Deeply nurturing silent mindfulness non-residential retreats in a stunning, peaceful rural setting just outside Chelmsford, Essex. Practices will be led by an experienced meditation teacher; the group will be in gentle silence apart from the very start and end of the day. Meditation beginners open to silence also very welcome.
“Thank you for running a wonderful retreat yesterday. A day to quieten my mind and to practice resting my awareness on my moment-to-moment experience had a profound effect on me. In the quietness I experienced stillness and deep rest.”
Our intention is for these silent mindfulness days to offer a rare sanctuary from the demands, distractions and pace of modern life, offered against a backdrop of gentleness and rolling countryside.
We have had the pleasure of running retreats and courses at the stunning Retreat Farm, Little Baddow for many years and love returning to this boutique yoga and meditation studio nestled in fields. Chelmsford is just a 20-minute drive away and London a 30 minute train journey - then taxi ride - away.
Our popular day retreats are held here - open to anyone interested in secular meditation including curious newcomers looking for a full day’s immersive experience, students with an existing practice and anyone seeking to nurture mind and body in a beautiful, supportive, small group setting.
Led by experienced mindfulness teacher, YATM co-founder Lucia, we will enjoy different mindfulness practices, both in soft movement and in stillness.
These are likely to include silent personal walks in nature (from the door), lying down body scans, breath meditations and sensory awareness practices. Different options for posture are always offered and chairs will be available.
All periods of formal practice will be presented in an accessible, secular, non-dogmatic way and will be sprinkled with poetry and (hopefully!) inspiring readings. You may hear birds and chickens but, blissfully, no road noise!
Tea and healthy (and almost healthy!) snacks will be provided during the long lunch break, which will be offered as an integral part of the day. Please bring your own vegetarian lunch.
As we take exclusive hire of the venue, with its main studio and separate smaller rooms, there is plenty of space to spread out and relax during the breaks.
A little about your teacher
Lucia has been practising meditation for almost 26 years and teaching for 16. She has extensive experience and training in both the mindful yoga and meditation traditions, having studied with Bangor University (postgraduate level) to teach mindfulness and with Mindfulness in Schools. In winter 2022 she trained with International mindfulness organisation Breathworks and with the late Michael Stone over winter 2023/24. Over the years her teachers have included Jon Kabat-Zinn, Christina Feldman, John Peacock, Martin Aylward, Ed Halliwell, Vidyamala Burch and Rupert Marques.
Next 2024 dates:
Saturday September 14 and / or Sunday September 15
You are welcome to attend both days or either the Saturday or Sunday alone.
Non-residential, though a few camping places may be available on-site
10.30am - 4.30pm each day
Details:
Venue: The Retreat, Little Baddow
non-residential (though a few on-site camping places may be available, booked direct with the venue)
max just 12 students
Cost and format:
£89pp for one day
£165 for two day non-residential retreat
There will be a long silent lunch break, held as an extension of mindfulness practice.
Please bring your own veggie lunch.
Please note we are unable to refund or transfer bookings.
Please read notes below before booking.
Booking
Please note: If booking 2 days, a discount will be applied at checkout.
Important notes:
We are strictly unable to transfer or refund bookings.
Please do not buy this retreat as a gift in case it is not suitable.
No experience of meditation or relaxation practices is needed or expected; however, newcomers need to be very open to a day without technology and in silence.
Please be sure to contact us before booking if you are experiencing mild or severe anxiety of depression.
You should be able to get on and off the floor fairly easily.
It is important that you do not attend the event if you have a positive Covid-19 test result or have been exposed to the virus in the ten days beforehand.