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.

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!