6 Day Stillness in Mind Meditation Retreat in Ariège, Pyrénnées

Facilities

Living is about knowing who we are and connecting with each other. Therapists talk about mindfulness and the “here and now”. Philosophers are concerned with what it means to be alive. And we all know what it feels like when someone is interested in us and how we feel. Being awake and aware, being able to be empathic, knowing the liberation of being accepted - these are the core themes of this retreat.

Nothing is set in stone at Le Sentier Tranquille and Simon as the facilitator will adjust times and content according to the background and disposition of the group.

As a guide, the days will be allocated along these lines:

• Day 1 - developing a mindful way of being, training, and practice
• Day 2 - understanding relationship, the insights of Martin Buber
• Day 3 - listening to ourselves and developing a sense of flow
• Day 4 - meditation as discovery, passage, and direction

Each day will start with an early morning (about 07.30) silent meditation - not obligatory but encouraged. Breakfast will be available after this and the morning will session will be a combination of teaching, discussion, and a meditation exercise. Lunch is followed by a short period of own-time and then a walk or activity using the morning’s theme. Evening meal follows an apéritif around 19.00 and the day is often rounded off with a themed meditation.

During the retreat, you will learn or develop your mindfulness and be introduced to the meditation approach of the Clear Space Path. You will exchange with other participants in a group (and individually with Simon if you wish) in the summer house, the group room, the gardens, as well as in talks, in your free time, over meals together, and on walks in the surrounding forests, hills, and mountains.

Towards the end of the retreat there will be a half-day group walk in the mountains or foothills of the Pyrenees. Simon has many routes and will select what is suitable for each group in order to offer appropriate space for reflection and the deepening of the retreat experience within each member's capabilities.

This retreat will take place 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. We will provide vegetarian options when requested, but individual diets are unavailable unless there is a medical need. We are 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
• Airport transfers
• All meals
• Daily meditations
• Group and individual sessions with Simon Cole
• Teachings and walks

• 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.