The Subtle Body: A Movement and Meditation Day Retreat

Imagine settling into your body more deeply, exploring your thoughts, feelings and sensory experience through gentle movement and relaxing postures.

On this day-long retreat, we will be using the Tibetan practice of Kum Nye to explore ‘the subtle body’. The subtle body could include your physical and sensory experience, as well as energy in the mind and heart. The words Kum Nye loosely translate to ‘attention to or massage of the subtle body’.

We will move easily and gently, using simple postures and the breath to create awareness, release tension and develop a deeper sense of ease in body and mind. Kum Nye is also a preparation for meditation, so we will alternate movement sessions with sitting practice, allowing us to meditate more deeply.

Kum Nye is an accessible movement practice that is straightforward, practical, and easy to learn, no prior experience is needed. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and bring something for a shared vegan lunch.

Sanghasiha has been practicing Kum Nye for over fifteen years and recently successfully completed his teacher training. Originally brought to the West by Tarthang Tulku in the late 1970s, this tradition has its roots in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is part of traditional Tibetan medicine.

By Donation - suggested £25-£45

• Saturday 27 June 2026
• 10.30am-4.00pm, with a shared lunch - please bring a vegan lunch to share
• In-person at Effra Space, SW2 1PX, venue has step-free access

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAQ

• Can I come if I'm new or if I'm not a Buddhist? 

Yes! All of our courses are open to all, and newcomers are very welcome. There will be people with a range of experience on this course, including people who have been practicing Buddhism or meditation for many years, as well as many people who are completely new. We find that having a wide range of experiences gives the best opportunity for exploring the themes of the course.

• Do I have to attend the whole day? 

Ideally, everyone taking part will attend the whole day in order to keep a sense of momentum and a closed space for practice. If you need to leave early please try to do so in one of the breaks so as not to disturb the meditations. 

• What if I can't afford to come? 

This day retreat is open to all, with a suggested or recommended donation. We do this so that anyone experiencing serious financial difficulties can book on without giving any donation at all if they cannot afford to do so.

Obviously our events do require money to run, so we rely on the generous donations from those that can afford to pay full cost, in order to subsidise those who cannot afford to do so. This is in accordance with the Buddhist principle of open-handed generosity. We are pleased to say that in the many years we have run events in this way, most people decide to give, and those that are unable to do so are very appreciative of the opportunity to attend our courses.