30th December 7pm - 12.30pm 1st January 

New Year Retreat: Embracing the Unknown - Evening 30th December 7pm - 12.30pm 1st January  

In the darkest part of the year and emerging into the unknown ahead, how do we practice embracing the mystery of the unknown and befriend the darkness that forms part of our experience? 

In various contemplative and spiritual traditions there are many practices that help us to recognise that it is our relationship with life that most determines how we experience it and that there is a possibility and an opportunity to look from new perspectives, to embrace uncertainty and to see with new eyes. This shift in perspective helps to go beyond limiting views and to see the sacred unfolding of uncertainty as something not to be feared but to be embraced and celebrated. This meditation retreat will draw on Buddhist practice, mindfulness, nature connection and other perspectives to help us explore new ways of sensing into experience. This can help remove blockages and allow us to live more deeply in connection with our daily lives and the unfolding unknown. 

The retreat will follow the schedule of a typical meditation retreat with periods of silent sitting meditation, discussion and Dhamma sharing and opportunities for questions and interaction. While each of us will be joining from our home space there is an opportunity to come together in a community of practice as we transition into the calendar new year. As such the encouragement is there to carve out a space in our lives for a personal retreat, where we can be in silence and contemplation as we cross a threshold together. 

How to book?

(to follow) Here’s the link to the retreat on ticket tailor which includes a link to a registration form to complete which is necessary to secure your place. 

A possible schedule 

6.30 - 7.30 a.m.   early morning meditation

9:30 - 12:30      morning session with sitting, walking, housekeeping meditation

3 p.m. - 5.30    afternoon session

7.30 - 9 evening session  

possible midnight session on new year’s eve

To register your interest please fill out the form below:

Link to Registation Form 

A bit about Dana/Gift Economy 

We are offering this retreat free of charge with the invitation to offer a donation towards the teachers at the end of the retreat. 

This enables participation for anyone with an interest in practicing meditation regardless of financial circumstance with no obligation or expectation. 

This practice is known as Dāna in the Buddhist traditions where the teachings of the Buddha are seen as beyond measure, priceless and are offered freely within an economy and ecology of gift, rather than the usual “payment-for-services” model. 

Thus the request for Dāna is to keep open the channels of reciprocal offering, forming a circle of mutual generosity and contribution.  

Any dana received will be split equally between the teachers.

We suggest a range of between €50 and €120 as an offering but this is just a guide for those who may be new to the idea and practice of Dāna.  

About Paul

About Padraig

Padraig Cotter is a devoted practitioner of meditation mostly within the Buddhist traditions. He has been practicing meditation for 25 years including extended periods of time in retreat centres and Buddhist monasteries in Europe & Asia.  He has been teaching meditation for over 10 years, mainly at Sunyata Buddhist Centre in Co.Clare and at Teach na Tuisceana, Co.Galway, He also has completed a mindfulness teacher training programme with Christopher Titmuss and Nshorna Davis (2024).

He draws upon a range of teachings from across the Buddhist lineages. His main influences are the teachers of the Thai Forest tradition as well as the teachings of lay teacher Rob Burbea.