Our 3 day silent retreat provides the perfect container for all those attending to dedicate themselves to the inner silence. Silence can the the ground in which true realisation of self can arise.
You will enter the sanctity of the retreat centre in the knowledge that in choosing to turn your attention inwards, a path to self-discovery will be revealed
Our silent retreats are held within a container of silence, which means that there are times to ask questions and also practices where the group participates in the sacredness of enquiry. All other times are in complete silence. Simon will gently guide you and answer your questions in his direct but loving way, with honesty, wisdom and humour.
In silence you discover that every thought rises from nothing and falls into nothing. You discover that it is in fact yourself that is holding the thought. Just let them rise and fall. No judgment just honest awareness of the truth.
Silence also provides you with the perfect opportunity to enquire into the beliefs we hold. We can fearlessly in the safety of the loving space provided by the group, delve into the very roots of what creates the illusion of separateness so awakening can take place.
The container of silence also provides a clear mirror to various ways in which we resit the moment and opening to truth. With the eyes of the heart we can allow this awareness to arise and in doing so welcoming the eternal truth into being.
Simon will support you fully as you move through self-inquiry and genuine introspection towards freedom.
GUIDELINES
This guided Silent Retreat with Simon Bailey is for those who are sincerely drawn to self-discovery, who feel a genuine pull to travel deeply inwards towards awakening.
Each participant is required to adhere to the guidelines below. In choosing to attend the Silent Retreat you agree to:
• Be respectful of the code of silence as directed for the duration of the retreat – you will be led into and out of silence at the beginning and end of the retreat.
• Complete the entire retreat and attend each group session without exception.
• To enable attention to remain focussed silently inward we ask that you do not engage in communication with other participants and do not use mobile phones or the Internet during the retreat. This allows you to enter fully into silence without distractions from fellow participants or the outside world.
• If you are attending with a partner, please agree to not communicating with each other once led into silence at the beginning of the retreat.
• Please be aware that a silent retreat is not considered a replacement for appropriate therapy or treatment. If you are or have recently undergone treatment for issues relating to mental health, this retreat may not at this time be right for you. Please talk with your healthcare professional if you are experiencing serious mental health issues as to whether this retreat would be considered suitable for you.
• You agree that your voice or image be recorded and possibly shared on mp3, DVD or on the Internet. All recorded material will be treated with respect and sensitively. It will be used only to help and serve fellow seekers.
Our retreat is will be located at Shallowford House, a stunning 19th century building, given by the Webster family to the Diocese of Lichfield to be used as a training and retreat centre.
Set in the rolling Staffordshire countryside, within nine acres of secluded gardens, woodland and meadows.
Comfortable bedrooms are each ensuite with tea and coffee making facilities.
Located just 3 miles from the M6 (Junction 14), Shallowford is easily accessible from all parts of the country.
Address:
Shallowford House
Shallowford
Stone
Staffs
ST15 0NZ
Phone: 01785 760233
SCHEDULE
7:00 – silent meditation
8:00 – breakfast
10:00 – Guided meditation
10:40 – break
11:00 – teaching
12:30 – lunch
14:00 – silent sitting meditation
15:40 – break
15:10 – silent sitting meditation
15:50 – break
16:20 – silent sitting meditation
17:00 – break
17:30 – evening meal
19:00 – talk, teaching, Q&A and Discussion
21:00 – silent meditation sitting
21:30 – close
