What is a Retreat?

Being on retreat at Rivendell is an opportunity to be free of your usual responsibilities and distractions, able to view your life from a fresh perspective. A retreat, although often highly enjoyable is also not the same as a holiday or workshop. A retreat situation is a place where the boundaries are defined specifically to create a real opportunity to step outside familiar patterns and explore different ways of being. 

Any retreat is a structure we give ourselves to for a set period of time putting us in touch with who we really are and can clarify what we truly value. The boundaries provide an essential structure for the retreat to support meditation, reflection, community living and other Buddhist practices which makes it both a challenging as well as a hugely rewarding experience.

We ask you to come being aware and willing to support the conditions of our retreats. In the context of a place of peace, quiet and natural beauty, where you can experience a deeper sense of yourself and the world, through meditation, reflection and real communication with like minded people.

Coming together for a time to share what is most valuable in life and to support one another. This sense of connection comes from engaging in communal activities such as group discussions, eating together, sharing living space and helping out with some of the household tasks. Many lasting friendships have begun on retreats at Rivendell.

Each retreat has a particular theme and range from weekends to week long events. Every retreat will have it's own programme, providing a structure with time for meditation, discussion and talks. There will also be free time to go for a walk, read a book, or do whatever you need to do to unwind.

All our retreats are in the context of Buddhist mediation and practice. You don't have to think of yourselves as a Buddhist to come here, or have any intention of becoming one. Bring along an open mind and just see what emerges, it could just change your life.