Frequently asked questions about our carers retreats 

What happens on the retreat?

There will be a relaxing daily programme of activities designed to help you de-stress, wind down and look after yourself. The programme includes tuition in meditation, massage, Alexander Technique and various therapies that help manage stress and tension. The day starts with a wake-up bell at 7.30 followed by gentle warm-up exercises and an introduction to a simple meditation technique. Periods of meditation and supporting therapies follow, as well as free time to explore the lovely surrounding countryside.

What will be expected of me?

We will recommend that you take part in all of the programme. This is so you can really make the best of the opportunity to let go of the stresses and strains of your day-to-day life, and to learn skills in how to relax deeply. We believe you'll get the most out of the retreat if you do this. However everything on the programme is optional so you can make your own choices and structure your own time. We will ask you if possible not to use mobile phones (or to do so discreetly). This will help you (and the others on the retreat) to really get away from everything.

You will not be expected to do any chores, like washing up, etc; the team running the retreat will do all that. All you need to do is relax and enjoy yourself.

Who is running the retreat?

Members of the Western Buddhist Order from the London Buddhist Centre lead the retreat. All the team - including complementary therapists - are part of a local Buddhist community based around the old fire station in Bethnal Green. The team leaders have years of experience teaching meditation. Order Member have long and, to some at least, strange sounding names. You will not be expected to remember them!

Will it be religious?

No. You need not expect shaven heads and robes. The retreat is geared for carers and our aim is to help carers have a relaxing break where they can be looked after and introduced to ways of dealing with the issues that arise from the caring role. Meditation is more and more recommended by GPs as a way of reducing stress and the health problems that can accompany it.

Is meditation difficult?

The meditation practice we teach on the retreat is a very simple one. It involves watching the breath coming in and out of the body. The meditation has four stages to aid concentration and relaxation. We will introduce the practice very gently, helping retreatants discover how to calm their mind. Experienced meditation teachers lead all meditations and none of the meditations will be very long.

What will the food be like?

The retreat centre is a completely vegetarian centre, so all the food on the retreat is vegetarian. (No need to worry if you have any special dietary requirements, there will be space on the application form for you to request this). Our head cook is very talented and the food is very tasty. For some retreatants the food was one of the highlights of the retreat!

Where will I stay?

Accommodation is in shared rooms (we have a limited number of single rooms - see application form). The retreat centre is in a very quiet part of rural Suffolk, surrounded by gently rolling countryside. Vajrasana Retreat Centre is a converted farmhouse in the midst of 6 acres of land. There are pleasant gardens, a pond and a purpose built meditation hall. All the rooms are centrally heated.

What do I need to take?

All you will need is toiletries and towel, comfortable clothes suitable for our warm-up exercises and a notebook and pen. It is worth bringing Wellington boots if you have them, or walking boots, as – at least in the winter months – the walks around the retreat centre can be quite muddy.

How will I get there?

All you will need to do is get to the London Buddhist Centre, 51 Roman Road, Bethnal Green (help with transport can be provided) where a minibus will take you to the retreat centre. The journey takes about two hours with a short comfort stop.

What time will I leave and return?

The minibus will leave the Buddhist Centre at 3pm. Please arrive by 2.30 for registration. When you arrive at the Buddhist Centre there will be time for a cup of tea, to browse through the programme for the retreat and to meet fellow retreatants who, like you, are likely to be on their own. We will get you back to the Buddhist Centre on the last day of the retreat for about 5pm.