6 Day Music of the Mountains Meditation Retreat in Dun, Pyrenees

Facilities

Group retreats at Le Sentier Tranquille draw on the natural ambiance of our surroundings, as well as Simon's background of counsellor-therapist. They don’t conflict with any spiritual tradition or any other meditation approach, but seek to anchor understanding in the essence of being the human beings that we are, needing to relate with every aspect of the world going on around us. This is where we need true insight, undistorted by the clutter that has built up from years of struggling to survive.

So meditation is about finding a space without needs and expectations, and with this freedom to find your own path of exploration and discovery. We start by developing mindfulness in a very special way that is possible in our natural surroundings.

For the "Music of the Mountains Meditation Retreat", we are joined by Jocelyne Caumont, a singer, storyteller, and performer who works with all age groups. She believes that we can each find our own voice, which might not be a singing voice, but will be a channel for the soul’s music that resides in us all.

Each morning, we go to a different mountain location for the very special experience of sitting in the presence of the mountains. You will contemplate, talk, sing, sit in meditation, listen to stories, and then take a short walk before returning to the center for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to use as you wish - read, take a walk, make music, or simply be chilled.

At Le Sentier Tranquille, the ambiance of the setting, the variety of spaces for individual or group use, the community, the conviviality of the meals taken together - all these are an indispensable part of the experience. Janet provides a culinary feast in the style of the region and we also offer appropriate accompanying drinks. When you retire at the end of the day, you are assured of comfort and tranquillity.

On each of the four central days of the retreat, you will visit a new mountain locality. Each day will have a different focus according to the location: wonderment - listening - empathy - humility. Simon will be available throughout your stay for an individual consultation, teaching, or counseling, on meditation, life issues, or personal development. You need only ask!

Sample daily schedule

• 07:30 Early morning silent meditation (30 mins optional)
• 08:00 Breakfast
• 10:00 Arrive at the day's location and begin with an opening exchange and a meditation, breathing, and energizing exercises, followed by talk, songs, stories, and individual reflection. There will be refreshments before a short walk
• 14:00 Return to the center for lunch, and then an unstructured afternoon for local walking, personal reflection, therapeutic work (if requested)
• 19:00 Evening meal
• 20:30 Closing themed meditation

Daily excursion by car to the mountain location selected for that day.

This retreat will be based at Le Sentier Tranquille in Dun, France. It is a small retreat center in the foothills of the Pyrenees alongside the ancient forests of the Ariège.

You will be served good food throughout the retreat. All ingredients are sourced locally, and as far as is possible, only what is in season is used. Dishes prepared are representative of this part of France. Anyone who has traveled in France will know that it is quite a lot more difficult eating as a vegetarian there than in most other parts of Europe. You will be provided with vegetarian options if requested, but individual diets are unavailable unless there is a medical need. Le Sentier Tranquille is not able to cater for vegan, nut allergies, or coeliac condition.

Retreats follow a program which leaves space for individual reflection and informal discussion. Some group walks will be undertaken, but there is also time to take walks in the hills or forests at different times. In the center, there is a library, and there are also some musical instruments, and art and drawing equipment.

• 5 nights accommodation
• All meals
• Daily meditations
• Group and individual sessions with Simon Cole
• Teachings and walks
• Transport to mountain locations

• Airfare
• Personal expenses

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• A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 7 days before arrival.