Contemplative Walking

Bank Holiday Retreat with John Douglas
30 May, 7.30pm to Monday June 2, 2.30pm

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Enjoy a Bank Holiday break experiencing mindfulness in action through meditation and relaxed walking on beautiful trails on the Beara Peninsula.

This popular event focuses on cultivating mindfulness in action, combining morning and evening meditation with leisurely, contemplative walks.

Strolling together on local trails there is time to chat and get to know each other as well as periods of silence conducive to a more contemplative, reflective walking experience.

Invitations to pause, to be still and simply present with the sights, sounds and scents of the world around you will infuse your experience. Sharing the beauty of nature, in the silent presence of others, we start to see that the same beauty of nature is also reflected in the heart of everyone.

This event is suitable for people new to meditation as well as those with previous experience.

All walks will be at a leisurely pace and suitable for anyone with a basic level of walking fitness. While all walks are on recognised local trails, they all include some rough ground, and slippery wet surfaces so walking boots are essential. Some trails include rough ground.

Content Summary

  •       An introduction to mindfulness meditation focussing on our senses
  •       Integrating mindfulness into movement
  •       Guided daily walked of between 5 to 9 km length over 3 to 4 hours
  •       Packed lunches provided
  •       Suitable for all ages with basic level of fitness

The schedule for this event changes according to the weather.

Location

The retreat will be held in our Temple, which is a modern example of a traditional Tibetan monastery designed to be an inspiring symbol of the Buddha’s teachings for our times.

Catering

Vegetarian packed lunches and substantial evening meals are provided as part of your fee.

Book online now

Fee €310
Concession €260

Dzogchen Beara has a policy of not turning anyone away for financial reasons.
Please email info@dzogchenbeara.org to request assistance from our retreat fund or to discuss flexible payment options.

Limited accommodation is available on-site. Book early!
A list of hostels, B&B’s self-catering accommodation and hotels in the local area is available here.

Vegetarian lunches including packed lunches and light evening meals are provided. The cost is included in your fee.

Online booking here
Read our Terms and Conditions
Enquiries by email or + 353 (0) 27 73032

To view our visitor information, please click here.

John Douglas
John DouglasSenior Meditation Instructor
John Douglas first became interested in Buddhist Meditation in 1990 and moved to West Cork in 1994 to become part of the Dzogchen Beara community. As a Senior Meditation Instructor and Spiritual Care Educator, John is one of Dzogchen Beara’s main facilitators on a range of courses and workshops including Facing Loss and Healing Grief, Deep Listening, Self Compassion and Healing Relationships.

John is a Counsellor & Psychotherapist, accredited with the IACP, working in private practice in Castletownbere and in ARC Cancer Support House in Bantry, as well as being part of the care team supporting guests at the Care Centre in Dzogchen Beara.