Harmonize the flow of Qi, Balancing Qi, Enhances Circulation, Health & Healing, Longevity & Vitality, Mental Clarity, Spiritual Growth, Breathing Techniques, Flexibility, Meditation, Mindfulness, Pain Management, Self-Cultivation, Stress Reduction,
The Purpose of Qi-Gong
Qi-Gong (or Qigong) is a holistic practice rooted in Chinese tradition that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and mental focus to cultivate and balance Qi (life energy). Its purposes are multifaceted, addressing body, mind, and spirit:
Health and Healing
Balancing Qi: Aims to unblock and harmonize the flow of Qi, believed to prevent or alleviate illness in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Physical Benefits: Enhances circulation, flexibility, immune function, and pain management. Often used in preventative healthcare and recovery.
Stress Reduction
Combining slow movements, deep breathing, and meditation can induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional stability.
Spiritual Growth
Fosters a connection with the self, nature, or the Dao (Tao), encouraging inner peace and spiritual enlightenment through mindful cultivation of energy.
Martial Arts Enhancement
Develops internal power (neijin) for martial artists, improving strength, stamina, and resilience by harnessing Qi.
Mental Clarity and Focus
Enhances concentration, discipline, and mental discipline through meditative practices and intentional movement.
Longevity and Vitality
Promotes longevity by maintaining energetic balance and physical health, aligning with TCM’s emphasis on preventive care.
Self-Cultivation
Encourages personal growth, patience, and ethical development, fostering harmony within oneself and with others.
Light Body – Bright Mind! Movement & breathing exercises, followed by the stillness of meditation to refresh our body & calm our mind
During this weekend we will be practising Kum Nye, a relaxation method from the Tibetan tradition, which is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Kum Nye integrates and balances physical and psychological approaches to harmonize the energies of body and mind. The deep relaxation produced releases a vibrant, intense flow of feeling that renders all experience richer, healthier, and more beautiful.
For beginners it is a gateway to meditation, while for more seasoned practitioners it is a way to deepen our practice.
Join us this weekend to experience Kum Nye – a gentle Tibetan relaxation practice suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Blending movement, breath, and awareness, Kum Nye helps release tension, balance energy, and awaken a deep sense of calm and vitality. Ideal for beginners as a gateway to meditation, and for seasoned practitioners to deepen their inner experience and presence.
In-person only Registration closes Thursday 5th Nov at 5pm
Suggested donation
Full rate| £100 Concessions l £50 Under 25’s l Free Financial hardship l Donate whatever you can
Contact [email protected] if you are unable to make a donation of any amount at this time and we will register you.
*Dharma teachings are always offered free of charge. We do not turn anyone away on financial grounds. Your financial contribution is used towards centre running costs, staff salaries, equipment etc. Thank you for your support.
**You can cancel and receive an automatic refund through Eventbrite up to 24 hours before the event.
So often we define ourselves by our thoughts. Our thoughts shape our experience. But is that all we are?
This Meditation Retreat Day explores two ways of understanding the mind –
thoughts
and beyond thoughts.
What we’ll be doing…
The thoughts in our minds are often what we relate to as who we are – the journey of meditation starts with exploring through observation and contemplation how that affects us.
Then we look at whether the actual practice of meditation can give us a fresh perspective….
This retreat day will give ample time for practice sessions. Alongside this, there’ll be time for questions, and relaxation.
Held by Rigpa UK teacher Corinne Ewen, who has many years of experience practising in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Whether you’re brand new to meditation or have experience, our Meditation Retreat Days offer a chance to explore and/or deepen meditation practice with the guidance of experienced Buddhist meditation teachers, and in a setting that naturally supports practice.
Retreat means to step away from the noise of everyday life and create a space for something different. This one-day event is a chance to do exactly that – to take some time out from the demands of our busy lives and reconnect with a deeper sense of presence, perspective and peace within ourselves.
“I would recommend these days to anyone; they’re so worthwhile and helpful.”
“A really wonderful way into Buddhism.”
“I arrived with the intention of finding a moment of peaceful presence. I left with my intention fulfilled. Thank you.”
Meditation Retreat Day participants
Practical information
Sunday 22nd November 2026
The retreat day starts at 10.30am and finishes at 4pm.
Doors open 10.15am.
Open to all (18+)
No experience needed.
Under 18s need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Venue
Linklater Pavilion, Railway Lane, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2FG
The Linklater Pavilion is nestled in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of the Railway Land nature reserve in Lewes.
Lewes is highly accessible: a direct 55–70 minute train from London Victoria/Lewes (regular Southern/Southern services), easy A27/A26 road links from Brighton and the M25 for drivers, frequent regional buses connecting nearby towns and the coast, plus convenient cycling and walking routes for short-distance arrivals.
For information about the Linklater Pavilion and the Railway Land, see their website here.
For more information on how to get to the venue, see our map here
There is disabled access at the Linklater Pavilion.
If you have specific access requirements, please make sure to let us know in the Eventbrite registration process.
Parking
Please note: the Linklater Pavilion does not have onsite parking.
Information on nearby car parks can be found on our venue map here.
Food
Refreshments will be provided in the break. Please make sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions (within the Eventbrite registration process).
Lunch: there are a variety of cafes, restaurants, and eateries within walking distance from the venue – or bring your own picnic! (If it’s not too cold, that is)
What to Bring
A meditation cushion or bench if you wish (chairs will be provided)
A shawl or blanket for comfort
Water bottle and any personal items for the day
Notebook (optional) for reflections
Suggested donation: £40 standard / £25 concession
Financial hardship: if the above suggested amount is not feasible for you, please donate an amount that is affordable. All donations are gratefully received as they enable us to continue to run events.
Tickets are limited – advance booking is required.
