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Photograph of Shubhalila

Shubhalila was ordained at Akashavana in September 2025. Her name means 'she whose play comes from beauty’. She has been a member of the teaching team at the Birmingham Buddhist Centre for some years and enjoys the rich connections being part of the Sangha brings. She continues to work as a poet: teaching, running workshops, giving readings and mentoring individuals. She worked for many years as a poet-in-schools for The Ledbury Poetry Festival and her poetry practice has been financially supported by Arts Council England. Her poetry is deeply influenced by her Buddhist practice. She is a former poet laureate of Birmingham. Her most recent collection is Small Moon Curve published in 2024 by Nine Arches Press.

white crane spreads wings: tai chi, writing and meditation

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

A retreat expanding our horizons through language: opening to the wisdom of the body and integrating our head and heart. Tai chi, writing and meditation have much in common: form, structure, sensitivity and a striving towards wholeness. 

Each move in tai chi is a metaphor and the structured forms of the practice provide an inspiring backdrop for the creation of rhythmic patterns with words. Clouds like thoughts come and go; inspired by the surrounding mountains, water and sky, we will combine writing with movement and mindfulness for our own well-being and for all living beings everywhere.

This retreat will trace our intimate relation to each other and our earth. Whatever arises from our practice we will use to play with the reality of our interconnectedness – write about it and share our stories.

This retreat is suitable for complete beginners to meditation and tai chi as well as being an ideal refresher for those who already have some experience. For more information, read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Less than 10 spaces