Life is a constant process of change and flux that we all experience.
Some changes are planned and anticipated, others come from unexpected events that we have little control over.
This retreat is for anyone going through a life-change or transition who would benefit from reflection and perspective, in the supportive company of a retreat.
“It is not impermanence that makes us suffer. What makes us suffer is wanting things to be permanent when they are not”
- Thích Nhất Hạnh, monk, peace-activist, mindfulness pioneer
Life changes and transitions can cover a range of human experiences: starting a new course of study, changing career, leaving home for the first time, becoming a parent or moving into mid-life or eldership.
Whatever your experience or level of meditation or mindfulness practice, you are welcome on this retreat.
Life changes and transitions can be unsettling and challenging, often evoking feelings of fear, uncertainty and doubt. But they can offer new opportunities for healing, growth, understanding and learning too.
Mindfulness and time spent in nature offers us powerful tools for resilience - helping us gain perspective, become steadier and more accepting of the changes we are experiencing.
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
If you're coming to stay with us on retreat, it is important to make a commitment to arrive in time for the first group meeting and to attend all the days.
This ensures you experience the retreat programme from start to finish and helps your group of participants to gel.
All our retreats include periods of silence as a way of deepening into mindful awareness.
If you are new to spending time in silence in the company of other people, it can feel awkward to begin with. But we encourage you to explore the silent periods with a spirit of openness and curiosity - people usually find it to be a positive experience.
The retreats typically move into silence each evening from 9pm - 9.50am the following day
Day 1: Arrive between 3-5pm for welcoming talk and settling in
Mornings | Afternoons |
---|---|
7.00am - wake up | 12.30pm - guided sitting meditation |
7.30am – mindful movement | 1.00pm - lunch |
8.00am - guided sitting meditation | 2.30pm – Personal time |
8.30am – breakfast and tasks | 5.20pm - guided sitting meditation |
9.50am – home groups | 6.00pm – supper and tasks |
10.30am - walk of the grounds or personal time | 8.00pm - Meditation / Teaching |
9.00pm – House moves into silence until 9.50am the next day |
Final day: There is a closing circle at 10.30am and depart at 12 noon. The retreat will move into silence each evening from 9pm – 9.50am, and till 2.30pm on day 3.
Sharpham House is the perfect place to experience a mindfulness retreat: a Grade I-listed Georgian mansion at the centre of the stunning Sharpham Estate, where you're nurtured with delicious vegetarian and vegan food (much of it grown organically in our Walled Garden).
The House is set in beautiful gardens, surrounded by a parkland designed originally by Capability Brown, offering calming views over the River Dart, in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Get Directions View VenueThere will be a maximum of 20 guests on this retreat.
All rooms are single occupancy, giving you your own space in which to relax.
If you have a medical condition that requires you to have an en-suite room, please contact the Programme Administrator on the number below as these rooms are limited and are bookable on a first-come first-serve basis.
Book easily and securely online or by phoning 01803 732542
Please click here to see our booking and cancellations policy
Click here for more information on our types of bedrooms and facilities.
Limited 50% bursaries offering reduced-price retreats are available for those experiencing financial hardship. Please contact the Programme Administrator at least 4 weeks in advance if you wish to apply.
Our bursary fund relies on donations. If you’d like to help another to go on retreat here through our bursary scheme, you can give online quickly and easily by clicking here