Details:

Date: Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd August

Retreat Leader: Wendy Ridley

Requirements: Everyone is welcome

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (by clicking the ‘Donate Here’ button below)

Format: Onsite only.

Start & Finish Times: Starting with supper at 18:00 on the first day and finishing at 15:30 on the last day. A more detailed schedule will be released closer to the time.

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. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.

About the Retreat

Feeling overwhelmed by global crises, work, family, or personal challenges? Seeking practical tools for positive change and emotional resilience? This experiential weekend retreat is designed for you.

We will explore embodied mindfulness and universal ethical values in this Level 1 of the 16 Guidelines for Life Program developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW). The program offers a simple yet profound framework for reflecting on how we think, act, relate to others, and find meaning. Through mindfulness, self-inquiry, and ethical reflection, we will gain tools to foster well-being, purpose, and inner strength.

What to Expect:
Over the weekend, we’ll engage in mindfulness practices including mindful walks in nature, interactive activities, and relaxed discussions. Drawing on positive psychology, neuroscience, social justice practices, and centuries-old Eastern philosophy, this retreat offers a holistic and ethical approach to personal and community transformation.

Who Should Attend?
This retreat welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking practical tools for meaningful change in their life, home, relationships, community or workplace. It will be of particular interest to: Change-makers and anyone working in education, healthcare, or helping fields; Yoga, mindfulness, and embodiment teachers; Coaches, mentors, and those working in corporate or organisational well-being.

What You’ll Learn:

  •  An ethical framework that inspires purpose in life and deepens mindfulness as an embodied practice
  •  Practical tools to build inner strength which will improve relationships
  •  A fresh perspective on choices and actions in daily life
  •  Enhanced capacity for reflection, resulting in more well-being, emotional resilience and creative action

Join us for this transformative retreat to cultivate inner strength, deepen mindfulness, and to help create positive
change in your life and community.

About the Teacher

Wendy 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 and deliver training programmes. Since attending her first meditation course in 1976 she has volunteered in six very different meditation centres. Wendy is the FPMT Service Seminar Co-Ordinator and is a senior 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. Join us for this transformative retreat to cultivate inner strength, deepen mindfulness, and to help create positive change in your life and community.

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.