Your Teacher |
Meditation teacher and trainer with over 35-years experience.
Trained in UK, America, Phuket and India.
Has spent significant time in personal retreat, over the years, one of which was a 13-week silent solitary retreat, under guidance, specifically to learn through direct experience the processes and working of the mind, and impact of meditation practice, so that I can authentically pass on these teachings to benefit others.
BACP Accredited Psychotherapist with over 12-years clinical experience working within mental health & wellbeing across all sectors including NHS, Education and Corporate settings.
British School of Yoga teacher with 15-years experience.
Ince Benet Guest Information.
Ince Benet History |
In 1980, Father Tom (Thomas Anthony Cullinan) along with three other monks was granted permission by his superiors at Ampleforth Abbey to build a monastery at Ince Benet where he would live the monastic life of a Benedictine monk in a monastery built by hand, mad possible by the support of the Augustinian sisters at Ince Blundell Hall and help from his brother who was an architect and local friends.
Father Tom lived the life of a hermit devoting his time to the practice of Benedictine principles of silence, listening, praying and humility. The life of a Benedictine monk is one of simplicity, harmony with nature and humility in serving guests and supporting community members.
During our workshops and retreats we will be embracing simplicity and stillness. Looking deep within ourselves to see how the principles stillness and simplicity, through the practice of meditation, can support us in our busy, complex daily lives.
What does retreat mean?
The origin of the word retreat dates back to c.1300, retrete, meaning “a step backward”.
From late c.1400 onwards the word retreat becomes embedded within the military, meaning the act of retiring, withdrawing, or calling back from action or exercise.
From c.1500 its meaning denotes a “a place of seclusion to restore” associated primarily with psychological distress.
From 1756 onwards its meaning became synonymous with a period of “retirement for spiritual self-examination”.
Today the word retreat conjures up a variety of different meanings often associated with spar days or indulging in some other sensory pleasure. There is nothing innately wrong with sensory pleasure, all human beings seek it, but it is a mind-state that is transient and one of which can set up cycle of craving or grasping after a perceived pleasurable experience.
All my workshops and longer retreats embody the true meaning of retreat – to step away from your normal day-to-day busy life, to have all your basic needs met of good food, comfortable sleeping conditions in a safe and nurturing environment so that you can begin to still your scattered, distracted and confused mind – our human condition.
All workshops and retreats focus on the inner understanding of self through direct experience (personal practice) and integrating direct experience into a theoretical framework of understanding.
Who are these workshops and retreats for ?
All my workshops and retreats are open to all unless specifically outlined.
The intention of all workshops and retreats is developing Stability of Mind through the practice of Mindfulness and Awareness meditation. It is important to understand that this is a skill to develop and to be aware that it is not a ‘fix’ it solution. Developing Stability of Mind, through the practice of mindfulness meditation and awareness is a process that enables greater psychological and emotional stability to understand our the human condition and navigate life better.
Accommodation |
Facilities |
For retreat purposes all rooms are for single occupancy all with en-suit and tea/coffee making facilities.
Rooms are located on both ground floor level and first floor of the building. There are five rooms on the ground floor that have direct access to the outside space. All rooms will be allocated on first come bases. If there are any specific requirements for a ground floor room then please advise. There is also life access to the first floor where our practice room and kitchen is located.
During the evenings we meet in the common room for practice, reflection and discourse.
Food |
In keeping with the essence of ‘retreat’ we eat like a prince in the morning, a king at lunch time and a pauper in the evening.
All food will be vegetarian, home cooked and wholefood based. Dietary requirements will be catered for as best we can.
Breakfast will be continental, a substantial lunch with soup in the evening.
Tea / coffee / biscuits and cakes are provided mid-morning and afternoon.
Location |
Ince Benet Retreat Centre,
Cross Barn Lane,
Ince Blundell,
L38 6JD.
My Phone Number: 07432 098873