The Mindfulness for Life Summer Retreat is an annual 5-day retreat and part of the Mindfulness for Life training. 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 spring 2022 practice day is scheduled for 30 April, hopefully in person in Samye Ling (tbc). Participants from previous years and others who have completed Levels 1-3 (or module 1-3 of the Aberdeen MSc) are welcome to also join us for these events.

The retreat will begin the evening of September 5th and end after breakfast on the 11th September 2023.