Open Sanctuary Retreat 2026

By Michelle

In the last few days of September 2026, the Open Sanctuary welcomed members and community ministers to their annual retreat at a beautiful monastery in Perth, Scotland. 

As a new member, this was my first, and as such I invite you to take my comments in that context. Retreat, for those who have attended in past years, may have been a very different experience. I arrived on Monday around midday, just in time to collect the key to my room, visit the bathroom, and give hugs to everyone I had only met in our Zoom Room for morning meditation, spiritual and social Sundays.

My word, that really was an endorphin-boosting start to the retreat. I often wonder how people I only know online can become such close and trusted friends. If anyone has any thoughts, I’d love to know more. I wish I could mention their names, the folk whose voices I knew. People I share morning meditation with, mostly in silence, and those I commune with on Sundays discussing the meanings of words, past experiences, and our understanding of the Universe and how we fit into it.

Shortly after, those of us who arrived first were in one of the lounges. In quiet meditation, we set the mood and our intention for the coming days. I had no lofty objective to heal or discover an insight into my faith. No, my intention was simply to offer companionship, and allow myself the indulgence of receiving from others whatever they were able to give. 

Shortly after, we were introduced to the first workshop of the retreat. Guided through the history of Feng Shui, we had an opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the practices of Feng Shui masters. I think many of us were quite surprised to hear that what we thought we knew about Feng Shui was misplaced. Coming away from this workshop, it occurred to me that, like so many things in life, a true appreciation for the truth of something is best learned from experienced tutors and living the experience. 

Later, our hostess during retreat took us through a Cacao ceremony. A deep, guided meditation, in the spirit of the Open Sanctuary as a space for all faiths and none, we called into our retreat the god/s of our understanding, our ancestors, and the spirits that walk this Earth alongside us. We asked for strength and wisdom, and to foster calm amongst us. This was such a beautiful opening. I honestly believe everyone present felt respected, and their faith honoured. 

The evening meal, and subsequent meals, set the scene for how our community is one, and not separated into cliques or titles. We would walk into the refectory, in no particular order. After our plates were filled, it almost seemed that an unspoken agreement saw us seeking out others with whom we hadn’t yet shared a meal. As a new member of the community, I can’t put into words how wonderful and welcoming this made me feel.

The remainder of the retreat's workshops will be shared on this blog by others who have stories to tell. I shall also refrain from speaking about the ordination ceremony we witnessed on our last day, although I hope someday to have my own ordination.

I hope to see you at retreat in 2027. Blessings to you.