Turning Conflict into Connection and Clarity Retreat

Over this weekend mindfulness retreat, we’ll explore how mindfulness can help us meet conflict – whether with others or within ourselves – with steadiness, clarity and compassion.

Guided by a series of Zen-inspired teaching stories about conflict and compassion, we’ll investigate how fixed positions and old emotional baggage keep us stuck, and how turning inward can dissolve the fights “out there.” We’ll spend time examining our individual patterns of craving, aversion and ignorance, and learn how to being a deeper compassion to our actions and relationships as we see more deeply into our shared human experience.

Mark is a senior Zen teacher with over 15yrs of experience and is the author of “Zen and the Art of Dealing With Difficult People” (2021, Watkins Press).

Who is it for?

The retreat is suitable for all, from beginners to those with an established mindfulness practice.

Where we’ll be

Claridge House, Lingfield, Surrey.

laridge House is a character-filled Victorian Quaker property set in beautiful gardens – a true sanctuary for the modern world. A heartfelt dedication to service and a desire to exceed expectations lies at the heart of their ethos.

Located between the villages of Dormansland and Lingfield on the doorstep of the Surrey Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, 10 minutes from East Grinstead and 25 minutes from Brighton.

Cost

Double ensuite (single occupancy) = £675
Twin/Double ensuite (shared occupancy) = £600

Schedule

The retreat will begin on Thursday at 6pm, and will finish with lunch on Sunday.

Days will include silent (guided) still meditation, guided dialogue/reflection and simple and accessible movement practices and exercises. Mornings will be held in silence. There will be opportunities to speak to Mark individually about your practice and what’s arising on the retreat, and there will also be time for relaxation and personal reflection.

Thu
18:00 Dinner
19:00 Talk 1: Welcome and introduction to dealing with conflict
Introduction to conflict exercises
20:30 Retire

Fri/Sat
7:30 Qigong (silence until lunch)
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Conflict exercises
9:30 Meditation
Chance for 1-to-1 meetings with Mark
10:30 Tea
11:00 Talk 2: A deeper view of conflict / Talk 3: Recognising your patterns
Meditation
12:30 Lunch (break silence)
13:30 Zen Yoga
14:30 Conflict exercises
Walking/Reflection
18:30 Dinner
19:30 Meditation
Chance for 1-to-1 meetings with Mark
20.30 Retire

Sun
7:30 Qigong (silence until lunch)
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Conflict exercises
9:30 Meditation
Chance for 1-to-1 meetings with Mark
10:00 Talk 3: Responding with compassion
Integration exercises
12:30 Lunch
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