A one-day mindfulness retreat, including meditation practices, creative expression and journaling, that will be held mostly in silence. Experience of creative expression is not necessary.

Background to the day

This day builds on the positive responses from offering a similar event last year. We realised from last year’s experience that there was a real hunger, both for connecting with our creativity and also for engaging with mindfulness and compassion practices in ways that keep us freshly discovering ourselves. We found last time that for some people, creative practices really deepened places inside that they could access in a way that was both different from, and also complementary to, the mindfulness practice.

Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the great Tibetan meditation teacher, saw art as a direct extension of meditation practice. He believed that art naturally arises from the clarity of the settled mind. Trungpa emphasized a “Dharma art” that was simple, immediate and unembellished, not an ego-based, “self-expression”: “Dharma art is simply the activity of nonaggression. It is the expression of basic sanity. When you are free from aggression, your perception becomes clear and precise. Then whatever you do – whether arranging flowers, painting, writing poetry, or making a cup of tea – can become an expression of that sanity.”

Content of the day

This day will be held as a mostly silent retreat day with mindfulness practices interspersed with creativity, using clay, drawing/painting and journaling. Some meditation experience (such as having done an 8 week course) is required but no experience of artistic work is needed. Materials will be supplied. The day will be held at the Sussex Education Centre on the Millview hospital site.

Why a one-day retreat?

A one-day mindfulness retreat is an important part of the eight-week mindfulness course. It also offers an opportunity to extend your practice within a supportive environment. For people who meditate regularly the retreat offers a great way to deepen and refresh your practice. Read more about the benefits of a day long retreat.

This day retreat counts towards the requirement to attend silent retreats as part your BAMBA registration as a mindfulness teacher.

Who is it for?
This day is right for you if you have attended an eight-week Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness for Life or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course, or have an established mindfulness practice. No artistic experience is required. Please note, this is not a clinical intervention and it is not advisable to do this day in the heat of a crisis, when it would be important to access your GP or your designated mental health clinician.

Retreat leaders: Robert Marx, Sarah Marx