"Listen to silence. It has so much to say."
Rumi

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is based on the research of Kristin Neff and the clinical expertise of Christopher Germer. MSC teaches core principles and practices that enable participants to respond to difficult moments in their lives with kindness, care and understanding.

This MSC Silent Retreat is an opportunity to focus fully and explicitly on mindfulness and self-compassion practices. It is a time to create personal space, bring a warm awareness to yourself and an opportunity to deepen your personal reflection. Out of silence, magic happens.

"The quieter you become the more you are able to hear."
Rumi

What to expect?

Liz and Kathryn will gently guide you through mindfulness, loving-kindness and self-compassion meditation practices.

We will have an orientation session during our first session together and on the first day we will gently guide you into silence. For the rest of the retreat, we will spend our time experiencing a variety of guided mindfulness, loving-kindness and self-compassion practices. On the final afternoon, we will gently guide you out of silence.

The majority of the practices we will be offering throughout the retreat you will have learnt or been introduced to on your Mindful Self-Compassion course. These will always be guided, so you can relax and receive. The days are structured to include a mixture of sitting, lying and movement practices, from morning to evening. If you feel the need, you will also have the opportunity for a private conversation with one of the teachers, where you can discuss your practice and experience, especially if challenges are arising. Knowing this, you can fully relax that you are being held in a supportive and compassionate embrace throughout your retreat experience.

Before the retreat, you will also have a 121 pre-retreat conversation, with either Kathryn or Liz, to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

"Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom."
Francis Bacon

Who is the retreat for?

This retreat is primarily for those who have already completed a Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) course, either over eight weeks, ten weeks or in an intensive (usually five-day) format and would like to experience a deep dive into the MSC practices. We do have a limited number of places available for those who are experienced meditators but not MSC Graduates. If you have taken the 6 week MSC Short Course, you are welcome to apply if you have a regular meditation practice. We can discuss whether this retreat will be appropriate for you and suit your needs.

Are you an MSC Graduate Practitioner?

This is your opportunity to marinate in mindfulness, loving-kindness and self-compassion practices. This is your chance to take time for yourself to rest, recharge and re-inspire. Assigning yourself time to be with yourself and your practice will deepen your relationship with yourself and your self-compassion. For all Graduates who are considering giving this sacred time to themselves, the feedback we have received is that it provides nourishment and nurturing for all parts that are still wounded or needing tending to. We highly recommend you giving yourself this profound gesture of compassion.

Are you looking to become an MSC Teacher?

Good news! This retreat meets the requirement to have sat a five-day, silent, teacher-led retreat before taking the MSC Teacher Training course. Another requirement of the MSC Teacher Training is to have a regular and frequent practice. This retreat offers a variety of experiences to support you in this.

CLICK HERE for the latest details on MSC Teacher Training requirements.

Are you an MSC Teacher?

As an MSC teacher, we can so easily fall into the trap of teaching and giving to others and not assigning enough time to give to yourself. We warmly encourage all fellow MSC teachers to join us for this tender voyage into silence. We will encourage you to let go of the reigns and focus on what you need to replenish and nourish yourself. This is time for you. You can let go of all expectations and simply receive, recharge and reflect.  It is our pleasure and privilege to support you.

The MSC Silent Retreat is the perfect way to embed the valuable skills of the MSC Programme to live a self-compassionate life. Revisit all the MSC practices in comfort, away from hectic life distractions. Give yourself the freedom to soak up the MSC teachings, in a peaceful environment with experienced, supportive teachers.

We warmly encourage you to create a supportive and peaceful personal 'bubble' during the five days. We appreciate that you may have responsibilities that feel impossible to ignore, however, we wholeheartedly encourage you to carve out these five days, as best you can, so that you can immerse yourself in silence.

"Silence is something that comes from your heart, not from outside. Silence doesn’t mean not talking and not doing things; it means that you are not disturbed inside. If you’re truly silent, then no matter what situation you find yourself in you can enjoy the silence." 

Thich Nhat Hanh

Rest in the knowledge that everything will be taken care of, whilst you unwind, reflect and practice making friends with yourself in the privacy and comfort of this supportive retreat. Cherish time-out for yourself, away from the demands of work and family pressures (as best you can). Give yourself what you need, whilst we take care of the rest! Some forward planning for meals and food is suggested so you can really be present, relaxed and distraction-free.

“Silence is sometimes the best answer”
Dalai Lama XIV

THE DETAILS...

When and Where?

The MSC Silent Retreat will be held online via the Zoom platform, so you can be assured that regardless of the 'lockdown' conditions in your area, we will still be able to proceed with ease.

