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LGBTQIA+ Buddhist meditation retreat: Ease of Being - 6 nights at The Barn
A Buddhist retreat for members of the queer community
Summary
Duration: 6 nights - run annually
For those with any meditation experience - or none
Single occupancy
Silence nightly until morning & on 1 whole day
Max. Spaces: 11
Overview
This is a Buddhist meditation retreat for those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, non-binary, genderqueer, intersex and those who simply don’t fit into the gender identity or sexual orientation norms of our society. Black and People of Colour are particularly welcome on this 6-night retreat and there will be space for affinity groups if folks wish.
Because of the heteronormality of most spaces in our society, at times we may not be comfortable or safe showing up as our whole selves, inclusive of our sexual orientation and gender identities. This retreat provides the space to bring those parts of ourselves within the context of a meditative and Buddhist environment.
We will join as a community, to meditate, garden, and learn from Buddhist teachers and each other. Meditation can be a powerful way not only to connect to ourselves and each other, but to also explore letting go of internalised oppressions.
Whether or not you have been on retreat before, you are welcome to become part of this community of practice.
Practising together we can discover new sources of peace and well-being and enjoy the beautiful nature of the Sharpham Estate.
We run a version of this retreat at Sharpham House - explore it here
This retreat is for you if you:
- identify as LGBTQIA+
- are prepared to live and work in community, preparing meals together and working in the gardens
- are aged 18 and over
What you'll experience on this retreat:
- living in community with like-minded people, sharing experiences and tasks, including cooking and eating together and helping in our gardens
- guided meditations and periods of silence and quiet contemplation
- community sharing
- mindful movement
- finding connection with nature
- 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
What you'll need to know:
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 that we send out after you've booked.
You can also find out more about staying with us on our Frequently Asked Questions page, including:
- accessibility information
- why we encourage you to come on your own and not with partners or friends
- what the difference is between our retreats
Schedule
Note that we hold silence from 8.30pm to 9.00am each day, and all day Wednesday.
Sunday
| Afternoon |
|---|
| 2.00pm to 4.00pm – Your arrival |
| 4.30pm – Welcome talk, introductions and tour |
| 5.30pm – Guided meditation |
| 6.30pm – Supper. Then settling in |
| 8.30pm – The Barn goes into silence until 9.00am the next day |
Monday to Friday:
This is a typical schedule.
| Mornings | Afternoons |
|---|---|
| 6.20am – Wake up | 12.20pm – Meditation (some guided) |
| 6.50am – Movement and meditation | 1.00pm – Lunch |
| 7.30am – Household tasks | 2.00pm – Personal time |
| 8.00am – Breakfast | 4.30pm – Teaching |
| 9.00am – Morning sharing and meeting | 6.00pm – Supper prepared individually or in groups |
| 10.00am – Gardening | 7.50pm – Meditation (some guided) |
| 8.30pm – Barn moves into silence until 9.00am the next day | |
Saturday:
As above until 8.00am. Silence ends at breakfast. After that, there is time to clear your room and depart between 9.00am and 10.00am.
The Barn Retreat Centre at Sharpham
Our popular meditation retreat venue in the Buddhist tradition is where up to 11 people join together living in community for weekly retreats, including a variety of themed retreats - scroll on to see them all.
You'll be staying within a friendly atmosphere of fellowship, sitting together in daily meditations and mindfully tending our organic vegetable gardens.
You'll have your own single room, you'll get to eat produce from what's grown on the land here and you'll also get time to explore the wonder of the beautiful and contemplation-inspiring Sharpham Estate.
Second time there and it continues to deliver! The coordinators are brilliant at creating a sense of community and peace. The setting is incredibly beautiful and allows for an deep immersion with natureGet Directions View Venue
By Car
By Train
By Taxi
On foot or cycle from Totnes
By CoachLeaders
Barn Coordinators
Read more +
Costs
Rooms & rates
All rooms are comfortable single occupancy, with a shared bathroom.
They are allocated randomly, unless you have a medical need - please let us know on your booking form.
Click here for more information on our types of bedrooms and facilities
Meals, bedding, and towels are included.
Select from the following rates:
| Subsidised rate | Standard rate | Supporter rate | |||
| A heavily subsidised rate for those on low incomes who would otherwise be unable to attend. This is made possible by the generosity of others who are able to pay the higher Supporter Rate, helping us keep retreats open and accessible to everyone |
The Standard Rate for those not on a low income, covers the costs of your retreat and contributes a small amount to the upkeep of The Barn. Your payment helps maintain the retreat spaces, keep rooms and communal areas in good order, and ensures the experience is welcoming and enjoyable for all who visit. |
For those able to pay a little more, you'll make a wider, lasting impact, helping to preserve the estate and its wildlife, sustain the charitable work of the Trust and ensure future participants can benefit from the peace and renewal we offer. By choosing this rate, you’re helping The Trust to thrive - now and in the years to come. |
|||
| £455 | £495 | £575 |
Dana
Dana is the Pali word for generosity or donation. The volunteer coordinators are receiving only a small payment for expenses whilst living at The Barn and are generously giving their energy and understanding to us all. Your donation, if you are able, is welcome.
Bursary places for those on low incomes
We are committed to making Sharpham Trust retreats accessible to everyone, no matter their income, and we have a variety of bursary schemes.
See our Bursary Places page here to explore ways in which you can come on a heavily-discounted retreat.
Bursary Fund donations
If you’d like to support even more people beyond your own retreat, you can donate to our Bursary Fund. Every gift helps make retreats accessible to those who might otherwise miss out.
If you’d like to help another person go on retreat with us through our bursary scheme, you can give online quickly and easily by clicking here
Terms & Conditions
See our booking and cancellations policy here
Available dates
At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is our desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally sustainable world.
We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses, outdoor learning and the arts.
© 2026 Sharpham Trust | The Sharpham Trust Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes, Devon, UK TQ9 7UTUseful Links
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