Retreats

Learning to see –

     with the eyes of the heart

18-21 September 2023

Rydal Hall, The Lake District

Angel art stone

#The Angel

I am delighted to be able to offer A Contemplative Camera Retreat at Rydal Hall near Grasmere and Rydal Water.  There will be plenty of photographic and spiritual inspiration here: nestled as it is by Grasmere and Rydal Water, as well as having much to offer within its own grounds.  The Retreat provides an opportunity for you to take some time to re-focus your body, mind and spirit.

We will engage with the work of a range of photographers, discovering the disciplines that inspired their work, along with writings from some of the Christian mystics e.g. Thomas Merton, Hildegard of Bingen, as we practice intentionality, paying attention, and finding/deepening focus in our photography as well as in our prayer. Henri Cartier Bresson described this practice as, ’Keeping head, mind and heart focussed in the same direction.’

Please note this is not a technical retreat and any camera is welcome, whether that is a disposable, phone, DSLR or mirrorless system.

It is the quality of our looking that needs to improve not our equipment!

The Retreat will be led by myself, Rev’d Susan Blagden.  I am an experienced Retreat leader, spiritual director/soul friend, leadership coach, and photographer (Advanced Diplomas in Landscape and Wildlife photography).

To book your place please contact Rydal Hall  or if you want any further information before booking, please Contact me  directly.

It is also possible to offer the retreat online using Zoom for a group of 6-12 people.  Please contact me if you have a group of friends/colleagues with whom you would like to do this so we can discuss the practicalities.

If you are interested in talking about having a Spiritual director/accompanier/soul friend for your journey I would be delighted to talk to you about this.  You may also like to visit my link:
Spiritual Director/Soul Friend

This retreat has been the best all round mind/body/spirit week I can remember. It was life-changing on all sorts of levels.
JS
A chance to reconnect with the contemplative way I had lost touch with.
DJ
The balance between photography and prayer was inspiring.
AC
Left me wanting more.
AD
A wonderful range of approaches and quotes. Thank you.
CS