Our first session begins Monday morning April 12th (12/04/2021). We complete Friday afternoon, April 16th (16/04/2021).

Basic retreat schedule timings are:

• Monday => 9:00am to 8:00pm
• Tuesday => 9:00am to 8:00pm
• Wednesday => 9:00am to 8:00pm
• Thursday => 9:00am to 8:00pm
• Friday => 9:00am to 4:00pm

Please note, this retreat runs in BST time zone (London, UK)

CLICK HERE to check your local Monday start time

Are there any Pre-Requisites to attend this Silent Retreat?

Yes!!! This retreat is primarily for graduates of the official Mindful Self-Compassion full training.

Completion of the Mindful Self-Compassion training in one or more of the following formats is highly recommended:

• 8 Weeks - In person or Online
• 5 Day Intensive - Residential or Non Residential
• 10 Weeks - Live Online

We also have a limited number of places available for those who are experienced meditators but not MSC Graduates or who have completed the 6 week MSC Short Course.

It is helpful (but not imperative) if you have already experienced a silent retreat of at least one day (or the half-day mindful self-compassion retreat), but if not, please apply, and we’ll discuss your application with you.

What is the cost? Where do I book?

We have a number of ticket options available. If you are outside the European Union your booking does not attract VAT. The VAT element will be refunded to you. Simply scroll back up to the top of this page and click on the FIND OUT MORE & TICKETS button to see available options. If you have any questions, please email Liz@KindMindAcademy.com.

Is a payment plan available? Can I pay via regular instalments?

Yes, you are welcome to pay via instalments if you wish, however this will attract a £50 administration fee due to the extra work it creates. We would like to create as much ease as possible for you to attend. Please place your booking by selecting your Silent Retreat Ticket - then on the payment page next simply enter the promo code 'INVOICE'. This will reduce the total down to £0.00. Proceed with your booking as normal. Payments can be made in 3 separate, regular instalments. Please email Liz@KindMindAcademy.com if you have any further questions.

Can I pay via bank transfer or do I have to use a debit or credit card?

Yes, we'd love you to pay via bank transfer if you wish. Please place your booking by selecting your Silent Retreat Ticket - then on the payment page next simply enter the promo code 'INVOICE'. This will reduce the total down to £0.00. Proceed with your booking as normal. We will then send you an invoice for payment. Please email Liz@KindMindAcademy.com and we'll see what we can create together.

COMMENTS FROM PREVIOUS SILENT RETREATERS...

"Both Kathryn and Liz ground a bounty of ways to help me return back to myself though the art of self compassion. I’ve been serving others for so long I had forgotten I could actually take time in my day to take care of myself. This silent self compassion retreat was much needed and greatly appreciated! I’m slowly filling myself back up after years of being depleted."  

Jane Shinn

This has been a transformative adventure for me. I feel grounded and peaceful inside. I am so grateful for this beautiful retreat created by Kathryn and Liz. They have a really good variaction of practices, combined with beautiful words of wisdom. And their collaboration is very good. I would recommend this to anyone who would like to deepen their MSC practice.

Stina Jørgensen

The retreat was very well organized and clearly structured so that I felt safe at all times. Kathryn and Liz guided us very cleverly and lovingly into the process and out again, so that a lot of healing could happen for me. This led to a surprising calm and clarity that I have never felt before. Thank you for all that from my heart.

Sonja Köppert

For the most part, I had a very positive experience on retreat. Some aspects were challenging, although I was already aware that this can happen, & when it did, it was a good opportunity to practise mindful self compassion.  At the start, we were gently lead into silence, & the retreat itself was facilitated extremely well, as was our emergence from silence at the end, by two lovely, caring ladies, Kathryn and Liz.

Nick Saunders

QUESTIONS?

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch. A FREE 15 minute pre-course telephone consultation is available to explore if this retreat is right for you and if it is the right time.

To book your pre-retreat consultation or to discuss any questions... please email Liz@KindMindAcademy.com  or call Liz on +44.7812.407.992.

MEET THE TEACHERS...

Kathryn Lovewell

Kathryn is a dedicated Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Senior teacher. She first experienced MSC in 2015 after a long and deep search for self-acceptance and peace with her ability-challenged body. MSC was the key she had been looking for. Since that day, every challenge, every moment of pain, every sadness has been an opportunity to practice self-compassion and come home to kindness.

Kathryn is the Co-Founder of Kind Mind Academy and an award-winning emotional health and wellbeing specialist. Since 2007 she has combined meditation, mindful awareness, therapeutic practices and positive psychology to create personal and professional development programmes in the UK, USA & Australia.

