BuddhaField
What is a retreat like?
Going on retreat is an opportunity to connect more deeply with ourselves, other people and our environment. A retreat encourages us to engage fully with the present moment and is therefore always a new experience.
On Buddhafield camping retreats we teach meditation techniques intended to bring about a calm and friendly state of mind. These practices form a support as you settle into the retreat and join in with the varied activities. You will find a sense of community that develops as the retreat progresses; many people form lasting friendships through their experience on retreat. On Buddhafield retreats we live lightly on the land: reducing waste; re-using and recycling wherever possible. Meals are vegan and mostly organic. The loos are earth toilets.
A typical day on retreat starts with a meditation before breakfast, which is then followed by a gathering of the whole camp when tasks for the day are sorted out. You may find yourself volunteering to chop wood or keep tea kettles boiling. Before lunch there will usually be time for group discussion, a talk or a further period of meditation. The afternoon brings free time during which you can rest or go for a walk; relaxing with others or spending time alone. Later there may be an opportunity to practise yoga or chi gung and another session of meditation. As night begins to fall there will probably be chanting and Buddhist ritual in the shrine tent. Before bed, enjoy a hot drink by the fire or a soak in the hot tubs under the night sky.