Sunday 11th May – 10am to 5pm at St Barnabas Church, Brooking, Dartington TQ9 6DW. With Clare Coyne and Sam Wernham. A gentle day among the bluebells, in the beautiful wild churchyard, with some Buddhist, Daoist and Christian explorations of presence, impermanence and natural simplicity.

Booking essential & offered on donation basis: £20 (supported), £40 (standard) and £60 (supporters). Places are limited, so to confirm yours please contact Sam at livingspirit3@gmail.com or msg 07979 057169

This year Brooking churchyard is joining Plantlife’s ‘No Mow May’ campaign and adding our own spiritual perspective through this special Sunday retreat. The churchyard is particularly beautiful in May, with an abundance of bluebells, flowering wild garlic and the unfurling of the new beech leaves. It makes a lovely sanctuary within which to explore mystical themes from different spiritual traditions that encourage us to come into deeper relationship with the natural world we are part of, in all its fleeting beauty and inspiration.

In the morning Clare will offer us some teachings and practices drawn from her experience of Buddhism and Forest Bathing. Clare writes:

‘A warm invitation to gather together and reflect, in stillness, on the passing beauty of spring. With the support of forest bathing and Buddhist principles, we will resource ourselves by radically letting go into this bright time of the year. During this challenging time to be alive, we will receive from, give to and share with the community of all beings in the wild, sacred space of Brooking. 

In the afternoon Sam will share some practices from her experience of Daoism, including QiGong (simple, mindful and healing movement) and Xiu Dao (Daoist meditation and internal alchemy). We will close with a mystical Christian simple ceremony of wild communion (suitable for those of any sacred or secular orientation & without alcohol).

Hot drinks and snacks are provided but please bring your own lunch and a log or two for the campfire. Brooking church is spacious and inspiring and yet rarely warm! So remember to bring some extra layers and a blanket. Much of our time together will be spent outside (weather permitting) so please come prepared with outdoor clothing and footwear.