Weekend Meditation Retreat on Loving-kindness
Date(s): 21st to 22nd Nov 2026
Venue: 175-181 Maldon Rd, Colchester, CO3 3BL.
About the Retreat…
Over this weekend retreat we will explore together some of the depth and breadth of mettā practice — the cultivation of goodwill, open-heartedness, and gentle friendship with ourselves and the world. There are many ways to cultivate this beautiful heart quality and a number of different options will be offered for us to play with, so each person can find an approach that works for them.
Each day will begin with an optional yoga-inspired movement session to settle the body and open the heart.
You’re welcome to come for one day, or both. This retreat is open to all, whether you are completely new to meditation or bringing years of practice.
Mark Ovland
Mark discovered the Dharma in 2008 and has since dedicated his life to practice and service. His journey includes a year as a monk, over two years in silent retreat, and three years living and working in retreat centres.
He has co-founded Freely Given Retreats and the Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement (DANCE), served on the board of the Mandala Trust, and directed the Hermes Amāra Foundation. Mark also pioneered bringing mindfulness courses into UK prisons.
A close student and personal assistant to the late Rob Burbea, Mark was trained to teach by Rob and Zohar Lavie. He now teaches at Gaia House and across the UK, focusing on liberation, compassion, and responding wisely to the challenges of our time.
Retreat Lead
Annalika Beresky
We are delighted to welcome Annalika to our weekend retreat with Mark Ovland, where she will be offering a deeply nourishing Alchemy Crystal Bowl Sound Healing session, gently interwoven with the heartful theme of Loving-kindness (Mettā).
Annalika brings a rare depth of presence and compassion to her work, shaped by years of personal transformation and spiritual study. Formerly a Health Service Manager within the NHS, she held space in some of the most demanding environments. But it was the sudden passing of her husband in 2015 that catalysed a profound inner awakening—a journey through loss that became a gateway into love, presence, and healing.
Since 2009, she has studied continuously under the guidance of her spiritual teacher, Ocean WhiteHawk, learning how to navigate even life’s deepest challenges with grace, awareness, and a freedom from suffering. This lived wisdom fuels her heartfelt passion: to help others rediscover their own inner stillness, joy, and freedom by gently dissolving old patterns and limiting beliefs.
At the retreat, Annalika’s session will offer more than sound healing—it will be a space of sacred resonance, where each note becomes an invitation to return to the loving truth of who we are.
Alchemy Crystal Bowl Sound Healing Led by
Saturday
10.00 Dhamma Centre welcome, orientation, housekeeping
10.10 Mark welcome, intention-setting, introduction to day/weekend
10.30 Yoga
11.00 Sitting/stillness practice
11.40 Walking/movement practice
12.20 Sitting/stillness practice
12.50 Q&A
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Dharma reflections
2.30 Sitting/stillness practice
3.00 Walking/movement practice, tea break
3.50 Sitting/stillness practice
4.20 Q&A
4.50 Close (announcements, dana)
5.00 End / optional sound healing
On Saturday, we’ll ground ourselves in an embodied practice of mettā towards ourselves and those we love. We’ll reflect on the place and purpose of mettā within the Buddhist path, and touch on some of the many fruits the practice can bring.
Sunday
10.00 Dhamma Centre welcome, orientation, housekeeping
10.10 Mark welcome, intention-setting, introduction to day
10.30 Yoga
11.00 Sitting/stillness practice
11.40 Walking/movement practice
12.20 Sitting/stillness practice
12.50 Q&A
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Dharma reflections
2.30 Sitting/stillness practice
3.00 Walking/movement practice, tea break
3.50 Closing circle (integration session - guided group reflections - sharing - Q&A)
4.50 Close (announcements, dana)
5.00 End
On Sunday, our attention will widen to embrace the full landscape of our experience — both inner and outer. We’ll explore how mettā can soften our hearts even in the face of challenge, and how it naturally deepens into equanimity: a spacious steadiness that allows us to meet life’s unfolding with balance and kindness. We’ll end with a discussion on bringing mettā into our daily lives.
Rhythm
Logistics
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The Centre’s car park is located beside the building and can accommodate up to 18 vehicles. Please park considerately to make the best use of the available space.
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Water Bottle: Please bring your own bottle. Filtered water will be available onsite for refills.
Seating for Meditation: We have plenty of chairs available for sitting meditation and a limited number of floor cushions. If you prefer to sit on the floor, we kindly ask that you bring your own meditation cushion or bench for comfort.
Sound Healing Session: For the sound healing journey, participants are encouraged to lie down and fully receive the resonance of the alchemy crystal bowls. To ensure your comfort, please bring the following:
Yoga mat/ suitable alternative
Blanket
Eye mask (optional)
Small pillow or cushion for your head
Any additional items you may need to feel relaxed and supported in a lying position
Your comfort is important to us—we want you to feel safe, grounded, and at ease throughout the retreat.
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The Centre will be providing a simple, wholesome vegetarian lunch to nourish all yogis during the retreat.
We will share the full menu and list of ingredients in advance, so you can check for any allergens or dietary concerns. Every effort will be made to avoid cross-contamination, but please do let us know if you have specific allergies we should be aware of.
A tea and coffee station will be available throughout the retreat, offering both dairy and non-dairy milk options for your convenience.
Register
Information regarding the retreat and resources for the retreat will be shared closer to or on the day of the retreat! Make sure you register so you don’t miss out.