The retreat "Unwind in Attention" is from Tuesday, Aug. 5 to Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 and is designed for people who have (or want to gain) mindfulness or meditation experience and are looking for:

  • silence between business
  • deepening meditation practice
  • gentle attention and care for oneself

The guidance is in the hands of Jan-Paul Buijk, educator at the AMT and experienced mindfulness trainer. He supports the process of developing kind attention to yourself, experiencing the moment and (re)discovering stillness.

What to expect.

During this five-day retreat, you will have the opportunity to practice mindfulness intensively in a serene and tranquil environment. The program focuses on developing mindfulness, with the theme of meditating from a gentle and open grounding. You learn to be present to what presents itself in each moment, without judgment, and gain insights into the mutability and uncontrollability of life. The retreat provides structure through a communal meditation program with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, supported by regular introductions and personal reflection conversations.

The retreat takes place entirely in silence, including during meals and informal moments. This provides the space to make deeper contact with yourself and the practice. In addition to meditations, there is time for relaxation, such as yoga, walking or reflection in your own time. Without digital distractions, an atmosphere of peace and depth is created, where you can truly come to yourself.

The location

The retreat takes place on the estate of the Franciscus House, the meeting and reflection center of the Franciscan Sisters of Denekamp, hidden in the greenery of the beautiful, unspoiled Twente countryside. It is an ideal location for multi-day gatherings, such as days of reflection or retreats. https://zustersvandenekamp.nl/

The program

The five-day retreat offers an opportunity to practice intensive attention/mindfulness in a peaceful environment. Central to this retreat is developing attentiveness or mindfulness, learning to observe what is happening here and now.

The theme of this retreat is learning to meditate from a gentle grounding with a willingness to open up to what you are experiencing in each moment. In this way you get in touch with your own nature of experiences and gain insight into changeability, among other things. 

Opening to the uncontrollability of life allows us to be more flexible with the flow of change in our daily lives. We practice especially in sitting and walking meditations, but you are also invited to practice relaxed
attention while eating, walking and other moments on your own time.

The program consists of practice in silence for twelve hours a day. Meditation follows a set communal meditation program, with alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation of three quarters of an hour each. In the informal periods there is also space to practice yoga by yourself, to walk or
another form of light relaxation e.g. after meals.

The retreat takes place entirely in silence, this during meals and during meditation periods (formal and informal) as well as in the rooms, without disturbance of mobile and/or digital devices. Cell phones are deposited with the guidance and for emergencies Jan-Paul's cell phone is available 24 hours a day. Guidance consists of regular introductions and support regarding walking and sitting meditation. There is also the opportunity for regular individual reflection talks and a reflective group talk at the end of the day.

The Cost

Meditation guidance € 275.00 p.p. incl. VAT.

Stay € 425.00 p.p. incl. VAT and tourist tax.

Included in the package are
:

  • 4 x overnight stay in single room
  • 4 x breakfast, 5 x lunch and 4 x dinner
  • coffee, tea and water throughout the day

A maximum of 15 participants can participate in this retreat. The price for lodging is based on single rooms. The renovated rooms all have private toilet and shower and include bed linen and bath towels.

The package offers full board, that is, breakfast, lunch (hot food) and dinner (bread meal)
is served. This takes into account a vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diet.

Accessibility

The convent of the Franciscan Sisters of Denekamp can be reached by train to Oldenzaal
and by bus (62) to Veldkampsweg, Denekamp. From the Veldkampsweg stop,
a neighborhood bus (596) goes in the direction of Ootmarsum.

Upon request, it stops at the monastery stop in front of Huize Elisabeth.

Address: Franciscus House: Gravenallee 30, 7591 PE Denekamp. 0541-753256

Cancellation Policy

For cancellation up to 2 months before the arrival date:
Full refund of the amount paid, minus €50 administration fee.

For cancellation from 2 months to 1 month before the arrival date:
50% of the total amount will be refunded.

For cancellation less than 1 month before the arrival date:
No refund possible.

Please use the form below to register for the retreat. After receiving your registration you will receive an invoice and registration confirmation by email.