Relax, Refresh and Reconnect

This weekend retreat for educators is deeply nourishing and connecting.

• Relax and unwind with body-based practices
• Refresh the senses with ikebana, spontaneous calligraphy, mindful listening, eating, walking and movement
• Reconnect with our good heart: “Widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures, and the whole of nature in its beauty” (Einstein)

Guided mindfulness and compassion practices are at the heart of the retreat, along with silence, reflections, learning and sharing. We’ll explore how to bring these well-being practices to young people. It’s a wonderful way to unwind from the school year, and to get inspired for the Summer and beyond.

For whom

This retreat is suitable for all those working with and caring for young people – educators, teachers, lecturers, counsellors, youth workers,…

Schedule details

Friday evening: Relax and unwind with body-based practices

• welcome and introduction
• relaxation and awareness of the body
• introductions, aspirations
• gratitude and joy

Saturday morning: Refresh the senses

• Body, Breath, Being: mindful movement, mindful breathing, mindful sitting
• self-care and well-being, what is currently supporting us
• understanding the mind, what is mindfulness
• mindfulness and awareness in daily life
• sensory walk
• ikebana flower arranging
• mindfulness of sounds & mindful listening in pairs
• mindful mandarin

Saturday afternoon: Respond to emotions with kindness

• ‘mind in the jar’ & mindfulness practice
• recognising thoughts and emotions in myself, the R.A.I.N. practice
• being a good friend to myself, the power of self-compassion
• exploring nourishing and depleting activities
• loving kindness for myself
• sensory walk
• recognising emotions in others
• emotional intelligence, communicating in challenging situations
• sharing well-being practices with young people
• loving kindness practice for myself and for others

Sunday: Reconnect with our good heart

• Body, Breath, Being: mindful movement, mindful breathing, mindful sitting
• expressing emotions through spontaneous calligraphy
• sharing well-being practices with young people
• a workable plan for continuing, with purpose and joy
• mindful chocolate & conclusion

Location

The retreat will be held in our Temple, which is a modern example of a traditional Tibetan monastery designed to be an inspiring symbol of the Buddha’s teachings for our times.

Catering

Vegetarian lunches and evening meals are provided as part of your fee.