how not to take things personally: a day retreat in Wootton
- A Day Retreat
- Sat 12 September 2026
- See schedule
- Venue: Wootton Village Hall, Wootton Lane, Wootton, Canterbury, CT4 6RP
- List Item
A Day Retreat
Venue: Wootton Village Hall, Wootton Lane, Wootton, Canterbury, CT4 6RP
Saturday 12 September, 10am to 4pm
So often in our relationships with others we experience moments of hurt, rejection, or not feeling heard. In these situations it’s easy for frustration to build, and for anger or resentment to arise, leaving us feeling stuck and reactive.
In Buddhist teachings, there is a deeply practical approach to patience that speaks directly to these experiences. Rather than simply trying to suppress difficult emotions, we learn how to understand the mind in a deeper way—so that we are less caught up in taking things personally in the first place.
In this day retreat at the beautiful Wootton Hall, Chelvi will guide us through talks, meditation, and reflection on this very approach. Drawing on Buddha’s insight into the nature of the self, we explore how loosening our fixed sense of “me” and “mine” can help us respond to difficulties with far more space, flexibility, and ease.
As this understanding grows, we begin to notice a real shift: situations that once felt heavy or confrontational start to feel more workable. Instead of escalating into conflict, they become opportunities to practise patience, to soften our reactions, and to grow in emotional freedom.
This retreat offers a gentle but powerful way to transform how we relate to challenges in everyday life—improving not only our peace of mind, but the quality of our relationships as a whole.
SCHEDULE
Registration: 09.30am (please feel free to arrive from 9am to meet & settle in)
Session one: 10.00am – 11.15am
Break :11.15am – 11.45am
Session two:11.45am – 1.00pm
Lunch: 1pm – 2.30pm
Session three & four: 2.30pm – 4.00pm (with an afternoon break)
The Teacher
This day retreat will be led by Kadampa Buddhist Teacher, Chelvi Mailvaganan.
Chelvi has been a Kadampa Buddhist for 22 years. She is a mother and social worker, specialising in end of life care. Meditation has helped transform and heal many aspects of Chelvi’s life. She teaches from her own experience and wealth of knowledge, emphasising how to apply Buddhist methods to everyday life with insight and clarity.
Details
Date:
Saturday 12 September
Time:
10am to 4pm
Cost:
£35 - General Admission
£25 - Low Income
£10 -
KMCK Members lunch
Venue
Location:
Wootton Village Hall,
Wootton Lane, Wootton, Canterbury, CT4 6RP
Phone:
07812248316
Email:
info@meditateinkent.com
SCHEDULE
Registration: 09.30am (please feel free to arrive from 9am to meet & settle in)
Session one: 10.00am – 11.15am
Break :11.15am – 11.45am
Session two:11.45am – 1.00pm
Lunch: 1pm – 2.30pm
Session three & four: 2.30pm – 4.00pm (with an afternoon break)
Cost & Booking
-
£35 I General Admission
£25 | Low Income
£10 I KMCK Members lunch
This weekend course is open to everyone and will be held in the beautiful, tranquil setting of Wootton Village Hall.
The venue is only accessible if you have access to a car – if you would like to enquire about obtaining a lift, please contact the centre on the above number and leave a message.
Everyone Welcome! Book your place online today.
LOCATION
FAQs
Our classes are for everyone who is interested in learning how to meditate, regardless of background or belief. They are designed to give a broad introduction to Buddhist meditation, teachings, and practice. Everyone is invited to use whichever aspects of the teachings they find helpful.
No. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits that come from having a peaceful mind.
No. Everyone is welcome, including beginners. All you need is the wish to improve yourself and the quality of your life.
No special clothing is required, come as you are.
No. The classes focus on meditation and teachings alone. You can choose to sit on a chair or meditation cushion.
We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, no-one receives a salary. The funds we receive are used to pay for our venues and operating expenses. Although we charge for classes we also offer low-income rates and no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
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