Details:

Date: Friday 15th until Sunday 17th March

Retreat Leader: Wendy Ridley

Requirements: Everyone is welcome

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (via the donation form at the bottom of the page; no suggested amount).

Format: Onsite Only

Start Time: The retreat starts at 7:00 p.m. on the 15th of March. Please arrive at the centre by 5 pm as supper will be served at 6 pm

Finish time: 3.30 pm on 17 March

Accommodation: Land of Joy wishes for everyone who visits the centre to feel welcome, accepted, safe and secure. Our accommodation options are very limited, with mostly single-sex shared accommodation and only one single room (which is sometimes needed by volunteers). This means single accommodation can only be offered to those who need it the most, but still won’t always be available. Camping can be an option at certain times of year if you have your own tent but space is very limited. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.

About the Retreat

During this weekend retreat, we will explore embodied mindfulness and universal ethical values as part of the 16 Guidelines for Life Program. The 16G program, developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom, provides a simple, robust and flexible framework for reflecting on the ways we think, act, relate to others and find meaning. The program provides mindfulness-based practical tools to bring about positive change. 

By noticing our patterns of thinking, speaking and acting through mindfulness and self-enquiry, we can begin to build inner strength which enables us to break through limiting beliefs, transform our relationships, make better decisions, and find more peace of mind. 

Drawing on proven techniques from positive psychology, social justice practices, neuroscience and centuries-old Eastern philosophy, this program offers an ethical, holistic approach to self-improvement and cultural change. As well as meditation there will be interactive activities and relaxed discussion.

What you’ll learn: 

  • An ethical framework that inspires more purpose in life and deepens experience in mindfulness as an embodied practice.

  • Practical tools to build inner strength which will benefit relationships and embrace community

  • A fresh perspective on daily life, available choices and actions

  • Enhanced capacity for reflection, resulting in more well-being, emotional resilience and creative action

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is for people of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking practical tools to bring about positive change in their life, home, relationships, community or workplace. It will be of particular interest to change-makers, to anyone working in education, health care and the helping professions, to Yoga, embodiment & mindfulness teachers, to coaches and mentors and to those with an interest in corporate and organisational wellbeing.

About the Teacher

Wendy has worked for many years in education – as a teacher, university lecturer, Education Authority advisor, and education consultant. This has provided her with skills and passion to develop, deliver and oversee training programmes. Since attending her first meditation course in 1976 she has volunteered in six very different meditation centres. Wendy is a Senior Accredited FDCW Faculty member teaching internationally all levels of FDCW’s programmes. She is on the FDCW board, is a trained yoga teacher, and has enjoyed many retreats.

A Way to Say Thank You

To Land of Joy…

Our generosity model means we do not charge for any teachings, accommodation or food. We are therefore 100% dependant on donations to help us cover our £90,000 a year running costs.

You are therefore invited to give what you can as a thank you for the organisation and hosting of the retreat, including the food and accommodation provided if you stayed onsite.

You may also like to make a regular contribution to the centre by becoming a Branch of Joy. This kind of support gifts us a steady and ongoing income, which in turn provides the confidence and means for us to continue to flourish for many years to come.

Everything given will ensure Land of Joy continues to be offered as a precious place for retreat.

To The Teacher…

Teachers and retreat leaders practice generosity by freely offering their time to Land of Joy. We cover their travel expenses but do not pay them for the teachings they give.

You are therefore invited to make an offering to the teacher as a thank you for the time and knowledge they share.

To The Volunteers…

Our retreats are supported by our wonderful team of volunteers, some of whom you will meet during your time at the centre. Those who live onsite offer their time, expertise and dedication in return for food and accommodation. They do not receive a wage or stipend. Unfortunately, we are only able to accept offerings for them in cash, so if you would like to thank them for their service, please do so by bringing cash with you to the centre and placing it in the volunteer collection pot.