Sunday November 5th 2023

I am delighted to have secured a date in the late autumn 
for a wonderful day retreat in the beautiful surroundings of Hellens Manor in the village of Much Marcle.

This one day silent meditation retreat is just what you need to relax  and reflect before winter really takes hold and the business of Christmas preparations begins.

​Hellens is a premier venue and you will have exclusive access to the grounds  with its formal and informal gardens, ponds, sculptures and park land: a delight at every turn.

Our sitting meditations will take place in the Great Barn and  you will have a chance to visit Hallwood, a twenty minute walk from Hellens. This is an ancient woodland,  mentioned in the Doomsday Book and  now designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Please note that  most of the day will be held in noble silence. If you come with friends you can decide between you if you'd like to talk over the lunch break.
After the introductions and the first meditation, silence descends and this helps to give focus and mindfulness to our day.
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'I was a bit anxious about silence but it felt perfectly natural and added to the calm feel of the day. To be honest it was such a relief not to have to talk!' SH

Hellens Manor

Entrance to a secret garden

The Great Barn

'Silence is essential for deep transformation. It allows the practice of conscious breathing to become deep and effective. Like still water that reflects things as they are, the calming silence helps us to see things more clearly, and therefore, to be in deeper contact with ourselves and those around us.'

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Your meditation tutor - Kathryn Buxton

I have been to numerous retreats over the years - all based on the Buddhist Insight Meditation tradition with its gentle rhythm of sitting and walking, held in noble silence.

I have always found these retreats deeply nourishing and a real opportunity to tune into my self and my surroundings.
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I wanted to re create the feel of those retreats with a day long offering, held in silence in beautiful places for you to reconnect with yourself and with nature.
​Many people have loved these day long retreats and come back time and time again.

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​Typical structure of  meditation day (subject to change)

09.00-09.20         Arrival and registration
09.20- 10.00        Tour of house and gardens.
                                     Introduction to the day.
                                     Silence descends
10.00-10.30         Sitting Meditation
10.30-11.00         Walking Meditation

11.00-11.20         Tea break

11.30-12.00         Sitting Meditation
12.00-12.30         Walking Meditation
12.30-01.00         Sitting Meditation

01.00-02.30         Lunch and free time

02.30-03.00         Sitting Meditation
03.00-03.30         Walking Meditation
03.30-04.00         Sitting Meditation

04.00-04.30         Afternoon tea .
                                    Silence lifts and final reflections     

NB - these times will alter if the retreat is in late autumn so that people can leave before it get's dark.         
It is possible to get a lift to the venue with other participants - please contact me if  that is an option you wish to explore.                                                                    

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What you need to bring

Hellens famous apple orchards lining the driveway

• Please bring a dish to share for lunch.
• ​Bring cushions and blankets for your comfort and warmth
• ​Thick pair of socks or slippers to wear in the barn
  
• Sturdy shoes/welly boots for the walking meditations and               layers of clothing
• A waterproof coat

​We will provide teas, coffee, dairy and non dairy milk,
​wrapped biscuits and fruit for you to enjoy.

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Investment for the day and how to pay

 Price is £70

Staged payments are available - please contact me for a personalised plan 

​Price is £130 for two people booking together 

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​Please note that Hellens has significantly increased the prices to rent their facilities during the winter months.
I am happy to absorb some of the cost but cannot absorb all of it - this is why prices have slightly increased this year.
Thank you for your understanding.

Bookings now being taken
Please pay via pay pal or send a cheque to Kathryn Buxton c/o The Isbourne, 3 Wolseley Terrace, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TH
​BAC's payments are possible.
Please contact me for further details

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