Holland House near Evesham
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An important tradition in meditation is taking regular retreats, a precious time to deepen ones practice and be with like minded people. With our busy and over stimulated lives, the idea of a meditation retreat is even more appealing as we crave the opportunity to re-connect with our selves and be in the present moment with minimum distraction. Going on a meditation retreat really is a precious gift to ourselves.
Holland House, only about 40mins from Cheltenham, near Evesham is the perfect spot. Standing in 3 acres of beautiful gardens it has a long tradition of offering a quiet space to refresh and renew 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. '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 These days are becoming increasingly popular with many people returning again for a wonderful day of peace and tranquility.
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'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.' |
The Venue
Holland House is a stunning 17th Century thatched building with beautiful gardens leading down to the River Avon. It is a picture of peace and tranquility.
The Den, where the retreat will be held, is situated in the grounds of the house and leads out to the informal and formal gardens. There is a kitchen in the Den to make tea and coffee throughout the day and lunch is served in the beamed dining room, or we bring a vegetarian lunch to share.
Depending on who else is using the house on the day, there will be access to the library and lounge during the lunch time for quiet sitting or you are free to enjoy the grounds with it's paths down to the river and summer house.
Please join us for what will be a special day.
The Den, where the retreat will be held, is situated in the grounds of the house and leads out to the informal and formal gardens. There is a kitchen in the Den to make tea and coffee throughout the day and lunch is served in the beamed dining room, or we bring a vegetarian lunch to share.
Depending on who else is using the house on the day, there will be access to the library and lounge during the lunch time for quiet sitting or you are free to enjoy the grounds with it's paths down to the river and summer house.
Please join us for what will be a special day.
Some comments about our Retreats at Holland House.
Holland House
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'Lovely day and the peace has lasted all week'
Jenny 'Thank you so much for such a calming, lovely and enjoyable Sunday, you both did such a good job - at choosing the place (which was utterly breathtaking) and the day was very well structured' Jude 'Thank you again for today - you created a beautiful space for us. It was such a positive experience and I feel blessed that I was part of it.' Kate 'Beautiful house + beautiful meditations = Beautiful Day.' Participant in June 2015 retreat. |
The sunken garden
The Library
The Den from the Gardens
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Typical structure of meditation day (subject to change)
09.00-09.30 Arrival and registration 09.30- 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 and final reflections Some of the meditations undertaken on the day's retreat.
How to book a place:
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