I offer weekly classes, courses and events in Cheltenham - there's something to suit every taste!

  • My weekly Zen class is open to all levels of experience but is particularly intended to support your on-going meditation practice. See below for more details!
 
  • I also run retreats, courses and other events throughout the year. A list of upcoming events is given below, along with a bit of information about each. This list does change from time to time - the best way to keep track of upcoming events is to join my mailing list here! (It's very low traffic, approximately one email every couple of months.)

  • I also run closed mindfulness courses for businesses and other organisations. A typical course will run for 8 weeks of 60-90 minute sessions, but courses can be tailored according to your preferences. If you'd be interested in this, please contact me to discuss your requirements.

Zen class
In this weekly class we explore the wide world of Buddhist meditation. Classes typically begin with an opening meditation to settle the mind, followed by a talk exploring some aspect of either Zen or early Buddhism (two complementary approaches to the same end), and concluding with some movement and meditation practices which put the teachings into action.

The class, which runs on a donation basis, explores a wide range of themes from week to week, including insight, samadhi, heart-opening and energy practices.

We have a small, friendly group of regulars, and newcomers are always welcome. Each session is self-contained, and instructions are tailored to the experience levels of students in the room that week, so you can start any time. Come along and give it a try!
Wednesdays, NEW TIME: 7.30pm-8.45pm, at OrangeYoga (Crescent Bakery), in studio 3 (turn right as you enter the courtyard). Classes are also live-streamed via Zoom for those who can't make it in person.

Booking is essential: please book here.
​
The class runs on a donation basis. Most people donate between £5 and £10 for a session, although there's no obligation to give anything if you can't afford it. Please give within your means - times are hard for everyone.

Retreats, courses and other events

Silent Illumination practice day
Join me for a day exploring the iconic Zen practice of Silent Illumination, also known as shikantaza or 'just sitting'.

Silent Illumination is a practice which really benefits from extended immersion, and so this day retreat will be an opportunity to go deeper into the practice than is possible on Wednesday nights. The practice will be supported by full instructions, talks and optional private interviews, but the primary emphasis will be on creating an environment for us to practise together.

Please bring a light packed lunch to eat at the studio.
22nd January 2023, 11.30am-4.30pm, at OrangeYoga (Crescent Bakery), in studio 3.

This event is currently expected to be IN-PERSON ONLY, but please get in touch if you'd like to attend and can't come in person.

Booking is essential: please book here.

This day retreat is offered on a donation basis. Suggested donations are in the region £20-£40 depending on your means, but no payment is required. Please give within your means - times are hard for everyone.

11-day online jhana retreat with Leigh Brasington
The jhanas are deep concentration states which can arise during samadhi practice. The experiences of bliss, joy, contentment and equanimity which result are not only interesting in themselves, but also give rise to a mind which is substantially quieter, clearer and sharper than usual, and thus tend to accelerate and deepen one's insight practice as well.

In June 2023 my teacher Leigh Brasington and I will be offering an 11-day online retreat sponsored by Gaia House in Devon. Leigh is an internationally renowned jhana master whose teachings are well known for their clarity and accessibility - this retreat is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their established meditation practice.
16th-26th June 2023, online via Zoom, sponsored and supported by Gaia House.

Booking is essential. Please sign up via the Gaia House website when their 2023 retreat programme is published. Payment details will be published there too.

Prerequisites: In order to attend this retreat, you must have attended two seven-day silent retreats previously.