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Daylong retreats
Day retreats offer a wonderful chance to practise meditation and mindfulness in London with a leading teacher. The rhythm of such days includes alternate periods of sitting and walking meditation, and a teacher provides guidance through extensive meditation instructions, a Dharma (teaching) talk and a question & answer session. A typical timetable for a daylong retreat might be something like:
9.30 Arrival, registration - tea and coffee available
10.00 Teacher introduces the theme for the day
10.30 -12.45 Alternate periods of sitting and walking meditation, typically about 30 minutes for each; possibly allowing time for a question-and-answer session, or a short talk from the teacher. During the last walking period, volunteers will help to set out the shared lunch.
12.45 - 2.00 Lunch, in silence; volunteers help with washing up and clearing tables afterwards. Hot drinks available.
2.00 - 3.00 A more formal talk from the teacher on the theme for the day.
3.00 - 4.30 More walking and sitting meditation, possibly with a short discussion period.
4.30 - 5.00 Time to talk with other retreatants over tea. Opportunity to offer dana (financial support) to teacher. Teachers are unpaid, except for expenses, but depend for their livelihood on offerings from those who receive their teachings.
5.00 - 5.30 Final clearup, helped by volunteers.
Beginners are usually offered additional instruction and assistance, while for experienced meditators the day is an opportunity to refresh and deepen one’s practice.
Apart from the set times of communication, the retreats are normally held in noble silence with a tea-time period at the end of the day to catch up with new and old friends.
The venue is conveniently located at King Alfred School in Golders Green with more details of the location here.
There are plenty of chairs available but should you wish to use a meditation cushion or stool please do bring your own. Comfortable clothing is recommended and that appropriate for walking meditation outdoors will also be useful.
When attending our retreats and courses please note that your are responsible for your own physical and psychological health. For example, if you have low blood pressure you might decide to sit when if a teacher announces a period of standing meditation. If you think you will need to lie down during the talks or sitting meditation due to a medical condition, please ask the teacher’s permission at the beginning of the retreat/course.
On the day, registration opens at 09:30 with the teaching starting at 10:00. The day will close at 16:30.
All participants are invited to contribute to the lunch by bringing vegeterian food to share. Please bring food that is already prepared since on-site food preparation resources are limited.