Mind, Body & Spirit
A Self-Care Retreat for Family Carers and Care Professionals
Attending to our own needs and wellbeing can be hard while caring for others. This retreat invites family carers and care professionals to take time away, reconnect with themselves and nourish mind, body and spirit.
We offer this retreat on the basis of Dāna (Generosity) as it is our heartfelt wish that our programme is easily accessible, and we are aware of the stress and difficult times all those who are caring for others are experiencing.
Mind, Body and Spirit offers you the space to experience the healing power of mindfulness and self-compassion practices. The retreat also includes Kum Nye – gentle movement and breathing exercises – suitable for all ages and fitness levels – that restore the body’s natural rhythms and calm the mind.
Each day will include guided meditations, Kum Nye (tibetan yoga), short talks & discussions as well as periods of silence to allow you to fully relax into the retreat.
- The spacious schedule allows time to be in nature, to rest and to enjoy nourishing meals together.
- The retreat will be held at the Spiritual Care Centre and is limited to 16 people. Participants are encouraged to book early.
- The retreat is suitable for both newcomers to meditation and more experienced meditation practitioners.
Pay a catering fee only
There is a catering fee of € 100 to cover your meals (two course vegetarian lunches, with soup and bread in the evenings, and tea and coffees from Tuesday to Thursday).
Dzogchen Beara is a not-for-profit charity and all of our income goes directly to supporting the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) and all who benefit from the Spiritual Care Centre. When you book, please consider making a donation.
What people say about Mind, Body and Spirit
“Having worked as a therapist for the last 12 years, I know the importance of self-care. Working non-stop through Covid left me feeling depleted, however, having spent three days on a retreat for professional carers, I feel so nourished cared for and replenished. An amazing place run by amazing people. A must do for anyone needing respite or renewal”.
– Niamh Connolly, Psychotherapist
Location
The retreat will be held in the clifftop shrine room of the Spiritual Care Centre, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular ocean views.
Meals
Delicious two course vegetarian lunches, with soup and bread in the evenings. Cooked with love at Dzogchen Beara, using homegrown and organic ingredients whenever possible. Tea and coffee.
Accommodation
Limited accommodation is available on-site and can be viewed and booked as you register. Early booking advised!
You can also choose to stay in local accommodation. There is whole range of options available.
Kirsten DeLeo
Kirsten DeLeo is a meditation teacher and author of the award-winning book “Present Through The End. A Caring Companion’s Guide for Accompanying the Dying”. Kirsten has accompanied seriously ill patients and their families for more than twenty-five years and has been immersed in Buddhist practice for over twenty years, including a three-year meditation retreat. She helped to pioneer “Authentic Presence”, one of the first training programmes in contemplative end-of-life care in the US. Kirsten lives near Dzogchen Beara where she teaches regularly and supports the guests of the Spiritual Care Centre. Kirsten is known for her clarity and warmth and shares the practices of meditation and compassion in a down-to-earth way.
To find out more about Kirsten, visit: kirstendeleo.com
Matt Padwick
Matt has been practising meditation and Kum Nye as a member of the Dzogchen Beara community since 1998. He has completed two years of closed retreat and worked in a variety of roles including Centre Director from 2003 until 2013. Matt offers Kum Nye workshops and retreats at Dzogchen Beara, elsewhere in Ireland and online. To find out more about Matt, visit mattpadwick.com