Nature of Compassion
Wild Awake has teamed up with Karen Welsh to bring you Nature of Compassion, a series of immersive retreats
When we experience compassion for other living beings we instantly feel connected, we are moved to act, to protect, to care for another. Compassion arises when we see others struggling or experiencing difficulty. It is a beautiful human quality that we all share and when we can turn this compassion towards ourselves it has the power to transform. We all have the capacity for compassion and we often leave ourselves out of this care and can be harsh on ourselves. The Nature of Compassion retreats are designed to open the heart through a harmonious blend of nature connection, compassion, mindfulness, meditation and periods of silence. Through a collective exploration of shared practice we will foster a profound sense of inner peace and unity with the world around us. Through this process we can develop n understanding of our interconnectedness with each other and the natural world and are reminded of the importance of compassion not just for others, for ourselves too.
The 5 Day Silent Retreat
We are pleased to announce that we will be running the 5 day silent retreat again at Brinscall Hall in September 2024.
Bookings are now open. Secure your place with a £100 non-refundable deposit. Payment plans are available so you can spread the cost over several months. Accommodation and food included in the cost.
We want to ensure the best experience possible so we are limiting the number of bookings to twenty-one people only, therefore early booking is advised.
11th-15th September 2024
Feedback from the 2023 retreatants
"It is two weeks since I returned from the retreat and I still feel like a whole layer of thinking has been removed, like a burden has been lifted, l feel much closer too, and compassionate of my inner nature" Tim
"I felt a certain anxiety about entering a space of stillness and silence. However the friendly and gentle atmosphere was a revelation. It felt like a real introduction to a practice that I've now fallen deeply in love with. You led us through an ever-deepening, heart-opening journey so skilfully that I was ready for each new experience" Jolene
"The food was delicious, we didnt get chance to go hungry! The fresh ingredients made a big difference to the taste. The menu was well planned including all nutrition groups, served in generous portions which was polished off with delight" Tandrima
The Day Retreat
Saturday 6th April 2024 10.30-4.30pm
Join us for a rejuvenating day retreat amidst spring at the beautiful Brinscall Hall. During this immersive experience we will gently guide you through self-compassion and nature connection practices, mindful walking and silent reflection, supporting you to cultivate inner stillness and resilience.
As we leave the slumber of winter behind our senses awaken to what spring has to offer. The colours, the smells, and the sounds, there is so much to discover. We will collectively create a safe space to explore these senses in more depth, using our mindful awareness to awaken to the presence of spring. There will be opportunities to work in small groups, as well as plenty of time for you to spent on self-reflection and enjoying the grounds of the Hall.
The day retreat is open to all levels of experience, if you are curious about a longer retreat this can be a perfect way to get a taster and dip your toe in. Whether you are seeking some quiet time, an opportunity to reconnect back to yourself, a longing to be in community, spending time in nature, the retreat will provide the nurturing space for you to offer yourself what you need.
Your Retreat Leaders
Karen Welsh
Has been teaching Mindfulness and Compassion courses for eight years including her own LGBTQ community, workplaces and communities. She is passionate about self-compassion and has spent years delving into a wide range of practices, retreats and being with compassion teachers.
Karen's passion and insight comes from her own longing to ease suffering for her community, herself, friends, family, and the world. Using researched tools and practices, Karen
wants to share this understanding and practice with other humans experiencing life, with all its joys and pains. She particularly enjoys practice in nature, and the benefits of sharing practice with others. Karen is a supervisor for new MBSR teachers, and is experienced at facilitating retreats.
Lilasuri Morris
A qualified Breathworks and MBSR Mindfulness Teacher, Trainer and Supervisor. Lilasuri specialises in mindfulness through nature connection. She is the founder of Wild Awake Mindfulness and has worked with 3,000 individuals and hundreds of communities, and partnered with businesses, to deliver workshops, training, events and retreats. Lilasuri is the Mindfulness Coordinator for Mind in Salford where she leads on a 12 month mindfulness teacher training pathway recognised by BAMBA. An ordained Buddhist who has been practising for over 15 years, she is the Treasurer of the Manchester Buddhist Centre, runs a weekly study group and regularly gives talks and leads Buddhist festival days. She attends meditation retreats at least three times a year to ensure she teaches from a place of deep personal practice.
Your Retreat Centre
Brinscall Hall
Dick Lane, Brinscall, Chorley, PR6 8QL
Brinscall Hall is the home of the Centre for Philosophical Study, Meditation and the Arts. It is located on the outskirts of the rural village Brinscall which is nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District. Located off the M61 and with a local train station at Brinscall it is easily accessible.
The five day and weekend retreat are full board with all the food provided including breakfast, lunch, dinner, plenty of refreshments and biscuits. The food is prepared by our retreat cook, and is vegan, delicious and plenty-full. Dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Accommodation is shared between two to four people in spacious rooms with shared bathrooms. There are some single rooms that can be requested for medical reasons. There is one accessible downstairs bedroom with accessible bathroom.
The grounds at Brinscall are beautiful, spend your time sat in the orchard, under an oak tree, or lying on the grass. There are also plenty of walks in the local area and we often have guided walks on retreats.