Evento

Julia Wallond and Andrea Hosfeld

Cultivating Refuge in a Changing World

In a world which appears increasingly unstable, bewildering and unkind the need for refuge can feel ever more important. And while meditation and retreats are often viewed as safe havens, for many of us, our internal landscape continues to reflect the turbulence in the outside world.

What might it look and feel like to be safe, resourced and grounded in a world that will continue to shift beneath our feet? And what role do joy, wonder and gratitude play in meeting that which feels uncertain and unsteady? In the face of global instability is it possible to cultivate a more flexible conception of refuge one that is informed by both wisdom and compassion, and doesnt constitute a figurative or literal running away?

Throughout the day we will be exploring this idea of refuge, drawing on both traditional Buddhist teachings and contemporary reflections as we offer practices which not only ground and resource the being, but also expand our ways of looking and conceiving of refuge itself. With the collective energy of the group we hope to offer some creative tools for opening and responding to the challenges and joys of a changing world.

Julia Wallond is a long term member of Bristol Insight Meditation and a former trustee. She teaches mindfulness in health care settings and is a tutor for the postgraduate mindfulness diploma at Exeter University. Currently she is in the Gaia House Community Dharma Leader programme and this will be the second day retreat she offers in this role. She is also a member of the Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (DANCE) co-initiating a Bristol Branch, and she currently works part time as a GP with asylum seekers.

Andrea Hosfeld has been teaching mindfulness courses, day retreats and workshops since 2012 and is a graduate of the Mindfulness Institute, a year-long teacher training taught by Martin Aylward and Mark Coleman. Currently she is being mentored by Rob Burbea as part of the Community Dharma Leader program through Gaia House. Andrea helped to establish the Twickenham Mindfulness Meditation Group in 2013 where she is a regular facilitator and is a member of Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement.