends (MNCF) silent retreat is to gently hold the space enabling you to deepen your personal practice of mindfulness-based practice, particularly around the qualities of the heart as taught in Mindfulness-Based Compassionate Living (MBCL). MBCL is recognised as a follow-on course following foundational mindfulness-based programmes (MBSR, MBCT, or equivalent) by leading mindfulness associations (BAMBA, VMBN, EAMBA). The teachings and guided meditations are offered in a space of noble silence through sitting, lying, mindful qigong, as we explore our inner landscapes with curiosity and kindness.

The online silent retreat will include:

· periods of both guided and self-directed practice
· short talks
· periods of silence to enable you to connect more fully with your inner experience
· an encouragement to use the time in the morning and afternoon breaks and lunch break for self-care, and continued silent practice

In addition, if you feel the need you can send a private chat to the team and the teachers will either respond to what you raise during the talks and practice guidance, or through arranging an individual meeting with you.

Who is the event for:

This online silent retreat is suitable for people who have an established regular mindfulness practice, along with people who teach or are training to teach mindfulness-based programmes and others who are integrating mindfulness into their professional work.

It is also suitable for those who have attended an eight-week MBSR/MBCT (or similar) course and who have a personal practice of mindfulness. This online silent retreat can contribute to fulfilling the retreat requirement for mindfulness teachers who wish to be included on the BAMBA Listing of Mindfulness Teachers.

Requirements to attend:

Attendance of at least one day of guided silent mindfulness practice is recommended but not required.