People involved in the Network
In both 2004 and 2005 there have been retreats held at The Mill, near Happisburgh in Norfolk. In March 2004 the theme was 'The Four Sights', taking the future Buddha's encounters with old age, sickness and death, and linking this to his emerging quest for Enlightenment. In June 2005 we were back with a retreat entitled 'Reflecting on Care'. The idea here was to take the principles of 'reflective practice' (in which people are invited to learn from reflecting on their experience of care and treatment situations), and to apply this in a retreat setting where it may be possible to build up more mindful states through meditation etc.
The retreats have been characterised by the great generosity of Des, Caroline and family, who own the Mill, and by a very friendly atmosphere. We seem able to maintain focus on the retreat themes whilst including riding of horses (Des has 2), sea plunging (the coast is 1.5 miles away) and strolls along the crumbling cliffs of Happisburgh (do be careful up there!)
It is hoped to have a care-related day event later in 2007, probably at the Ipswich Buddhist Centre - watch this space! With Metta - Dayasara.