Real & colourful : fruitful and whole
Led by Brian Draper
Through a mix of guided reflections, teaching and contemplative practice, Brian will explore how one of the most soulfully evocative of the seasons can help us to encounter the Creator afresh, within its ‘hidden wholeness’ - in the leaf-fall and the fruitfulness, the dark and the light, the letting go and the gathering up. It’ll be a time to savour the spirituality both of hunkering down and getting out to savour the colours and textures of Creation. And an opportunity to reflect on the season we’re in personally. Come not just to welcome autumn, then, but to be part of its resplendent wholeness!
A silent retreat but including opportunity for talking within the structure of the morning sessions. A short, late afternoon reflective walk or group walk of Sheldon’s labyrinth. Evening gathering for restful guided reflection on the day before bed. Option to share with community daily prayers
Brian Draper is an experienced retreat guide, and leads seasonal walking retreats in Hampshire. He is a speaker and broadcaster, and a regular presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day for many years. His books include Soulfulness: Deepening the Mindful Life, Less is More: Spirituality for Busy Lives and Labyrinth: Illuminating the Inner Path. Most recently he co-authored Soulful Nature: A Spiritual Field Guide - with the botanist Howard Green.
His Advent and Lent email series have become much-loved with participants around the world. He was formerly editor of Third Way magazine, and remains associate faculty for the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. For many years he has worked with organisations to cultivate spiritual intelligence among leaders, especially using labyrinths.
This event is open to everyone.
Arrival: 3 - 5pm
Mon 6th October
2025
Departure: 10am
Fri 10th October
2025
Residential - £550 (20% ministry discount)
