Below is some further information on the Breakthrough Retreat, as well as some information about how best to prepare.
Intensive Retreats: Down the centuries multiple traditions have found that concentrated periods of time, devoted exclusively to practice can effectively lead to great openings and shifts of awareness. With wholehearted practice you can experience breakthroughs in perception, deep insights and bliss. Many participants report direct experience of what is known as kensho or satori - the enlightenment of Zen.
We use a combination of the revolutionary dyad work developed by Charles Berner, following the format of 'EI's' (Enlightenment Intensives) as well as taking inspiration from the incredible breakthrough work of Zen Master Daizan Roshi and energy practices from the Rinzai Zen tradition.
Please note that this is a retreat, not a form of therapy.
Suitability: The retreats are suitable for adults who are able for the retreat period to devote themselves solely to the activities of the retreat. They are fine for beginners, as well as more experienced practitioners wishing to deepen their practice. If you have been suffering from severe mental health difficulties, a less intensive retreat format may be more suitable for you. Please discuss with us confidentially.
What to bring: For the main retreat period you are invited to put aside bothering too much with how you look, makeup, shaving etc - park as much distraction as you can. We recommend that for the main schedule you wear loose, comfortable, plain clothing (obvious logos and slogans to be avoided where possible). We would suggest you avoid wearing any strong smelling perfumes or any clothing that may distract others. As much as you are able to easily remove, jewellery is not worn. It's helpful to wear shoes or slippers that you can slide off as we tend not wear shoes in the practice room. Walking shoes may also be useful for outdoor walking meditation. There will be no time for laundry.
In addition please bring: coat/ rain jacket, torch, earplugs, simple/plain smelling deodorant & personal toiletries, you might also consider suncream, lipbalm, eye drops, warm socks. We have some meditation cushions but you may want to bring your own if you prefer (chairs are also available, participants often move between the two - we can make moderations to suit).
Linens and a towel are provided by the venue.
Integration Clothes: for the celebration meal you may wish to wear something you enjoy, colour, fun, dress up or down, whatever you feel good in.
Phones and Internet: We ask that you give yourself the best possible conditions for retreat by informing any friends, family and colleagues that you will be unavailable for incoming or outgoing calls and messages for the short duration of the formal aspect of the retreat. I will provide mobile numbers for both myself and my assistant for you to forward to anyone who may need to make contact with you during the retreat in case of emergency. In the case that something is forgotten - we are here to help you and together we will sort it out.
The Schedule: The schedule will begin early and carry on into the evening. You are asked to participate fully and wholeheartedly with all activities. Every activity can be adapted in the case of physical difficulties. We keep silence as much as possible during the retreat and ask you to speak only when necessary, for example when you have to clarify the scope of work or need an extra blanket or something unexpected has cropped up. This helps you to keep awareness and focus as much as possible. Remember that if you chat you may destroy your own and others' chances of deep insights.
We take care of the timings, will wake you and keep you informed of what's next throughout the day so you don't need a watch or your phone.
Other Practices: The retreat format has been carefully refined over many years to be powerfully effective in helping you to find your true nature. Please, during the retreat time, put any other spiritual practices to one side and concentrate wholeheartedly on the activities as given.
Preparing for your retreat: There are a few things you can do in preparation. The first is to take steps to ensure that you arrive in as good shape as you can. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive (by 6.30pm on the first evening). Do your very best to leave any outstanding business behind. The second is to be as clear as you can in your intention. The most important factor for success in this process is to really want to do it. Many people have directly connected with the truth of their being within this short time and you can too.
The above might all seem like a lot but it is all in place to support you in getting the very best results. If you have any questions, just ask. We are really excited for you and also aware that it is commonplace to have some nervousness around what to expect if this is your first intensive.
We are very excited for you to join us. During the 3 days of the formal element of this retreat we will be following an intensive schedule. We will be participating in meditation processes in dyads and individually. To get the full benefit from course participants agree to attempt suggested techniques and schedule as directed.
Should you have any serious concerns around your mental health please do check suitability for joining the retreat with your GP first.
Any questions - book in a confidential friendly chat at frances@mindfullyhappy.com