While our outer lives often seem dependent on changing circumstances, our inner lives can be nourished from a deeper source, where wisdom, love, and the freedom of being can feel like home. This weekend just outside London, held over the autumn equinox, offers space for that nourishment through practices and teachings designed to train the mind and open the heart.
There will be time for meditation and embodiment practices, along with “meditation out loud” through dialogic, relational exercises. Participants will also have the chance to spend time in the open landscape of the Kent countryside, with Earth below and Sky above. Martin will be joined by assistant teacher Milla Gregor.
Martin Aylward began dharma practice and study at the age of 19, spending several years in Asian monasteries and with Himalayan hermits. He has taught internationally since 1999 and co-founded Moulin de Chaves, the retreat center where he lives and teaches in southwest France, as well as the Mindfulness Training Institute and the online dharma community Sangha Live. A husband and father, he brings dharma into everyday life through programs such as Work Sex Money Dharma. His most recent book is Awake Where You Are (2021).
Milla works alongside people committed to shifting systems toward social and climate justice. She offers facilitation, evaluation, and coaching for charities and individuals.
She has practised Buddhist meditation since 2005 and has studied with Martin Aylward since 2016. Other significant teachers include Thich Nhat Hanh, Martine Batchelor, Leigh Brasington, Yanai Postelnik, and Lama Rod Owens.
Milla also offers one-to-one coaching to support meditation practice, or to explore how practice and work for change can intersect. If you are interested in a conversation about embodied coaching sessions, you can find out more and contact her here.
She lives in East London and enjoys wild swimming, cycling, running, cooking, and finding ways to intervene in the capitalist consumer trance. She aspires to help create more justice, liberation, contentment, and joy for all.
Arrive on Friday 20th from 6pm, and the weekend will end on Sunday 22nd by 4pm.
A more detailed programme will be shared soon.
(Includes all teachings and catering)
£315 – a dorm bed (first come, first served), tent pitch or non-residential
Rooms in The Granary are now fully booked.
Bell tent rental is available through Honeybells Tents: furnished tents are £240 for up to two people, and unfurnished tents are £150, in addition to the £315 above.
We want this weekend to be accessible to all, so if payment is a barrier to participation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
The Shepherd’s Barn offers a private double bedroom designed for a comfortable and restful stay. Guests have the convenience of an ensuite bathroom with a shower, creating a simple and practical space to unwind after a day in the countryside.
For those who like to start the morning early, the room also enjoys easy access to the kitchen, making it ideal for a relaxed coffee, tea, or light breakfast before the day begins. The setting is well suited to guests looking for privacy, comfort, and a peaceful atmosphere during their stay.
This double bedroom provides a welcoming base with the essentials for a calm and unhurried experience, while still keeping you close to the shared spaces when needed.
This shared room offers a simple, restful setting with ten single beds, each separated by a canvas curtain for a greater sense of privacy. It is a practical and comfortable choice for guests who value a peaceful atmosphere and the ease of staying in a communal space.
To help ensure a good night’s sleep, all bed linens are provided. The room is designed to support a relaxed stay, making it easy to settle in and unwind after a day of activities, classes, or time spent exploring the surrounding area.
Whether you are traveling alone or with a group, this dormitory-style room offers a straightforward and welcoming environment with the essentials in place for a comfortable stay.
This shared dormitory offers a simple, restful setting for guests looking for comfortable accommodation during their stay. With seven single beds, it is well suited for solo travelers who appreciate a social atmosphere while still enjoying their own personal sleeping space.
Designed for ease and practicality, the room provides a straightforward place to unwind after a day of wellness activities, meditation, or time spent exploring the retreat environment. The layout supports a calm, communal experience, making it a thoughtful option for those who value both connection and privacy.
Whether you are joining a retreat for rest, reflection, or renewal, this dormitory offers an uncomplicated and welcoming base for your experience.
Martin Aylward
Milla Gregor
