Being Present
Bringing together the practices of Christian Contemplative Prayer and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Meeting God Mindfully led by Maria Garvey is a series of four re- treats running seasonally through the year. These retreats aim to support people in learning to calmly abide in the present moment, experience more of who they are, reduce anxiety and stress and gently come home to the still, quiet presence of God at the centre of their lives.
Coming to our Senses
Mindfulness, sometimes called, ‘wakefulness’, ‘heartfulness’ and occasionally ‘soulfulness’ is a way of intentionally stop- ping to listen, staying alert and coming to our senses. Over time as we practice we learn to quieten the mind and con- nect to a spaciousness of heart that allows us to become more fully and wonderfully ourselves before God and with others. By simply stopping, breathing, looking, tasting, smelling, slowly walking and taking in the world with all of our senses we can find a safe and sacred space on our own and with God and over time deepen our relationships and nurture a soul friendship with the whole of life and crea- tion.
Letting Go and Letting God
Most of us are so busy that we hardly ever stop. More often than not we are lost in the past or the future, churning worries, plans or regrets over and over in our minds. All this worrying and fretting about so many things is common- ly called stress and it can be soul destroying. Practices such as stepping into stillness, resting in silence, paying attention to the breath as it comes and goes and being fully present to one thing at a time allow us to encounter ourselves in the present moment. There is a healing in stillness and in na- ture. Sitting within stillness, sometimes even a sense of emptiness, and listening deeply helps us to connect with ourselves and to be fully present to whatever we have to be with in the moment. This kind of gentle presence often helps to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. We learn to surrender and as we ‘let go and let God’ we come to an experience of deep and lasting peace.
Dates:
Day 1: Sat, 3 Feb - Awakening Breath - Stop, Breathe, Now
Day 2: Sat, 26 May - Sacred Presence - Be, Here Now
Day 3: Sat, 15 Sept - Deep Listening - Body, Mind & Spirit
Day 4: Sat, 1 Dec - Loving Surrender - Let Go and Let God
These retreats begin at 9:30 am and finish at 5:00 pm allowing plenty of time to gently awaken our hearts, nourish our souls and encounter God already and always waiting for us in every moment.
COST: Each day costs £60 (includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch and access to a library of guided meditations and other resources)
Early Bird Rates: £48 per day payable in full 1 month in advance of each retreat day
Series of Four Retreat Days paid in advance - £175
BOOKING - To book your place on these retreats please contact Katrina in Drumalis on +44 (0) 28 2827 6455 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) EARLY BOOKING IS ADVISED.
“Here I am Lord”
“Finally he came to his senses ... and turned towards home. ”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ”
“NOTE To embed the contemplative practices attendance at all 4 retreats is advised. Those who attend the series will be awarded a certificate of completion. However, it’s also possible to attend one or more of the days and still get huge benefit.”