This course is an in-person only event, and will not be accessible online.
Registration for this course is only valid through Eventbrite. Please do not book through allevents.in
Rigpa South Downs Lewes holds Meditation Retreat Days throughout the year
The retreat is hosted by Rigpa South Downs, part of Rigpa UK. We are based in Lewes, and have been offering Buddhist meditation courses, events and retreats in Lewes and the local area since 1996. For more details on our local programme, see our online events calendar here and our website here.
As one year comes to an end and another about to begin, we have an opportunity to pause. To step out of the rush of everyday life, breathe, and ask ourselves: What really matters? And how can I stay aligned with my deepest wishes?
In the midst of the noise and uncertainty of modern life, it can be easy to lose touch with our inner resources. This retreat offers a chance to step back, create space and see our lives with greater clarity and perspective.
In a vibrant, cosy environment of deep respect and connection, we will explore practical wisdom teachings for enhancing relaxation, stability and clarity of mind. Through meditation, physical exercises, reflection and enriching conversation, we will explore how understanding the mind can transform our experience and open up new possibilities for the future.
As one year ends and another begins, we will experiment with leaving the past in the past, and consider what we want to cultivate in the year ahead – shaping not only how we experience the present, but how we manifest the future.
Daily Schedule
9.30 am | Registration
10.00–11.15 am | Session 1, including physical exercises (20 mins)
Refreshment break
11.45 am–1.00 pm | Session 2: Exploring the teachings of the Buddha
Lunch
2.30–4.00 pm | Session 3: Movement and Discussion groups
Refreshment break
4.30–5.45 pm | Session 4
5.45-6.00 pm | Close with optional sharing and refreshments
Thursday 31 December – Saturday 2 January For those who would like to continue into the New Year, a retreat extension will be available to deepen meditation practice and explore further aspects of the teachings, ending at 4.00 pm on Saturday.
How to participate
This event will be held in person only.
Suggested Donation for 3 Days
Standard l £100 Concessions l £60 Sponsor someone else l £ ∞ Under 25’s l Free Donate what you can l Contact [email protected] if finances prevent you from coming
Your donation will cover the costs of running the event and enable someone else to attend. You can cancel and receive an automatic refund through Eventbrite up to 24 hours before the event.
Health and wellbeing
Please note: meditation is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you are receiving treatment for a mental or physical health condition, please continue your treatment and check with your doctor/care professional if these sessions would be suitable for you.
A gentle, guided shamatha (calm abiding) meditation practise.
These 45 minute online sessions have been running since 2020 and are for both new students and more established ones.
Feel free to join us whenever you are able to.
Teacher
Jonathan Hayward is a UK-based teacher and volunteer for Rigpa UK. He has a background in classical music and talking therapy, and lives in the Sussex countryside.
Joining
The Zoom details are included in the confirmation email so please save these.
Please join the meeting with the name you registered with.
FREE to join
Ticket sales for each session close 1 minutes before the start time.
We warmly invite you to join our drop-in meditation sessions, open to all, held weekly on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 8pm with our experienced instructors in our London Centre at 330 Caledonian Road, London N1 1BB.
Should a drop-in session need to be cancelled we’ll let you know via eventbrite booking cancellation and here. Please check on this page before coming each week if you haven’t booked through eventbrite.
Relax and calm your mind with our monthly community yoga sessions. These yoga sessions incorporate yoga practices from Hatha yoga tradition and apply mindfulness to each breath and movement. This brings awareness and presence to the practice and helps to calm down our nervous system. The practice typically begins with breathing meditation to bring us to a calm and relaxed state before going into movement. All abilities welcome.
What to bring: Yoga mat, shawl for breathing meditation if desired.
Dates and time: Thursdays once a month-18:30-19:45
£8 suggested donation, minimum £5 donation please
Please note: if we ever need to cancel a session we will let you know through eventbrite and you will receive a refund. We will also post it on this page.
Every Friday evening from 6.30-7.30pm starting 17th January 2025 at our London centre we will be guided on a “Touch Down” journey to land back in our bodies after a busy week. During this one-hour session, we will experience how Kum Nye can be both a very effective gateway to meditation, and a means to deepen our current practice. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Kum Nye’s simple movement and breathing exercises restore the body’s natural rhythms and calm the mind.
BIOGRAPHY Daniel has been practicing meditation for the last 24 years and Kum Nye for four years. He has completed the Nyingma Centrum (check) Kum Nye teacher training course and is a keen advocate of mind-body connection to heal and restore health.
Take a moment at the end of your day to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
These 50-minute online meditation sessions have been running since 2022, offering a simple and supportive space for both complete beginners and more experienced practitioners.
Rooted in Tibetan Buddhist meditation, the sessions are presented in a clear and accessible way, making it easy to explore your mind and gently deepen your practice—whatever your level.
Each session includes:
A short warm-up practice to connect with our motivation
A guided main meditation
A final period of quieter practice, where you can explore your own meditation method
Together, we cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and awareness – qualities that can help bring more clarity, balance, and ease into everyday life.
You’ll also be joining a friendly and welcoming group of people who share an interest in understanding the mind and living with greater presence.
These online sessions are hosted by Rigpa, our meditation centre in central London, where we offer in-person teachings, courses, and a supportive community for study and practice.
Instructor
Simon McVay is a UK-based meditation instructor and volunteer for Rigpa UK. He worked as a therapist in the NHS for 24 years, leading mindfulness meditation groups for staff and patients during this time. He lives in Chelmsford, Essex.
Joining
This session is free to attend. Please register via Eventbrite to receive the online link.
Donations are optional and very welcome – they help support our centre and allow us to continue offering these sessions.
The Zoom details are included in the confirmation email so please save these.
Please join the meeting with the name you registered with.
