To The Barn at Sharpham ...

Sunday dawns dry after yesterday's drenching ... an early walk round the Dartington Estate to stretch the legs ... some philosophy with Lisa, then into Totnes for a wander ...last here some years ago for the Reconomy event with Transition Durham ... quiet on a Sunday morning, but still showing signs of a progressive place ... even the rather toxic row at the cafe table by the river, between a young female couple, was conducted with discretion and psychological references, though these seemed as much weapons as helpful tools to resolve the issues ... onward along the well signed cycle path, the river Dart below ... through woods, to a viewpoint and a warm and deep exchange with Angela and Mark on the nature of reality, Krishnamurti, Camino de Santiagoing and so on ... onwards and upwards to The Barn Retreat Centre ... an hour before check-in and time to enjoy the sun and write these words for you ...

Saturday afternoon in Bristol after a week free from internet ... the Barn at Sharpham highly recommended ... location stunning high on a hill overlooking the River Dart wending its way to the sea and tidal to Totnes ... terraced, abundant organic gardens, rich red Devon soil ... lots to harvest and to plant in June ... food for the table straight from the beds and polytunnels ...  the structure holding the ten retreatants gently ... 6.20 bell for rising ... 6.50 mindful movement and meditation ... 7.30 house tasks ... 8 am breakfast ... 9 am sharing meeting and silence lifted ... 10 am gardening ... 12.20  silent meditation ... 1 pm lunch prepared by retreatants in turn ... afternoon free for personal practice ... 5pm teaching ... 6pm DIY supper ... 8.20 silent meditation ... silence until next morning at 9   ... the exceptions being Wednesday for a full  day of silence ... and this morning, where silence lifts at the final breakfast ..

A pop-up sangha. .. ten diverse folks plus two facilitators, blending into a group of friends over the week .. . a beautiful process ... and lessons learned for Stanhope Retreat House ... still simmering and stepping closer on Wednesday, when silence was broken to deal with practical financial questions ... perhaps not the best time to go incommunicado. ..

Tonight the flight to Malaga, tomorrow back to Torreguadiaro for a few weeks ...