Our minds are like the sky: ever shifting from glorious blue to threatening grey; from offering gentle breezes to lashing us with storms. But whatever the conditions that we see, the sky itself is always the same. The sky has all the capacity to accommodate the changing weather – even the changing climate. Just so, our minds have all the capacity to experience, to do, and to be, all that is happening inside and around us. Meditation works with the fundamental aspect of our minds – that we are aware. We know things. We are not automatons, clever gadgets, or algorithms. Using various supports - like sensations in our bodies, our breath, what we hear and see - we can get to know and nurture the awareness that holds everything we experience. Our basic condition - despite all the distractions of overwhelm, pursuing this, avoiding that - is openness, kindness, and Wisdom.

Find meaningful solitude on a Self-Retreat. These Retreats are unstructured: one does as much (or as little) reading, walking, meditation or resting as one chooses. Enjoy walks and bird watching in 300 acres of beautiful rolling hills, parklands, indigenous valleys and forests. Meditate, learn chi kung and yoga, savour our delicious vegetarian food, browse our well-stocked library. Visit the stupa and the raked Zen sand gardens; walk the labyrinth; reflect on the 8 trees associated with the Buddha’s life, enlightenment and death in the beautiful Buddha Boma; spend solitary time in our deer forest, stalk the light, cloud-gaze at the dam and tune into just being in the present moment. Self-Retreats are an ideal opportunity to be in a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. Self-Retreats are available on weekdays - between Conducted Retreats - and over structured retreats. Group or Corporate events can be arranged.

Nelson Alvares is in situ to lead walks and sunrise meditation.

For those who would like to book for a self retreat midweek, Krishia Schilz, a resident member of staff, is offering daily yoga, pranayama and meditation.

Krishia Schilz is a qualified Bereavement Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, as well as Trauma Containment. Her spiritual path led her to yoga in which she is certified in various styles. She completed her training in beautiful Bali before travelling to Thailand to teach. Her practice includes yoga, pranayama (breath work), meditation and yoga philosophy.