How can we integrate a spiritual response to the ecological, social and political crises we are facing? At this time of great uncertainty in the world - in which we are seeing the impacts of climate emergency and war - we need to find the strength to put compassion into action.
We welcome you to join us on this 5-day learning journey on the land of a Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre, just 30-minute south of Charleroi in Belgium, to explore what compassion means in relationship to yourself, to others and to the natural world. Check-out our website for more information and how to register
This retreat is for for changemakers, trailblazers and anyone who wants to make a positive change in the world. The retreat is experiential and requires active participation of all members in the group.
“Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life on whose behalf we can act” - Joanna Macy
In our wish for social justice and ecological sustainability we too often leave out a vital component: how do we change ourselves so that we are strong enough to fully contribute to this great transition we are in globally. This retreat on ‘Active Hope’ fills in this gap, offering us practices that enables a personal and collective journey of gratitude, grief, interconnection, and, ultimately, transformation. This empowerment process is called ‘The Spiral of the Work That Reconnects, originally developed by J. Macy.
The retreat will be held at the magical place of Saint Jean, an old manor build by the knight Templers 800 years ago, next to the forest of Broceliande and its grave of Merlin. Trainer group process Annick Nevejan. Trainer with horses Christine Nevejan.
As T.S. Elliot once said, “Humankind cannot bear too much reality”. Most of the time we live in the illusion that we know what will happen. But when we are confronted with the cruelty of life, we suddenly become aware that we have no control over reality as it evolves. Then we feel we are at the edge of the unknown and it is scary. But if we can accept that we cannot control reality and stay mindful and compassionate as it unravels, we can find the freedom to act appropriately towards the challenges we meet.
This annual summer retreat of the Mindfulness Association Belgium takes place at a Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre in the nature in Beaumont, Belgium. Spoken language is English with French translation. Trainers Annick Nevejan & Olaf van Kooten
