Lotus of the Heart 29 November 2026

This retreat day will intertwine the knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and western psychology to help you to grow compassion and wisdom regardless of the challenges and difficulties of the world around us.   

Just as the lotus opens petal by petal, the heart unfolds at its own pace.   During this retreat we will explore how acknowledging and accepting our struggles without judgement is the first step toward compassion for ourselves and others.    Forgiveness is approached not as something we 'should do', but as something that unfolds organically when the heart feels safe enough to soften. 

Guiding Principals:

* Ahimsa (non harm) no forcing, no pushing

* Mindfulness - Staying with the present moment experience

* Self-Compassion first - we cannot give what we do not have

* Choice & agency - you decide how deeply you engage

* The Middle Way - neither suppression nor overwhelm

This retreat offers a safe and contemplative space to:

* Gently open the heart to compassion

* Explore forgiveness without pressure of bypassing

* Release self-judgement and emotional holding

* Reconnect with our natural tenderness and humanity.

You will learn different methods and strategies to combine your wisdom and heart felt compassion which will sustain you in the more complex months of December and January ahead. 

The day includes lunch, unlimited refreshments, all teachings and handouts.

Venue:       Oaksbrook Retreat, near Tiptree, Essex

Cost:          £90 pp

Contact:     Genny 07802 722440 / gensapiro@icloud.com

                   Jules 07856 745783 / julia3636@sky.com

Terms & Conditions: £20 non returnable deposit pp secures your place