A Celebration of the Art and Science of Stillness

Face to Face: EnlightenNext UK Centre, Islington, London, N1 8QG

Webcast: Participation in the Meditation Festival is also available virtually or at other UK venues

Meditation means entering into that deep, timeless dimension of life that we all know from our most peaceful moments in life. Meditation is also one of the oldest spiritual practices on the planet, and an important aspect of many of the world’s great religious traditions. It provides access to the deepest part of yourself, where you can discover a dimension of life that is sacred and beyond time.

The EnlightenNext Meditation Festival is an opportunity to discover more about meditation, and take part in this foundational spiritual practice. It will bring together people from many different spiritual traditions, as well as total beginners. More than 1,000 people across the globe will be simultaneously diving into the depths of meditation and enjoying the freedom of letting go of everything.

Central to the Festival is a 24-hour Meditation Marathon. This is not only for the aficionados and diehards, but everyone is invited to take part for as long (or short) as they like. What could stop you joining them and finding out?

Introduction  – Saturday 8 December

15:00 – 17:00 Facilitated dialogue with Chris Parish, Director of EnlightenNext UK, Sister Maureen of the Brahma Khumaris and Dh Maitreyabandhu of the Triratna Order.

17:00 – 18:00 Refreshments and networking

18:00 – 19:00 Meditation Marathon starts, all festival participants are welcome to stay for the introduction by spiritual teacher Andrew Cohen

Meditation Marathon 2012

Date: Saturday 8 Dec 18:00 – Sunday 9 Dec 19:00

Location: Wherever you are in the world! Participate virtually or together with others at the EnlightenNext UK Centre in London and other UK venues

Whether you are an experienced meditator or want to try meditating for the first time, you are warmly welcomed to join EnlightenNext’s 2012 Meditation Marathon. Part of a global event including more than a 1,000 people worldwide, the Marathon gives you the opportunity to meditate in a supportive environment with other people for as long or as short as you like. The Marathon is also EnlightenNext’s major fund-raising activity of the year.

The Marathon runs continuously for 24 hours following the Panel discussion, beginning at 18:00 Saturday evening and ending at 18:00 Sunday evening. The 24-hour schedule includes hourly breaks, guided meditations, readings, audios and two longer breaks for meals. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. Take time out of your busy schedule and explore the depths of meditation at the EnlightenNext Meditation Marathon!

Saturday 8 December

18:00  First session, with introduction by Andrew Cohen
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner
21:00 – onwards Meditation sessions of 45 minutes, with 15-minute breaks. No entry after 21:00, but you are welcome to continue meditating as long or short as you like!

Sunday 9 December

Entry Point
12:00 – 13:00 Absolute beginners introduction by Patrick Bryson & Willa Geertsema
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch (in silence)
14:00 – 15:00 Guided meditation by Chris Parish
15:00 – 16:00 Guided meditation by Miranda MacPherson
16:00 – 17:00 Guided meditation Mita Shah
17:00 – 18:00 Guided meditation by Andrew Cohen

END OF MEDITATION MARATHON

18:30 – 20:00 Dinner and closing of Festival

The local UK portions of the Festival will be web-streamed to our UK friends.

Who can take part?

We welcome anyone who has an interest in meditation, from beginners to expert meditators. In fact, you can meditate anywhere from 45 minutes to 24 hours – the choice is yours.

What is the format?

We provide a fully structured programme with guided meditations, readings and audios that will support your meditation for however long you want to take part. This includes short breaks so that you can completely relax and stay focused. All you have to do is sit on your cushion/chair, close your eyes and let go!