Details:
Date: Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th January 2027
Retreat Leaders: Alison Murdoch & Anna Colao
Requirements: Everyone is welcome
Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (by clicking the ‘Donate Here’ button below). Land of Joy provides: All meals, accommodation, workshops, materials and good firewood for soulful nights.
Format: Onsite only / Retreat begins: 7pm on the 21st January / Retreat ends: with lunch on the 24th January
Recommended arrival: 3pm – 5pm on the 21st January to join for supper and get settled into the space
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 a very limited number of single rooms. Single accommodation can therefore only be offered on a priority basis. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.
About the Weekend
An invitation to join Alison and Anna for their fifth retreat at Land of Joy, a long weekend of deep relaxation and reflection designed to help us start the year with more kindness, clarity and joy.
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, love is beautifully understood as the wish for others – and oneself – to enjoy happiness and the causes of happiness. There’s no doubt that the world needs more happiness at this moment. So, what can we each do to grow our capacity for love in the coming year?
To help us explore this question, we will focus on the ‘Four Immeasurable Thoughts’ – a set of transformational qualities that have been cultivated in contemplative traditions for centuries, and which teachers such as The Dalai Lama consider to be the cornerstones for a loving, peaceful and fulfilling life.
Equanimity – gently widening our circle of concern to include as many people and living beings as possible
Loving-kindness – uncovering our natural ability to be caring and warm-hearted
Compassion – developing our capacity to respond to suffering with an open heart
Appreciative joy – noticing and taking pleasure in the happiness and good qualities of ourselves and others
Through discussion, reflection, meditation and time in nature, we’ll explore together what these qualities mean to us, the strengths and challenges that they bring, and how we can integrate them more fully into our relationships and everyday lives.
What Will Be Offered
- Presentations and exercises that explore the four topics of equanimity, loving-kindness, compassion and appreciative joy in the context of modern life
- Guided analytical and stabilising meditations that will help us deepen our understanding through direct experience
- Opportunities for discussion and reflection, drawing on the life experiences and wisdom of the group and creating opportunities for fun and laughter
- Quiet periods and personal time for resting, reading and walking in nature
- Optional evening activities, including using the creative arts
- Practical advice and guidance about next steps
Who is the Retreat For?
- This retreat is suitable for anyone of any faith or none with an interest in exploring how we can be more loving and warm-hearted and who would like to start the year in a peaceful and reflective way.
- If you’re curious about what the teachings of the Buddha can offer, this could be a good place to start. No previous experience of Buddhism or retreat is needed.
- You’ll be equally welcome if you’re a Buddhist student with an interest in the Four Immeasurable Thoughts or just seeking some fresh inspiration in your spiritual life.
Why Attend?
- Developing our capacity to love is one of the most powerful ways to find happiness and peace of mind – and with a bit of patience and openness, it’s something that’s possible for everyone.
- Our aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment for a group of like-minded people to take a break from the pressures of daily life with space to reflect and nurture themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of Land of Joy and (weather permitting) it’s beautiful natural surroundings.
- Many of us start the year wanting to make positive changes in our lives but not knowing how to go about it. We hope you’ll return home with inspiration, insights and some simple practical tools for personal change.
About the Retreat Leaders
