Here are some reflections on the most recent Beautiful Life retreat from those who have taken part... "I wasn't sure why I was going to the retreat this year. I had done it once before, and after all I am fine now – I didn't need a retreat and didn't need to spend time focusing on me. But hey – Glastonbury is a beautiful place and the food at Abbey House is simply the best. One week later, the retreat now in the past, it is unimaginable that I might not have attended. Magic occurs on Simon's retreats. He creates a space where we can explore the recesses of our deepest hidden selves – those places where long denied feelings/emotions have lain dormant; once re-awakened they refuse to be still until we take an honest look at their source and then... well, this is the magic of transformation." Yorkshire "I wasn't sure what to expect when I travelled to Glastonbury for Simon's Beautiful Life retreat and so it was with some trepidation that I arrived at the introductory meeting with my fellow retreatants. I needn't have worried, for as afternoon darkened towards evening, Simon assured us all that we were safe. Safe. That's not a word much used in my vocabulary. When had I last felt truly safe? And from that safe basis I was able to unwind and unburden without fear. At Abbey House I found refreshment of both a physical and spiritual kind. There was lightness and laughter too. With a new trust and peace deep inside, I know the benefits of retreat are not just for October, they're for life." Devon "If you are drawn to the Beautiful Life retreat but are plagued by doubts and reservations, my advice is "go for it". Listen to your inner voice – it knows that you are ready. I have been home for a couple of days now, I've had time to reflect on my days in Glastonbury with Simon and all my good friends and I know that the whole experience has been of immeasurable value to me. It's hard to put it into words. You really have to experience it for yourself. But if you relax and open your heart, the "Glastonbury experience" will move you a step close to whatever it is you are looking for – just like it did for me. The whole thing was truly wonderful – the people, the atmosphere, the food, the laughter, the tears and above all the trust and gentle acceptance. I've been struggling for years to find a way of being that would make my life more beautiful. I found it in the safety and seclusion of Glastonbury – you can too." Kent "It was good to meet such a lovely group of open, friendly people. The love and support within the group was truly tangible. We must have experienced a whole gamut of emotions throughout the week – fear to sadness to laughter to sheer joy ! For me it was the most amazing time. I would say that I was very gently relieved of layers of emotional baggage, carried for many years, that have not served me well. The person that arrived at the beginning of the retreat felt very different from the one that left at the end ! I had started to discover the 'real' me, on my own journey. It's a good feeling to have brought back with me and I am so looking forward to this ongoing adventure." Hertfordshire "I'm feeling I could have done with two weeks away and am going to have another week off work shortly to reflect on things properly, I feel I did start to benefit from it – made a wee crack in that shell so to speak – and it was really good meeting such a lovely, understanding and caring group of people – so thank you." Sussex "The retreat was a safe haven filled with gentle guidance and care. A place where the heart could speak and be heard. There was beauty in the peace that emanated from the quietening of our personalities. A peace that touched the heart and enticed openness and sharing. And for me there was insight, pain, relief, joy and deep gratitude. For a short while we lived from a different place and our faces shone as we said our farewells. Thank you Simon." Essex More retreats © Simon Parke