Integrating Doing and Being

Wednesday 3rd - Sunday 7th June 2026

Space is available on this event!

“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”
EB White 

As individuals we have widely differing experiences of doing and being - saving and savoring in EB White's terms. How do we find a healthy balance?

This retreat is led by Rhian Taylor and Jacqui Avery who will use poetry, movement and creative practices to help us explore the tensions and opportunities inherent in the way we integrate the different energies of our lives. Through Qigong and exploratory art, you will be supported to reflect on the balance of your life, as well as learning new practices which encourage increased presence, flow and insight.

Rhian and Jacqui will draw on their very different experiences of being and doing polarities to explore the questions raised - and the dilemmas inherent - in living a full and integrated life. There will be resources for personal reflection and plenty of space for time alone and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.

Every day you'll be able to take part in Qigong, art activities and group reflections. None of these require any previous experience, and all activities will be optional. Spiritual accompaniment will be available, one-to-one, if you would like it.

Drawing on a range of secular and sacred traditions we aim to provide a retreat welcoming of all, whether or not participants feel at home within a specific spiritual tradition.

Rhian is a doer! Drawn to concerns of social justice and action, she is a social worker currently working therapeutically in the NHS with children in care. She combines this with working as a freelance trainer, teacher and as a mentor for social care workers. Much of her training and writing focuses on issues of wellbeing and support for people in the caring professions.  Rhian is also drawn to silence, contemplation and retreat. Immersed in the writing of Father Richard Rohr, Thich Nhat Hanh, Parker Palmer and John O’Donohue and the poetry of Mary Oliver, David Whyte and Rosemary Whatola Trommer, working out the daily dilemmas of a life of action and contemplation is a work in progress.

Jacqui values being over doing, balancing creative, movement and spiritual practices with paid work and family life.  She worked as a secondary school music and special needs teacher for 25 years and is currently a Qigong teacher, spiritual accompanier, allotment holder, and maker. Jacqui is chairperson of the Kundalini Collective which is a peer support group for people going through awakening experiences. She is an experienced retreat leader and trained as a spiritual accompanier alongside people from Christian, Buddhist, Taoist and Pagan backgrounds. She is currently focusing on not separating out ‘spiritual’ practices from others that are also life-giving and enriching.

Fee Types

You are genuinely welcome to choose whichever rate suits you

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Arrival + Departure Times

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