She is a bestselling author and international speaker, sharing accessible ways to be kind to yourself no matter what your perceived ‘difference’.

The Little Book of Self-Compassion is a lovingly crafted introduction to self-compassion for adults and young people.

The Voices in my Head is a charming and superbly illustrated book to help primary-aged children discover their compassionate voice.

Every Teacher Matters; Inspiring Wellbeing through Mindfulness provides practical ways to develop self-care and increased mental health for educators under ever-increasing and prolonged pressure.

Kathryn is also the co-author of The Positive Edge Journal, sharing mindfulness skills to support mental health in a 52 week positive psychology journal.

Kathryn is an experienced Senior Journey™ Therapist, having trained with and supported, Brandon Bays, internationally acclaimed mind/body healing expert for over 15 years. Compassion Consciousness Coaching combines these therapeutic methods with self-compassion skills to provide a unique, confidential 121 programme for all those ready to let go of their deep-seated suffering.

Kathryn volunteers for the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC) giving weekly meditation for the Global Circles of Practice and writes articles for the CMSC. She provides a free Compassion Hour every Friday morning (8am UK time) to support those struggling with isolation and overwhelm during COVID and offers an extensive Graduate Programme to help sustain and nourish their practice. Kathryn also offers a weekly online self-compassion conversation on Face Book Live called MSC Bitesize. Each week she explores a relevant topic where MSC can support every-day living, especially helping us face the challenges of 21^st century life.

Her mission is to inspire a kind way of living with oneself, with compassion, acceptance and tenderness for all people, across the globe.

Kathryn is a Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and has taught MSC courses, workshops and retreats in the UK, Ireland, Australia and online. She is an active member of the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion and MSC UK.

Liz Walker

Liz Walker is an enthusiastic Mindful Self-Compassion qualified teacher. She spent the first three years of her MSC experience gently deepening her personal practice whilst supporting Kathryn and their participants. Witnessing the dramatic change in her own inner landscape and the profound life-changes in the participants, Liz took up the baton to teach in 2018!

Liz is the Co-founder of Kind Mind Academy, the skilful ‘behind the scenes’ Operations Manager and queen of all things technical. She has created a unique members platform for all Kind Mind Graduates providing all the resources for Kind Minders to continue their self-compassion adventure. Liz has also curated the new KMA website, making it easier to access all the free resources for newcomers to begin their self-compassion voyage with ease.

Liz is the director of Kind Mind Publishing, having published both The Little Book of Self-Compassion and The Voices in my Head story book and colouring book. (Liz loves her colouring books!) She is now underway with her next ambitious project. Watch this space!

Liz is the creator of The Kindness Band™. A silicon bracelet that shares the message of self-kindness and serves as an anchor for all graduates of MSC. She has created a beautiful gift-set that invites you to “wear one and share one”. Liz hopes these bands will serve as a reminder that kindness and compassion is the key to circumnavigating the ups and downs of life. Her dream is that these bands will be available for all people in all sectors of the community to support them on their adventure called life!

Lovely Lizzie (as she is known by her Kind Mind Academy Community) is a grounded teacher, fun-loving and exquisitely patient both with herself and her participants. Prior to being introduced to the concepts of MSC in 2015 she had a very strong inner critic which would stop her from sharing her insights. Having supported educators for over 15 years in the well-being arena, Liz is now perfectly equipped to support all those embarking on a self-compassion programme, whether they are from the education, healthcare or the corporate sector, Liz has the experience, aptitude and understanding to guide her trainees with acuity and wisdom.

Having previously served as a hotel manager, Liz has a natural gift of providing amazing, memorable experiences for her participants, where comfort and joy are the key ingredients. She is exceptional at creating, organising and running inspirational events, in-person and online. She loves learning, laughing and having fun with all those she supports.

Liz supports Kathryn behind the scenes when giving weekly meditation for the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion Global Circles of Practice. She co-leads a free Compassion Hour every Friday morning (8am UK time) to support those struggling with isolation and overwhelm during COVID and offers an extensive Graduate Programme to help sustain and nourish their practice. Liz supports Kathryn each week during MSC Bitesize. She ensures that all links and questions are answered and followed up during the online Face Book Live. Liz ensures all online provision runs smoothly and gracefully.

Liz is an astute and insightful teacher. She loves holding a kind, light-hearted and nurturing embrace for all participants.

Her mission is to inspire mindful self-compassion in every-day life.

Liz is a Trained Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and has taught MSC courses and workshops in the UK, Australia and online. She is an active member of the Centre for Mindful Self-Compassion and MSC UK.