A one-day mindfulness retreat, including meditation practices, creative expression and journaling.
Experience of creative expression is not necessary.

Background to the day
We are sometimes advised in retreat situations to not do anything, including not to draw, paint or write. Simplifying, and completely letting go of any kind of doing has so much value. However, it can also be very rich to be with and express what comes up creatively, allowing that to further enrich our practice. Creating can help us connect with less conscious, less rational parts of ourselves. It can also help us to trust and receive the unfolding of our experience through whatever medium we are using. This can help us come alive and connect with ourselves and the world, to express what emerges from our practice and to deepen it.

Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, a well-known and highly-respected meditation teacher says:

“Art can be the most supportive part of what one does in life with meditation practice. Art enriches the practice, and in the end, meditation practice and art become united. This is the goal of all practitioners: what we practice in meditation becomes our life…..there is no reason to see a conflict between art and meditation practice. Of course, you might want to spend more time doing one or the other but, please, never see them in conflict. See them as supportive of one another. Both have connections, passions, fulfilment and joy which, together, make us whole. This wholeness of being is the true accomplishment of a full life.”

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 eight-week course) is required but no experience of artistic or creative work is needed. Materials will be supplied. The day will be held at the Sussex Education Centre in Brighton.

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.

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.

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.

Retreat leaders: Robert Marx, Sarah Marx.

How to book?
Bookings for this course will open in May 2025. You can register your interest in the meantime by emailing us at spft.smc@nhs.net, and we will send you a booking link as soon as the tickets for this event have been released.