The Mindfulness for Life Summer Retreat is an annual 5-day retreat and part of the Mindfulness for Life programme. It is open to people who have completed our mindfulness, compassion and insight trainings either as one year courses at Samye Ling and related centres, or as part of the University of Aberdeen’s MSc in Mindfulness Studies, run in partnership with the Mindfulness Association.

The Mindfulness for Life retreats and gatherings provide participants with a space in which to come together and explore their practice in more depth and to continue the path of personal discovery in whatever form that may be for each participant. All participants speak a common language, which comes from a shared understanding of the variety of practices they have been introduced to over the course of the mindfulness, compassion, and insight modules with the Mindfulness Association. During our sessions together at the summer retreat, supported by Ian, Kristine and Vin, we may explore these practices in more depth or allow for more time and space to engage fully in the exercises that currently work for us. We will also explore new practices and different teaching methods and theories that may support our understanding further.

In addition to the annual retreat, participants are also offered the opportunity to participate in two additional practice days. The Mindfulness for Life Spring and Autumn Gatherings are informal practice days where we connect with fellow practitioners.

The 2023 Spring Gathering will take place on the 20th of May in Samye Ling.

Participants from the (online) summer of 2020 retreat said:

• I enjoyed that any concepts presented were just enough to go about the practices and not too much that we entered too much conceptual thinking. The fact that everything presented was really applicable to how we can approach our lives differently to the benefit of ourselves and others. I really felt the dynamic of Vin, Ian and Kristine worked exceptionally well as there are different styles of teaching but they all complemented each other perfectly.

• I loved the variety of practises, how they were put together, in particular the different approaches to resting… And the emphasis on simplicity and what personally works was liberating… I value the connection with others too… And the revelation that connection is possible on zoom and that being on retreat at home was not only possible but more beneficial in some ways, ie. ‘in the midst of everyday life’.

• I found this retreat incredibly beneficial to my inner self. The practices and talks by Vin, Ian and Kristine were so incredibly relevant and nourishing, and the safe place was held beautifully for deep and honest sharing… the relaxed pace and space for question & discussion was just like it is when we all get together. I have remained so thankful in the time following the retreat for the deeply grounded and nourished place I find myself!

Pre-requisites

This course is open to those who have completed Levels 1,2,3 or the first two years of the MSc program. Long term practitioners who have completed appropriate equivalent trainings are also welcomed to apply by sending details of their experience to the Mindfulness Association.