In this 5-day retreat we will explore how the spiritual philosophy of medieval mystic Meister Eckhart can help us in life’s ‘why me?’ moments. After getting to know the principles of Eckhart’s theological outlook in philosophical lectures and group discussions, we will move on to consider how they form the foundation of Ursula Fleming’s pioneering work in pain relief. Practical demonstration and practice will take place in daily guided sessions of restorative Yin Yoga. There will be time each day for reflection, questions and journaling.
Above all, we will seek together to find stillness – to hold space at what Ursula Fleming called ‘the centre of the tornado’ – a place of peace amongst the world’s turmoil.
Ursula, who worked in the field of pain control, found that a doctrine of acceptance and self-grounding, through focus on breath and letting-go, enabled even those experiencing insupportable pain to reduce their suffering. Her simple and practical approach was profoundly influenced by her study of Meister Eckhart.
The Fleming Method has much in common with restorative practices such as Yin Yoga. Together we will work through simple floor-based relaxation suitable for all bodies and levels of experience (with chair-based variations for those unable to lie).
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, as we allow ourselves to surrender into the (literal and metaphorical) ground.
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.
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.
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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 | Wednesday 22 May 2024, check-in: 13h30 – 15h30 |
| Departure | Monday 27 May 2024, after lunch (14h00) |
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Contribution
| Single rooms | 700€ |
| Shared / Twin rooms | 450€ |
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
At Bonnevaux, we aim for healthy, well-rounded, and nutritious meals. Please indicate your meal preference (non-vegetarian, vegetarian) below within the registration process.
* Unfortunately, we cannot cater to specific intolerances and allergies — we do not have the team or facilities for this. Please also be aware that traces of allergens (e.g. nuts) may be found in the food at Bonnevaux.
* We are committed to balancing protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber from organic meat, plant-based proteins, vegetables, un-processed carbs, grains, legumes and fruit.
* Gluten and Lactose intolerance: we cannot create individually tailored meals. Should the main course at lunch contain your intolerance, you can always choose from the vegetables on offer and rice (plus non-gluten bread). The salad and soup bar in the evening will offer you a variety to balance out and complement what you have eaten for breakfast and lunch.
* Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at: contact@bonnevauxabp.com.
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Registration
Registration will open soon
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.
Address : Bonnevaux, 86370 Marçay, France.
Phone number : 06 33 43 71 71 / 06 61 96 57 74.
José Pype (President of the Association); Giovanni Felicioni (Associate Director and Programme Manager)
Site hosting: Flywheel
Image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay