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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260323T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260326T140000
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UID:10000226-1774281600-1774533600@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Living with Loss
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHave you been struggling since the death of your loved one? \n\n\n\nCome and join with others who have also experienced life-changing loss through bereavement. The aim of this supported retreat is to help you cope with your grief. Through a creative variety of activities\, including led sessions\, discussions and quiet reflection\, we explore the journey of grief\, with a focus on finding a way forward in the changed circumstances that are the result of bereavement. It includes a special time of candle-lighting remembrance. This is a gentle retreat with a Christian perspective\, sensitively led by Abi May and team\, suitable for those who have lost a husband or wife\, children or other close family members\, or who have suffered multiple losses. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbi May runs the ‘Living with Loss’ project\, which is a member of the National Bereavement Alliance.  She is an experienced retreat leader\, bereavement author and educator\, as well as being a bereaved mother. Her grief support retreats and training courses have been held in locations throughout the UK as well as online since 2016. Find out more: www.livingwithloss.co.uk \n\n\n\nWatch interviews with Abi and the Living with Loss project participants on this Songs of Praise “Faith and Grief” episode filmed at Launde Abbey\, broadcast on 15 January 2023: You can view the programme here  \n\n\n\nSome kind words from previous retreatants: \n\n\n\n“The content of the bereavement sessions was excellent and the approach varied\, interactive and all very clearly presented.” \n\n\n\n“I thought Abi led the sessions with sensitivity and compassion.” \n\n\n\n“This was a first-class retreat which I found extremely helpful.” \n\n\n\n“I had no idea\, really\, what to expect this week. I am returning home feeling assured that I will survive and continue to take ‘small steps’ on my journey.”  \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £474 (standard room) or £519 (character room) if booked by 12th January 2026Retreat price: £504 (standard room) or £549 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\nClick below to book your place now on this retreat: \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, or queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk  \n\n\n\nPlease complete and return the ‘Retreat Questionnaire‘ as soon as possible to the retreat leader at livingwithloss@btinternet.com after you have booked your place. **CLICK TO DOWNLOAD**    
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/living-with-loss-3/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Wellbeing Retreats
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260327T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260329T150000
DTSTAMP:20260326T094924Z
CREATED:20251203T124207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T094924Z
UID:10000185-1774627200-1774796400@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Journey into Oneness: Meditation and the Wisdom of the Cloud of Unknowing - A Weekend Silent Retreat **1 SPACE AVAILABLE**
DESCRIPTION:book now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Weekend Silent Retreat \n\n\n\n‘God is your being.’  So says the anonymous medieval author of The Cloud of Unknowing and The Book of Privy Counselling. We are already one with God\, with each other and all creation in God. \n\n\n\nHow might meditation help us to become aware of this oneness? And how might this awareness transform our lives and relationships?  \n\n\n\nThe Cloud of Unknowing and The Book of Privy (‘private’) Counselling are among the most important texts on meditation in the Christian tradition. Originally written as practical guides for his student\, the author teaches with a blend of wisdom and simplicity\, directness and humour that reaches across the centuries. \n\n\n\nThrough a flow of talks\, silent meditation practice and opportunities for conversation\, we’ll explore: \n\n\n\n\nthe simple guidelines for meditation practice as described in The Cloud;\n\n\n\nwhat the author says in The Book of Privy Counselling about the practice of resting in awareness\, the realisation of oneness\, and how our practice can benefit the whole of creation.\n\n\n\n\nThe Cloud author sees meditation as a path of integration\, of liberation and harmony\, which contributes not only to the well-being of the practitioner\, but to the well-being of all people\, of the entire universe.  \n\n\n\nUltimately\, meditation ‘is nothing else but the glorious gift of love’ he says\, a ‘work of love’ which illuminates the heart and makes our ‘relationships with others beautiful’. To the one who is content to enter the mystery of God’s infinite love\, ‘all people seem family to them\, and none seem a stranger.’ \n\n\n\nIt is enough to simply lift up our hearts ‘with a humble stirring of love\,’ says the author.  No thoughts are needed. ‘Let God be God’ without trying to dress God up in your favourite God-clothes. Allow yourself to come to God ‘just as you are…’  \n\n\n\nFor those who would like to do some pre-reading for the retreat\, two chapters in Chris Whittington’s book The Missing Peace feature new translations from these classic texts: Chapter 9\, ‘Enter Into Your Inner Room’\, and Chapter 35\, ‘Resting in Awareness’. \n\n\n\nWho is this for? \n\n\n\nThis retreat will offer important insights for those who practice meditation\, but is also intended for those who are new to the practice and feel drawn to discover the deep wisdom of the Christian contemplative tradition. It has been carefully crafted to be accessible to anyone searching for truth and peace\, regardless of their faith or beliefs. