Good in the Beginning

Traditionally the New Year is a time for making a fresh start and reflecting on the direction we would like our life to take. This year’s Good in the Beginning retreat aims to help us start 2026 with a joyful heart.

This retreat is an ideal opportunity to reflect on our priorities and to begin the coming year in a way that is in tune with our deeper values in a world that is in desperate need of authentic and caring people.

During this retreat we will take time to consider the preciousness of our lives and see how we can develop a compassionate motivation in all we do. The predominant focus of the retreat is exploring the essence of our mind, by contemplation, meditation and time in silence.

In an inspiring and supportive retreat environment we can begin to familiarise ourselves with wisdom and compassion so that we can apply them in our daily life and bring more ease to both our own life as well as the lives of others.

Everyone is welcome to this retreat and no prior experience of meditation is needed.

“I loved this retreat. I feel like a new person – one that I like, what an achievement!” (Cathy)

Content

• Guided meditation and contemplations
• Interactive exercises
• Time for rest, relaxation and enjoying nature
• The retreat will include periods of silence including during tea breaks and some meal times

Location

The retreat will be held in our new Dzogchen Beara Temple. With expansive views across the bay, the temple is a modern example of a traditional Tibetan monastery, a form of architecture designed to be an inspiring symbol of the Buddha’s teachings for our times.

Catering

Your retreat fee includes substantial vegetarian lunches and a lighter soup and bread supper in the evenings. Breakfast is self catering.

Accommodation

If you will be travelling from further afield, we recommend that you book accommodation for the night of Saturday 27th December to avoid a long tiring journey early on the morning of Sunday 28th.