6 Day The Creativity of Being in The Flow Musicking Mindfulness Retreat in Dun, Occitanie

Facilities

Musicking

Musicking, as Simon explains it in his book "just BE here", is only loosely connected with what one would normally think of as music: really it is about the flow of feeling and emotion that is going on in all of us all of the time. Being able to connect with this is the real essence of being mindful. If we block our flow, then we cannot be mindful and we cannot be connected with the true reality of what is happening around us.

Simon draws on the teachings of David Abrams, Martin Buber and Shunryu Suzuki, as well as his many years as a therapist and meditation teacher, to create an holistic experience which goes beyond mindfulness and leads participants on a pathway to experience their own individual flow of living.

There will be an emphasis on shared and sharing experience and Simon invites participation from individuals' own knowledge and background in offering a teaching which is inclusive and a practice which complements participants' resources.

The teaching topics include:

• Starting with the rhythm of life - feel how you walk, try something different - listen to your breathing, the beating of your heart
• Then the tune - movement and shapes and hearing the piper and how to feel your own melody playing inside you
• And the harmony - meeting and exchanging and what is in how we make contact with each other, how we relate with ourselves within, with others and with the planet

For this retreat in particular, a too rigid format will be avoided because flow and spontaneity are important themes. But here is an outline of the likely framework of your days:

• Morning silent meditation period, which you may join and leave as you wish
• Breakfast, which you can take as suits you between 8 and 10
• Morning teaching and activity period, normally broken into two parts
• Lunch
• Local walk or own time or individual counselling time
• Evening meal
• Community period, which can be storytelling or own experiences or themed meditation

Each day of your stay will follow a similar pattern, though Simon believes in being flexible in order to accommodate the particular interests of each group.

Daily themes

• Musicking: the expression of what is going on
• Levelling: getting to see the world around as it really is
• Dialoguing: meeting with others with genuine humanity
• Flowing: combining the three aspects of musicking mindfulness and culminating in a mountain excursion

There are walks in the surrounding hills built into most days at 'Le Sentier Tranquille', but they always aim to have at least half a day as a group further up in the mountains (for which transport will be provided). The activities on this excursion will follow the theme of the retreat, but will take advantage of the exceptional setting to enhance participants' experience.

The Centre is located on the edge of a hamlet with direct access to the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. There are many walks of different grades - from gentle riverside stroll to difficult mountain routes - within reach. Simon will accompany the group on walks linked to your retreat, which will be matched to the resources and experience of the group. Walking activities will be valued as a means to the opening out of the spirit and are not viewed as a fitness exercise. It is likely that there will be a half-day away from the Centre further in the mountains, for which transport will be provided.

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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 travelled in France will know that it is quite a lot more difficult eating as a vegetarian here than in most other parts of Europe. Le Sentier Tranquille will provide vegetarian or pescatarian options when requested, but individual diets are unavailable unless there is a medical need. They are not able to cater for vegan, nut allergies, or coeliac condition.

Tea and coffee is provided in rooms, and in addition, a range of teas, coffee, and infusions is always available in the terrace room where you eat. You will also be offered an apéritif (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) before the evening meal and wine with the meal. (Alcoholic drinks are not available at other times.)

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

• Airfares
• Transfers (35 EUR each way for Toulouse or Carcassonne airports)
• 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 on arrival.