How can we cultivate mindfulness, whilst actively engaging with the ecological and social issues of our time, without suffering burn-out?

How can the practices of Buddhism inform and provide nourishment for our work in the world?

How can our work toward social change ground our spiritual practice?

This retreat will explore these questions and cultivate mindful approaches to take into our everyday life. We will offer a blend of the unique form and experience of the Barn with the nourishing socially-engaged teachings and practice of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

Dene Donalds, the teacher on this retreat, will help you to develop and extend your mindful experience. Click the Leaders tab above to read more about him.

Read on for more details on this retreat and click the Schedules and Venue & Directions tabs above for further information.

What happens on a Barn retreat?

---

Barn Retreats run weekly throughout the year and are based on the three pillars of

• meditation
• community
• and connection to the land

Our retreats help to develop a mindful approach to our lives, work and relationships and are for up to 10 people.

You’ll experience three 40-minute meditation sessions each day, outdoor walking meditation, mindful work in the organic gardens and woods and inquiry led by Buddhist teachers.

Our retreats with residential teachers are similar to standard retreats with extra teaching.

There are periods of silence on each of our retreats.

Our programme of standard 6-night retreats at The Barn can be viewed and booked here

 

Staying in community

---

This retreat is for you if you:

• are prepared to live and work in community, working in the gardens
• Want to experience a retreat in the Buddhist tradition
• are aged 18 and above

 

Daily meditations

---

There are approximately three 40-minute meditation sittings each day, and it's important that you commit to them to deepen your practice and connect to the community here.

Working on the land

---

It is important that you are willing to participate in working on the land as part of your mindfulness practice (we can easily find suitable tasks for people with health difficulties) and that you can commit to all the scheduled activities during the week.

What you’ll experience on this retreat

---

• guided meditations and periods of silence and quiet contemplation
• living in community with like-minded people, sharing experiences and tasks, including the making of meals and taking care of the house
• a single-occupancy room and your own space in which to rejuvenate, with free time to deeply rest and reconnect with yourself
• access to 24-hour hot teas, coffee & infusions in the kitchen
• the chance to explore the beautiful Sharpham Estate, set within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to nature, amid breath-taking scenery on the banks of the River Dart

 

Mindfulness in nature at Sharpham

---

When you experience Sharpham's inspiring and nourishing environment, we hope you'll connect spiritually with the natural world, so you’ll:

• become aware of how we are all part of nature - not artificially separate from it
• pay attention to and appreciate the natural world surrounding us
• explore nature through your senses and your natural creativity
• Tread more lightly on our finite planet, developing a respect and reverence for all living things

Click here to read our ethos and principles

What might you bring?

---

If you decide to stay with us, we’ll send you a list of what you need to bring for this retreat in your Welcome Letter. But you might consider the following:

• Comfortable, loose clothing for meditation and movement sessions
• Indoor footwear/slippers
• Suitable seasonal clothes – it can get cold in the evening and in the winter
• Boots or comfy waterproof outdoor shoes and a waterproof jacket are advisable for local walks
• A journal or notepad for reflection during your time here

Find out more about staying at The Barn on our Frequently Asked Questions page

Food & your dietary needs

---

We have a fully stocked organic and vegetarian kitchen. The main meal is at lunch time. Everyone takes a turn to prepare this meal in pairs (this will be organised at the Sunday welcome meeting). We have plenty of simple recipes for you to choose from, or we can direct you to one in particular. Some participants like to use their own recipe ideas.

We can accommodate gluten-free and/or vegan dietary needs. However, our kitchen is not gluten, dairy nor nut-free. We do not provide gluten-free bread, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Please make sure you include dietary restrictions and any food allergies on your Booking Form. We may need to communicate further with you about specifics. The booking form is sent as a link once you have booked and paid for a retreat.

Our water is provided from our own spring, UV treated and filtered.

Your physical and mental health

---

This retreat is suitable for you if you have some meditation experience, or you are seeking to renew or reconnect with your practice.

Although meditation and mindfulness can be helpful in managing stress, depression and anxiety our retreats might not be suitable if you are experiencing major depression or other clinically diagnosed psychiatric illness such as bipolar disorder, psychosis or current self-harming. Click here for more information and for our booking process

If you have a medical condition that requires you to have a room close to a toilet, please contact The Barn team on the number below and we'll try to help.

 

It's a incredible place for a retreat - the views from The Barn are awesome in any direction. If you would like to find a place to retreat and meditate with like-minded people in a safe and loving community, The Barn's the place