Resourcing ourselves in uncertain times: Online weekend retreat
6 November at 18:30 to 8 November at 19:30
A weekend retreat from your own home. Within the current uncertainty and challenges in our world, this retreat will explore how our mindfulness practice can resource us, supporting steadiness, openness, joy, compassion and nourishment.
Brief overview
The retreat will offer mindfulness and compassion practices designed to deepen self-care and our capacities to be open and available to others in these uncertain times. With the scaffolding of the four foundations of mindfulness, we will explore together how we can resource ourselves in our practice, building stability and fostering qualities of the heart, such as tenderness, courage, kindness and joy.
We will offer a mix of guided and unguided practices including periods of stillness, movement, rest and unstructured silent time.
We are committed to ensuring that our retreats are accessible and inclusive to diverse communities and are keen to support participants who may have specific needs related to disability, health or other conditions. Please feel welcome to contact us if it would be helpful to discuss any support needs prior to the retreat.
Most of the retreat will be held in silence, though there is the possibility to talk to either of the teachers individually if needed.
Structured sessions
The programme will run from Friday evening until Sunday morning with the following timings for structured sessions:
- Friday 6 November: 6.30 – 8.30pm
- Saturday 7 November: 7.15 – 8am; 9.30am – 12.30pm; 2.30pm – 5.30pm; 7.30 – 8.30pm
- Sunday 8 November: 7.15 – 8am; 9.30 – 1pm
We encourage participants to consider the whole weekend as an opportunity for an extended period of practice, rest and silence, as far as this is possible and compassionate given your life situation.
Where is it?
Online. You can attend from your own home whether or not you live with others. You will be given guidance on how to prepare for the retreat.
Who is the retreat for?
The retreat is designed for people with some experience of mindfulness and/or compassion practice who want to deepen their practice in a supportive, safe environment. As a minimum, participants should have a regular practice of their own and should have done an eight-week mindfulness-based or compassion-based course. And it is helpful to have attended at least a one-day, silent retreat.
The retreat is a valuable opportunity for mindfulness and compassion-based teachers to further deepen their practice in community with others. The retreat will count towards the annual retreat requirement for teachers and supervisors on the BAMBA Register.
Retreat leaders
Bridgette O’Neill
Bridgette is a clinical psychologist by professional training and has taught mindfulness-based approaches in NHS mental health services for staff and clients since 2002. She is a senior lecturer, trainer, and supervisor with the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice and the Mindfulness Network as well as a trainer with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. Bridgette has a particular interest in mindfulness and compassion-based approaches in relation to social and environmental challenges and is part of the author group of the paper ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Our Time: A Curriculum that is up to the Task’.
Ruth Sequeira
Ruth Sequeira is as senior trainer, supervisor and mindfulness teacher for the Sussex Mindfulness Centre. She is also a psychological therapist and the Mindfulness and Compassion Training and Retreat Lead at the Mindfulness Network. Ruth has a history of working in mental health services and until recently worked as a clinical lead in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Sussex. Ruth has a longstanding interest in mindfulness, meditation and movement, and is passionate about increasing access to mindfulness courses in different populations.
How much does it cost?
The cost of this retreat is £200. We also offer a choice of two other options:
- £250 – Supporting rate. You can support other participants to attend who are on a low income.
- £150 – Supported rate, if you are on a low income and can’t afford the general admission price.
How do I apply?
Your place is confirmed once we receive full payment. To secure your spot, please complete your payment using the form at the bottom of the page. Once we have received the booking and payment, we will send you the application form to complete. If you have any questions please email us at spft.smc@nhs.net.
