Moving Into Meditation

This retreat is for anyone who wants to re-charge and deepen their personal meditation practice and experience how the simple movement exercises of Kum Nye (a Tibetan Yoga) can advance our path.

Guided by Kirsten DeLeo and Matt Padwick, both experienced teachers and long-time meditation practitioners.

Set in the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula overlooking the Atlantic, this is a unique opportunity to deepen your meditation practice, experience the power of silence and the support of a group retreat.

Over the five days, we will review shamatha-vipashyana meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Shamatha (calm-abiding) and vipashyana (clear seeing) are methods of meditation, helping us to gradually calm our usually restless and distracted mind, allowing us to dissolve negativity and confusion, and gain insight into the true nature of mind.

The meditation sessions are supported by gentle body movement of Kum Nye.

What is Kum Nye?

Suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, Kum Nye eases the physical body and calms the mind and emotions. It was practised in Tibet as a preliminary to meditation and other advanced yogic practices. The breathing, postures and movement exercises enable us to sit for longer periods of time in a relaxing way, and help us to develop mental concentration in a spirit of openness.

What to expect?

This is a practice retreat; each day will include periods of sitting and Kum Nye (Tibetan Yoga).
In the mornings Kirsten and Matt will offer deepening meditation instructions, addressing the common challenges and obstacles we can encounter and how to get unstuck.

• Each evening concludes with a guided compassion meditation.
• There is an opportunity for personal interviews with the teachers to clarify your meditation
• You will have the choice of sitting on a cushion or a chair for all sessions.

Sample Schedule

09.00 – 13.00 Session 1 (includes silent breaks)
13.00 – 15.00 Lunch with time for relaxation
15.00 – 18.00 Session 2 (includes silent breaks)
18.00 – 18.45 Dinner
18.45 – 19.30 Session 3

Is the entire retreat held in silence?

Most of the retreat will be in silence. We recommend that participants turn off their phones and, as much as possible, stay away from outside communications. This will allow you to slow down and fully receive the benefits from being on retreat, unburdened by distractions and daily demands.

Keeping your meditation alive and staying inspired

At the end of the retreat, you will receive

• advice on how to continue
• recommended resources and further inspiration
• audio recordings of the guided meditation and Kum Nye sessions

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is open to anyone with a regular meditation practice and who feels comfortable to sit for 60 minutes at a time.
This retreat is of particular interest if you have done other retreats at Dzogchen Beara like, Awake, Essence of Meditation or Natural Great Peace, as well as shorter meditation programmes and are looking to re-inspire yourself and go deeper with your meditation practice.

Location
The retreat will be held in our clifftop shrine room, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular ocean views.

Catering
Delicious two course vegetarian lunches, with soup and bread in the evenings. Cooked with love at Dzogchen Beara, using homegrown and organic ingredients whenever possible. Tea and coffee.