Be In The Now

Wednesday 25th February - Sunday 1st March 2026

Space is available on this event!

There is so much that can distract us from the present reality of our lives. Nostalgia for less troubled times perhaps, or obsessive anxious imaginings of the future. As the world changes so rapidly, how do we find a healthy spiritual anchoring in the here and now?

In this retreat Othona warden Tony Jaques invites you, for a few days, to form a community of engaged presence. But what does that mean?

It's not escapism. Together we will take a look unflinchingly at some of the destabilising issues of our time: climate change, AI, the threats to democracy. There is no point pretending they aren't there. Honest, intelligent conversation will be our starting point.

But we won't be wading in doom and gloom! Instead we will share many resources for hope. And, most importantly, we'll root our responses in ritual and physical practices each day to quieten the busy brain and to connect with the heart and body.

Among the possibilities will be meditation and qigong, prayer drumming (anyone can do it!), mindfulness among our early spring flowers, and walking the sacred path of a labyrinth. In other words, prayer in its broadest sense, helping us be present to the natural world, to each other and to the mystery some of us name as God.

"Be in the now
Be present here
Embracing life
Outfacing fear
Only ourselves we have to give
Destined to die but blessed to live"

With Tony Jaques (Othona warden, singer and former broadcaster) and friends.

Fee Types

You are genuinely welcome to choose whichever rate suits you

(Learn more about our Pricing Policy & Bursaries)

Arrival + Departure Times

(Learn about Arrival+Departure)