Reflective Meditation Silent Retreat; Dharma in Daily Life

Our practice starts right here, in our every day life. On retreat we get the gift of time for both reflection upon our life and exploration of the Dharma within it.

We get the opportunity to better understand our inner and outer world and the ever changing context where they meet. We can also continue to hone wisdom and compassion regarding how we may be relating to them.

We will be exploring and integrating some of the teachings the Buddha considered useful for becoming familiar with ourselves, our experience and our rapidly changing world.

We offer this weekend retreat as an opportunity for recollecting and refining the Dharma that is already in your daily life, including; the obstacles, resources, and the creativity needed for any shape shifting or responses appropriate for you in these times.

In the approach of Reflective Meditation this silent retreat will emphasise a gentle receptive approach to meditation that supports an exploration of your inner world. The invitation will be to allow your unique experience to unfold naturally, seeing even what you may usually view as unacceptable or mundane in a new way. Through an experience-based practice, you will journal and have the opportunity to report on your meditations as a way of cultivating greater awareness. You will have the opportunity to learn from hearing each other’s experiences as well as from gentle inquiry by the teachers in small groups.

There will be an opportunity for private interviews with the teachers and short talks on the dharma each morning and afternoon.

Nutritious vegetarian meals will be served throughout the retreat. Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary requirements as necessary.

The retreat is open to beginners as well as experienced meditators.

Reflective Meditation:

The approach we offer is that of Reflective Meditation. In this approach we meditate, allowing whatever to transpire. We then take some time to reflect upon our experience, finding words or images to journal. Then we have opportunities to speak about our experience to a teacher, either in small groups or one-on-one. Each of these phases are held in care, curiosity and permission. Held in this way, the approach itself can enhance greater understanding and care in how we relate to ourselves, each other and to our world.

Accommodation:

Glenbarr is a heritage listed homestead set amongst acres of well kept farming land. Many of the original buildings are used by the retreatants. There is dormitory style accommodation (sleeping up to 3 people in each dorm), or camping/caravan options with shared bathroom facilities.

Teachers:

Anna Markey was introduced to Buddhist practice in India in 1983. She is interested in the early teachings of the Buddha and in using a gentle, receptive approach to meditation to see into our experience in order to bring about wisdom and kindness in our daily lives. For more information http://coastandcitysangha.weeb...

Anna Markey

Tina Gibson is a skilled Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher and is currently the only Certified MSC Teacher Trainer and Mentor in Australia. She has been practicing Reflective Meditation for many years and brings warmth, ease and gentleness to the way she lives her life and teaches meditation retreats.

Tina Gibson

Cost: early-bird closes on 14 August 2026:

Standard fee: Dormitory $450, caravan/tent $400, day attendance fee with all meals $320.
Concession: Dormitory $360, caravan/tent $320, day attendance fee with all meals $260

After 14th August 2026:

Standard fee: $500, caravan/tent $450, day attendance with all meals $370
Concession: $400, caravan/tent $360, day attendance with all meals $295

A limited number of scholarships are available for anyone experiencing financial hardship. Please contact: Barb Kirke at coastandcitysangha@gmail.com

To lend a hand to help others with the cost of retreat attendance please donate through the Coast and City Sangha website http://coastandcitysangha.weeb...

Booking fee: We choose to use Humanitix as our booking platform because the whole of the booking fee goes to charity.

Dana:

Please note that the above retreat fees cover the cost of accommodation and meals. The teachers offer their teachings freely.

Dana is the Pali word (the language of the Buddha) that translates to generosity. Offering dana is a 2,500 year old practice that dates back to the time of the Buddha.

At the closing of the retreat please consider what amount of generosity you are able to offer as gratitude of the teachers time, preparation, planning, delivery and support / connection during the retreat.

Contact the host of Spring 2 Day Silent Residential Retreat 2026