Here are some reflections on the most recent Beautiful Life retreat from those who took part... "Simon prepares the way for a lovely interplay between personality and essence. It's not a therapy retreat: it's not a spiritual retreat. It's somehow both. In the beautiful setting of the Abbey House, he makes a space for us to feel safe – safe for whatever wants to happen. There are no expectations. It's a special time. You will find out something – that's for sure!" South London "It's a place where you will be totally accepted and listened to." Hampshire "Forget the mundane (cooking, cleaning, etc.) and experience space to think. It worked for me." – Hampshire "The Beautiful Life retreat: peaceful surroundings, good food, good fellowship, meditation, reflection, listening, speaking, silence, seeking a new way to be – these are my memories." – Somerset "I booked the Beautiful Life retreat after reading the book, and thinking, 'Actually, I really like the sound of this guy, and an opportunity to think and talk about the content with like minded people sounds like a good use of four days.' The retreat really surprised me. Simon, with a combination of lightness, patience, humour and knowledge, managed to provide an understanding both of the material, and more surprisingly, of myself – an understanding that I know will be reverberating for many months or even years to come." – South London "Never been on a retreat before – but there were no rules except 'be yourself' (but you could break that one if you wished). People from similar and dissimilar backgrounds, but all on the same journey... it was hard work, but paid off." – Hertfordshire "An exciting and challenging time. Beautiful surroundings enabled relationships to develop that led to a supportive environment. That's very important when you hit the hard spots. Openness and honesty are encouraged, but each retreatant is free to opt in – or out – as they choose. Reflection and visualisations were used to great effect; and most realise that the work towards the beautiful life is an ongoing one. Be brave – go for it!" – Somerset "It was a privilege to be travelling in the company of brave and honest people. Simon made it safe enough to risk being vulnerable. Though not a retreat to be taken lightly, there were many light moments." – London "What a lightning flash in the gloom it is for the self, cloaked in the darkness of ignorance, when awareness is gained even a little bit." – Carmarthenshire, quoting Atisa, who lived in Tibet in the 11th century "Simon's retreat was a place that allowed me to dissolve some strong inhibitions and be more open than I have been in years. It showed me that beyond personal veneers, we are all the same. Most importantly, the retreat made me feel that change is possible. A vital step." – Yorkshire More retreats © Simon Parke