Group retreat-workshops
mindfulness and the 'clear space path'
... towards a relationship with ourself, with others, with our planet
Group retreats at Le Sentier Tranquille draw on the natural ambiance of our surroundings, as well as Simon's background of counsellor-therapist. Without conflicting with any spiritual tradition or any other meditation approach, he seeks to anchor understanding in the essence of our being the human beings we are, needing to relate effectively with every aspect of the world going on around us. This is where true insight must come from, undistorted by the clutter that has built up from our years of struggling to survive.
So meditation is about finding the space where nothing has to happen and where there is no place for expectation. And in this freedom we find our path of exploration and discovery. It starts with developing mindfulness in the very special way that is possible in our natural surroundings here. Then meditation following the channel of the 'clear space path' is coupled with teaching which draws on the work of Carl Rogers, Martin Buber and Eugene Gendlin and allows us a vision of ourselves as a human being connected... with ourselves, with others and with our planet.
Each retreat day follows a typical (but not rigid) pattern, which starts with a silent meditation (not obligatory but encouraged) and is followed by breakfast. There is a morning session which includes teaching and practise and, after a break, discussion and perhaps a sharing of individual experience and insights. There is a walk in the afternoon after lunch, which can bring another opportunity for practise and exchange. Following our evening meal there is a closing short themed meditation.
Click here to read what some visitors have said
We believe in feeding mind and body - we keep you comfortable and well-nourished and, for those times when it is important to have your own time with yourself, we have space for that as well.
Hongnan Sun from China:
"The retreat at Le Sentier Tranquille was absolutely enjoyable. The experience I gained from Simon's teaching was very refreshing. Most especially, I learnt to recapture things around me without placing labels on them. For example, when I closed my eyes and heard the birds sing, I started to explore the beauty of the singing, instead of labeling it as bird sound and ignoring it right away. In that way, I could appreciate a lot of things which I used to take for granted. The delicious meals cooked by Janet was definitely another highlight: always fresh and fulfilling. And also, the retreat center itself was such a lovely and peaceful place, it helped me forget the stress of my routines - although the routines were still there, I did not feel stressed."
Mariella Privitera from Malta:
"I liked the way Simon spoke and explained the meditation in simple steps, his method of giving headings to each stage of the journey of the form of meditation he proposes. It put mindfulness more user-friendly for me to practise on a daily basis. And now I am feeling the benefits of a daily practice, as uncomplicated easy method to use and look forward to doing it too. Also I am not so reluctant to do an unguided meditation alone."
Peter Brown from Great Britain:
"There was nothing I did not like... The accommodation and ambience was really relaxing. The other attendees were good company and this helped to make the week. The food was great and we had some great discussions about things that don’t generally crop up in normal conversation. This is not a hard core meditation retreat but that wasn’t what I was after. Altogether a very good week in a fabulous location. Even though the castle walk nearly killed me!"
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