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect \n\n\n\nBeing on retreat is a precious opportunity to be still\, to be silent\, to practice living simply and peacefully and cultivate the gift of loving-awareness as we devote ourselves to the depth dimension of faith and life. \n\n\n\nThe focus of the retreat is silent meditation practice\, and we will practice bringing loving-awareness to all our daily activities – while sitting\, while walking or eating\, when we are simply enjoying a glass of water. We will practice living each moment deeply. \n\n\n\nThe practice of silence will commence when the retreat begins on Friday and continue until after lunch on Sunday. Although the practice of silence may be new to some\, most people find this a powerful and wonderful experience. Maintaining a quiet and peaceful environment – walking\, moving\, and doing things quietly – is important for our practice and a gift we can offer to each other. \n\n\n\nThe last session of each day will be an opportunity for conversation together\, to reflect on the content of the talks and what we have experienced in our meditation throughout the day. \n\n\n\nThe retreat timetable includes periods of private practice time for sitting and walking meditation. Some people find it helpful to bring a craft activity to accompany times of private sitting meditation. If you decide to do this\, the craft should be very simple and not likely to stimulate thoughts. The Desert Fathers and Mothers were famous for weaving baskets! \n\n\n\nPractical information \n\n\n\nA detailed timetable for the retreat will be sent to everyone attending a week or two before it begins (or is available on request sooner). The retreat starts on Friday at 4:30 pm with an orientation talk\, followed by a period of silent meditation before dinner. Short talks across the weekend will be balanced with periods of sitting meditation\, walking meditation\, time for private reflection and enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings. The retreat will finish at 3:00 pm after lunch and a closing conversation on Sunday. \n\n\n\nSaturday and Sunday begin at 6:30 am with meditation practice. Early morning meditation is a wonderful way to greet the day together. While we very much encourage everyone to attend this session\, if this is difficult for you for any reason\, please don’t worry. It is always enough to do what we can – or what our life allows. \n\n\n\nSmall reflection groups\, hosted by Chris\, provide an opportunity for up to seven people to meet and explore together a question or two about their meditation practice\, or how practice relates to what they have heard during a talk or to daily life. We can learn so much by sharing with and listening to others. \n\n\n\nEvent leader \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Whittington is the Founder of The School of Contemplative Life. He was introduced to contemplative practice during several years of formation when he lived at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey in England. Chris’ monastic teachers taught meditation as a universal wisdom found within all the great spiritual traditions\, a pathway to peace and solidarity with people of all faiths and none. Following an introduction by the Abbot of the Prinknash community\, Chris subsequently studied at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in Dharamshala\, India. \n\n\n\nChris regularly delivers talks\, workshops and retreats and has introduced the practice of meditation in the Christian tradition to thousands of people in the UK and abroad. He is known for his ability to communicate the subtleties of the practice and complex spiritual texts in simple\, practical ways\, resonant with the challenges of daily life. \n\n\n\nChris is the author of The Missing Peace | Meditation as a Spiritual Path to Peace\, Community and Oneness published by Canterbury Press in the Autumn. \n\n\n\nTestimonials \n\n\n\n“From start to finish\, the retreat was incredible.  The schedule was ideal: a mix of lectures\, meditation\, silent meals and private practice. This was my first experience of The School of Contemplative Life and I drove 9 hours on a gut instinct to attend. It was worth every minute. Chris is an attentive and insightful teacher; clearly with a wealth of knowledge.  This is the kind of teaching I have been searching for! Thank you for making it possible. I feel relieved and excited to have landed on a path I can trust. I know I can learn\, develop and grow under such guidance. Post-retreat\, I feel a sense of inner peace and calm that is new.. a wonderful beginning.” \n\n\n\n“The content was extraordinary and life-changing\, not to be dramatic! I was already a (newish) meditator but the extra sitting meditations\, the walking meditations in your beautiful grounds\, in the quiet company of others\, was very special. Chris is a wonderful teacher\, speaking with precision and clarity about the simple (yet deep) truths of who we really are.  I felt the presence of God more clearly than perhaps I ever have done and know that in some way I am changed\, even now I’m back home.” \n\n\n\n“There is so much that I valued about this retreat and so many things I will be taking forward: being given the opportunity to practise meditation multiple times through the day\, the teaching\, the peace\, the fellowship with others\, learning to train my mind.” \n\n\n\nThe School of Contemplative Life events should be understood as only providing spiritual guidance and advice to help participants deepen their own meditation practice and understanding. Many people have experienced improvements in general wellbeing through meditation practice. However\, if you suffer from any mental\, emotional or physical health conditions\, please ask your medical practitioner if it is advisable for you to attend an event with us\, make sure you always follow your medical practitioner’s advice and let us know in general terms without sharing specific details. \n\n\n\nEARLY BIRD RATE: £350 (standard room) or £380 (character room) if booked by 16th January 2026! Retreat price: £370 (standard room) or £400 (character room)  \n\n\n\nPrice includes en-suite accommodation\, all meals\, and all retreat resources. It may be possible for you to extend your stay with us by adding an extra night before or after this retreat. Please contact the Abbey directly if you would like to extend your stay. \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor any questions\, queries or if you’d like to know more\, please call  01572 717254 or alternatively email us: info@launde.org.uk
