Regularly dedicating an evening, a day or a week to the focused practice of mindfulness in the company of like-minded people can make a big difference in finding more sanity in our busy lives. Most of these offerings are for people with some experience of mindfulness.
Longer, residential retreats are often a turning point for people, taking the understanding of mindfulness to a deeper level and helping to make it an integral part of one's life.
Day Retreat: Letting Go
Sunday 28th December 25
with Ratnadevi, online, 10am – 4pm
Cost: £20 - £40
Let Go
Of the old year; tiredness; the stagnation of unfulfilled promise to yourself and others; too many things in wardrobes, in your diary, in your head; drivenness, resentment, craving
Give yourself some Space
For the New Year; to rest; to celebrate what is going well; to focus on what matters most; for the bubbling up of fresh inspiration; to approach life with ease, openness and a generosity of spirit.
We will spend a day in the supportive company of other meditators: meditating; moving; writing/ reflecting and some sharing.
The Heart of Interconnection: Awakening Self-Compassion, Power and Belonging
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4-day retreat with meditation and mindful movement, on Holy Isle
with Ratnadevi and Kristine Mackenzie-Janson
Thursday 7 – Monday 11 May 2026
for people with some previous experience, suitable for mindfulness CPD
Life can pull us in countless directions, leaving us feeling isolated even in the midst of sociable activity. This retreat offers a chance to pause and re-set, to reflect and be profoundly nourished by the natural beauty and welcome of the island. We can give ourselves space to rest deeply and to remember what sustains us: our connection to ourselves, to each other, and to the living world around us.Interconnection isn't just a wise concept – it allows us to plug in to a deep sense of belonging and support.
As we settle into the quietness of the island, we discover we can meet our struggles with both gentle and fierce self-compassion rather than harsh judgment. We deepen our ability to feel our feelings, honour our needs, protect what matters, and draw inspiration from the web of life itself. When we discover our heart's orientation and come to trust it, our inner strength and resilience grow and we go back to 'normal life' with a refreshed sense of purpose and agency.
Mindful movement is highly effective in down-regulating our stress levels and settling our nervous system, particularly when done spaciously and with an emphasis on presence and enjoyment in our body as it is. It will help us to feel well-toned and grounded in our sensory experience, less prone to mental proliferation. We are drawing from several disciplines: Chi-Kung, Yoga, Feldenkrais Method and fascia stretches. It doesn’t require any particular degree of fitness and flexibility, and people with particular health issues should get in touch with Ratnadevi prior to booking.
Once we have got to know each other a bit, much of the time will be in silence, including mealtimes and overnight. This will give us the opportunity to go deeper, while still feeling in connecting with others. In fact, allowing ourselves to be nourished by a growing sense of being part of something bigger, is a large part of our intention for the retreat. It can be so relaxing to the hard-working parts of us that are so used to striving on our own. There will also be opportunities to share what’s emerging in small groups. Weather permitting some practice will take place outside, in the peaceful and magical setting of the island – maybe doing walking meditation among the horses.
In order to secure a place on the retreat, you must pay the tuition fee (which includes hall hire) of £220 by clicking on the button below. We recommend you book soon to avoid disappointment.
Once you have received your letter of confirmation, you go to the Holy Isle website to choose your room and pay for your accommodation and food. See their website for information on types of accommodation and costs.
Important: The retreat starts with supper on the first day and finishes after breakfast on the final day. It is important to attend for the whole duration of the retreat, to ensure the best experience for yourself and the group.
The retreat is not suitable for people who experience major mental issues. If in doubt, please contact Ratnadevi or Kristine prior to booking.
Contact: info@livingmindfulness.net or kristine.m.janson@gmail.com
Waking Up our Ecological Selves:
A Work That Reconnects retreat on Holy Isle
with Sukhema (aka Larry Butler) and Ratnadevi (aka Luise Holtbernd, PhD)
14th to 18 May 2026 course fee: £240, £180, £120, plus accommodation, payable to Holy Isle after you have received your letter of confirmation (see their website for options and fees)
A transformational journey of loss and renewal, resilience, and shared empowerment.
If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced that it will be through ordinary people, people whose love for this world is even greater than their fear.
- Joanna Macy
The retreat offers an introduction to the Work That Reconnects - a flow of practical exercises, reflections and meditations, starting with gratitude. It is a rare opportunity to connect deeply and honestly with others who share our concerns about the state of the world, under the supportive guidance of experienced facilitators.
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Stop and rest, and appreciate the goodness of life, despite it all.
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Honour your feelings in response to your own suffering and the suffering in our world.
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Connect with your heart-felt values and gain new perspectives, seeing anew with ancient eyes.
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Enjoy the felt sense of interconnectedness with the group and all life.
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Gain clarity about what you can do, in solidarity with others, to make positive changes