Twilight Silent Mini Retreat 16th August

Attending retreat, even a small one, is one of the most valuable things that we can do for our meditation practice. It creates the kind of space for something a regular class often cannot; extended, focused attention that allows us to deepen into awareness and gently shed the layers that mask our true nature.

As the light fades, something in us naturally softens. Twilight has always been a threshold time in contemplative traditions, neither day nor night, neither doing nor resting. This mini retreat is an invitation to sit together in that threshold, in silence, as the light goes down.

Contemplative traditions from Tibetan Buddhism onward have long used darkness deliberately, as a way of turning attention inward once the visual world stops giving it somewhere else to go. Andrew Holecek, a Tibetan Buddhist scholar practitioner who has spent decades working with dark retreat, calls this gentler approach a gray retreat, weaving in and out of darkness rather than committing to a full, extended stay. He recommends this graduated approach as the wise way to begin. That is exactly the spirit of this evening.

We will ease into low light and silence together, held in a safe and supported group container, with no need to achieve anything beyond simply being present as the light disappears. If you have been curious about silent practice but hesitant to commit to something intensive, this is the doorway. Whether this is your first time sitting in silence or your fiftieth, you are welcome here.

I will guide you through mindfulness meditation practices and yoga nidra practices that are otherwise held in total silence to allow you to deepen into spacious awareness.

Cushions and blankets are provided. Afterwards there will be time for journalling if you would like, so bring a pen and journal if you have one, or our Sacred Stillness printed journal is available at half price for retreat attendees on the night.

Who is this retreat for? Anybody that would like to experience this style of retreat. All welcome.

When? Sunday 16th August 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where? The Leafy Home Co. Studio, 1 Commercial Street, Maidstone.

Your ticket includes:

🔆 Two hours of dedicated meditation held within a small, supported group.

🔆 Access to a teacher with over 35 years of meditation experience including a four-year trauma informed teacher training qualification.

🔆 A pre-recorded mindfulness meditation to prepare for the retreat

🔆 A recorded mindfulness meditation to follow-up the experience

🔆 Two optional group zoom calls prior to and following the retreat are available if you would like extra guidance.

🔆 Option to purchase a printed journal to record your experience of the practice at 50% discount

Nothing beyond the retreat itself is compulsory!

This retreat is capped at 15 places to protect the quality of the shared silence and a minimum number of 3-4 is needed to go ahead as planned.

Investment: $90

Early bird price available until Sunday 9th August 2026, use code : TSMREARLYBIRD | Discounted price: $75.