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/thejourneyintooneness/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats,Spiritual Practices,Wellbeing Retreats
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260330T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260405T100000
DTSTAMP:20260321T103424Z
CREATED:20260205T165208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260321T103424Z
UID:10000144-1774864800-1775383200@www.laundeabbey.org.uk
SUMMARY:Holy Week with the Launde Abbey Community
DESCRIPTION:Holy Week at Launde Abbey — Monday 30th March to Sunday 5th April \n\n\n\nDuring Holy Week\, the Launde Abbey Community changes its pattern of prayer and worship\, leading up to and including the Great Triduum from Maundy Thursday to Easter Morning. You are invited to join us for a single day\, several days\, staying overnight\, or even for the whole week. \n\n\n\nThis is not a structured retreat; your time is your own and you can choose to use it in the way most beneficial to you. \n\n\n\nEach day will include an adapted pattern of prayer and worship led by the Launde Abbey Community\, alongside a simple daily theme to guide personal reflection. On selected days\, there are additional bookable offerings\, including a Quiet Day on Monday\, Soul Filled Meanderings on Tuesday and Wednesday and more! These can be joined to an overnight stay or attended as a day guest. \n\n\n\nOvernight accommodation is available throughout the week and can be booked directly via our website (press ‘Book Now’ and select the Holy Week dates to view prices and availability). \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\nWe invite you to come at your own pace\, and to shape your time here around what you most need: quiet\, prayer\, rest\, or gentle engagement with the themes of Holy Week. \n\n\n\nBelow is a schedule for the week to help you plan your stay. The week will be structured around our shared services. Please note: this is not a guided retreat. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMonday (30 March): Cleansing: A House of Prayer for All \n\n\n\nLuke 19.41—20.19 \n\n\n\n8 am Morning Prayer; 12 pm Midday Eucharist; 5pm Evening Prayer \n\n\n\nBookable offering: \n\n\n\n\nQuiet Day\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTuesday (31 March): Controversy: The Wisdom of God \n\n\n\nLuke 20.20—21.4 \n\n\n\n8 am Morning Prayer; 12 pm Midday Eucharist; 5pm Evening Prayer \n\n\n\nBookable offering: \n\n\n\n\nSoul-Filled Meanderings\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWednesday (1 April): Catastrophe: The Shape of Things to Come  \n\n\n\nLuke 21.5-38 \n\n\n\n8am Morning Prayer; 12pm Midday Eucharist; 5pm Evening Prayer \n\n\n\nBookable offering: \n\n\n\n\nSoul-Filled Meanderings\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaundy Thursday (2 April): Communion: Drawn into the Heart of God \n\n\n\nLuke 22.1-23 \n\n\n\n8 am Morning Prayer; 12 pm Midday Prayer with Anointing; 7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Eucharist \n\n\n\nBookable offering: \n\n\n\n\nHot cross bun making reflection\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGood Friday (3 April): Crucifixion: No Greater Love Than This \n\n\n\nLuke 22.24—23.56 \n\n\n\n8 am Morning Prayer; 12 pm The Midday Passion; 5 pm Shared Silence \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHoly Saturday (4 April): Cave: Grief\, Suspense and Expectation  \n\n\n\n 8 am Shared Silence; 12 pm Shared Silence; 5 pm Shared Silence \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEaster Sunday (5 April): Celebration: In the Midst of Death\, Life! \n\n\n\nLuke 24.1-12 \n\n\n\n8am Easter Eucharist \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLeaders: The Launde Abbey community (clergy and chaplains) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHOW TO BOOK\n\n\n\nTo book a residential stay:\n\n\n\n\nOvernight stays are available throughout Holy Week. Prices start at £109.10 for single occupancy dinner\, bed & breakfast\, and you may wish to opt for our comprehensive full board rate if extending your stay for two nights or more. You are warmly invited to stay for as long as you are able. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*Please note that our daily offerings\, such as our Quiet Day and Soul-Filled Meanderings\, will need to be booked separately.* \n\n\n\n\nbook now\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo book as a day guest (10:00 am – 4:00 pm\, daily\, Monday to Saturday):\n\n\n\nPlease complete the form below to reserve your spot for a day retreat at Launde Abbey during Holy Week. We will confirm your booking as soon as possible. \n\n\n\nPrice per day: £37.00 — access to the communal spaces in the Main House as well as the gardens and grounds\, morning coffee with a homemade cookie\, 2-course buffet lunch\, and afternoon tea with homemade cake. Hot and cold drinks are available throughout the day. \n\n\n\n\nIf you are attending the Quiet Day on Monday 30 March\, you do not need to make this additional day booking — your Quiet Day reservation already covers your day visit. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you would like to come on Monday but not attend the Quiet Day\, please continue with your booking request.
URL:https://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/event/holyweek/
CATEGORIES:Launde Abbey Retreats
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