How can Meister Eckhart help us in life’s ‘Why Me?’ moments? We will explore the principles of Eckhart’s theological and philosophical outlook in daily lectures and group discussions, personal reflection and journaling.
Meister Eckhart forms the foundation of Ursula Fleming’s pioneering work in pain relief based on a doctrine of acceptance and self-grounding. Through focus on breath and letting-go it enabled even those experiencing insupportable pain to reduce their suffering. The Fleming Method has much in common with restorative practices such as Yin Yoga and we will work through simple floor-based exercises suitable for all bodies and levels of experience (with chair-based variations for those unable to lie) in daily guided sessions.
Above all, we will seek to find stillness – to hold space at ‘the centre of the tornado’ – a place of peace amongst the world’s turmoil by immersing ourselves in the daily rhythm of meditation.
As we learn to let go of each moment and accept each new moment in all its objective reality, we will find ourselves able to change our reaction to seemingly intractable circumstances, and surrender into the (literal and metaphorical) ground.
Rebecca Stephens
This event takes place at Bonnevaux and offers an opportunity to discover the rich cultural and historical French and European heritage of the 12th-century Abbaye de Bonnevaux, as well as to explore the varied and natural beauty of the land which we cultivate as a model of ecological responsibility.
This retreat is both for the beginning and ongoing meditators. There will be four periods of meditation a day to accommodate your level of practice. Mornings will be in silence through breakfast and lunch, with the afternoon opening to times of rest and solitude and a convivial dinner where you can get to know your neighbour.
Bonnevaux (Bonne Vallée , or Good Valley) is set within a beautiful valley formed by the river Rhune (la Rhûne) which descends past the Chapel and the 12th-century Abbaye, emptying into the lake beyond. The beauty and peace of Bonnevaux´s 65 hectares (160 acres) reflects the contemplative life lived here from its foundation as a Benedictine monastery in 1119 until the French Revolution. The community is continuing this policy as a living witness to the link between ecology and the human spirit. The land has over 20 different plant habitats, some of which are of heritage value.
Bonnevaux is located near Poitiers, in the southwest of France. The closest airport and train station is in Poitiers. You can get a taxi from there to Bonnevaux which is about a 20 minute drive away.
By Road
Parking is available on site.
Bonnevaux is about a 5 hour drive from Paris via the A10 motorway. Directions
By Air
The closest airport to use is Poitiers-Biard Airport. It is served by several low-cost airlines and convenient for those coming from Europe and the UK. There is a direct Ryanair flight from London Stansted to Poitiers.
For International travellers, you will need to fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. It is a major international hub with flights from around the world.
You could also fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, another international option, in southwest France.
If you are flying into Paris or Bordeaux airports you will then need to take a train to Poitiers to reach Bonnevaux.
By Train
There are some direct trains from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Poitiers. Please check your connecting times.
From Paris all trains for Poitiers leave from Montparnasse Station. These high-speed trains are frequent and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
By Taxi from Poitiers to Bonnevaux
The airport and train station at Poitiers is about a 20 minute drive to Bonnevaux.
There are several independent taxi companies you can contact to pre-book your ride:
gosebdriver.fr allocab.com poitiers-taxi.fr taxipoitiers.com
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Speakers
Leader
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Rebecca Stephens
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Dr Rebecca Stephens is a scholar and a teacher in her daily life. Chair of The Eckhart Society, Rebecca is a regular speaker at the Society's annual conference, co-organises and presents Eckhartian One Day Events in York and Cambridge, and is an Associate Editor of the journal, Medieval Mystical Theology.
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Schedule
The still point of the turning world:
finding rest amidst suffering
| Arrival | Tuesday 10 June 2025, check-in: 13h30 – 15h30 |
| Departure | Sunday 15 June 2025, after lunch (14h00) |
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Contribution (per person)
| Single room with ensuite bathroom | €950 |
| Single room with shared bathroom | €800 |
| Shared twin room with ensuite bathroom | €600 |
The prices reflect the need to achieve self sufficiency. Therefore if you’re able to give a little more we would be very grateful. Please, click here to donate.
If you need a concession please let us know. We do not turn anybody away for lack of resources. Please, click the email address <contact@bonnevauxabp.com> to contact us.
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Dietary Information
We provide three freshly prepared meals per day, and throughout the day, refreshing drinks (coffee and tea) and fruit snacks are available for all retreatants.
Our kitchen offers vegetarian, non-vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free meal options. You can select your preferred option during the registration process.
Unfortunately, we cannot cater for specific intolerances and allergies as we do not have the facilities for this. Please also be aware that traces of allergens (e.g. nuts) may be found in the food at Bonnevaux.
To help us ensure your comfort and safety, please inform us of any other special dietary needs by emailing us at contact@bonnevauxabp.com at least 15 days before the event. Without this information in advance, we will provide our standard menu.
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Registration
Cancellation
— Please ensure you have travel insurance in place as we cannot refund cancelled travel for any reason.
— If you cancel your Bonnevaux booking up to 30 days before the event starts, you will be refunded the full cost of the event. Cancellations occurring within 30 days of the event start will be offered a voucher for a future event. Bonnevaux reserves the right to cancel events at any point – cancellations occurring within 30 days prior to the event start date will be subject to the voucher refund policy only.
Membership Fee ** – 10€
Membership fee is paid once per year, valid from Jan – Dec.
** by French law you must be a ‘member‘ of the charity (association ABP) Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre Pour la Paix in order to participate at an on-the-ground event at Bonnevaux – 86370 Marçay, France.
Membership is non-binding. It simply means that you are invited to attend the annual general meeting if you wish and that you may receive information about our events during the year.
The Abbey of Bonnevaux is the spiritual home of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) which includes a Conference and Retreat Centre dedicated to peace. The on-the-ground activities of the Abbey are organized under the responsibility of l’Association Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre pour le Paix (ABP). The Association, which is governed by the French law of 1st July 1901, is registered in Poitiers under the reference RNA: W863007299.
The Abbey of Bonnevaux is the spiritual home of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) which includes a Conference and Retreat Centre dedicated to peace. The on-the-ground activities of the Abbey are organized under the responsibility of l’Association Abbaye de Bonnevaux – Centre pour le Paix (ABP). The Association, which is governed by the French law of 1st July 1901, is registered in Poitiers under the reference RNA: W863007299.
Address : Bonnevaux, 86370 Marçay, France.
Phone number : 06 33 43 71 71 / 06 61 96 57 74.
José Pype (President of the Association); Krzysztof Albinski (Executive Director)
Site hosting: Flywheel
Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay