Gain Freedom From Inner Turmoil - Silent Day Retreat

Gain Freedom from Inner Turmoil – Silent Day Retreat
Saturday 3 October 2026 | 10am–3pm
At Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre, Golders Green
With Kadam Ai Peng McBretney
PEACE IN THE MIDDLE OF CONFLICT
Conflict can arise anywhere — in our relationships, at work, within our family, or even within our own mind. In these moments, it’s easy to feel disturbed, defensive, or hurt, and we naturally try to change the situation or the other person.
But from a Buddhist perspective, the real source of conflict lies within — in our own reactions, especially anger, frustration, and the tendency to see everything from our own point of view.
This silent retreat offers a rare opportunity to step back from external noise and look more deeply. Through guided meditation and periods of silence, we begin to recognise how conflict is created in the mind — and how it can be released.
By gradually reducing self-centred thinking and developing patience, empathy, and understanding, we discover a deeper, more stable peace — one that is not dependent on others behaving differently.
This is the beginning of real inner freedom.
You will discover how to:
- Recognise how inner reactions create and intensify conflict
- Let go of anger, frustration, and defensiveness
- Develop a peaceful mind that remains stable in difficult situations
About the teacher
Kadam Ai Peng McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Duldzin Dragpa KBC and has trained in Kadampa Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Drawing from her own experience of applying Buddha’s advice in daily life, she shares the teachings in a warm, practical way that helps people see how to bring peace, happiness, and meaning into their everyday activities.
Schedule
- Arrive and relax: 9.30–10am
- Session 1: 10–11am
- Tea break: 11–11.45am
- Session 2: 11.45am–12.45pm
- Vegetarian lunch: 12.45pm
- Session 3: 2–3pm
Free for Silver members and above. Lunch £6 for all.
Available live-streamed on Zoom for members
Upcoming Courses & Retreats

Upcoming Courses & Retreats
2026-10-23 Post Fall Festival retreat (23-25 Oct)
Post-Fall Festival Retreat – Our Real Heart Jewel
Fri 23 – Sun 25 Oct 2026
Book nowAt Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre, Golders Green
With Kadam John McBretney
The first session on Friday is an introduction, so no festival attendance is needed
2026-10-31 A Buddhist Perspective – How to Stay Kind When Others Aren’t
How to Stay Kind When Others Aren’t: A Buddhist Perspective
Sat 31 Oct 2026, 10.30am–12.30pm
Book nowAt Heruka Kadampa Meditation Centre, Golders Green
With Kadam Ai Peng McBretney
2026-11-07 Letting Go of Hurt (Sat 7 Nov)
Letting Go of Hurt
Sat 7 Nov 2026, 10am–3.30pm
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Kadam John McBretney – Why we take things personally, and how to let go.
2026-11-21 Being Kind to Yourself
Being Kind to Yourself
Sat 21 Nov 2026, 10am–1.15pm
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Richard Batty – A Buddhist Approach to Self-Criticism
2026-12-05 Calm in the Christmas Rush (Sat 5 Dec)
Calm in the Christmas Rush
Sat 5 Dec 2026, 10am–1.15pm
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Kadam Ai Peng McBretney – A Buddhist Approach to a Peaceful December
2026-12-13 How to Have a Happy Christmas (Sun 13 Dec).
How to Have a Happy Christmas
Sun 13 Dec 2026, 11am–1pm, followed by Christmas lunch
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Kadam John McBretney – Buddhist meditations for a joyful festive season, followed by Christmas lunch
2026-12-19 The Peace You’ve Been Looking For (Sat 19 Dec)
The Peace You’ve Been Looking For
Sat 19 Dec 2026, 10am–1.15pm
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Guest Teacher Kadam Lucy James – Resident Teacher of KMC London
2026-12-31 New Year’s Eve Celebration (Thu 31 Dec)
New Year's Eve Celebration
Thu 31 Dec 2026, 7.30pm–12.10am
Book nowHeruka KMC, Golders Green
With Kadam John McBretney – A peaceful, alcohol-free way to see in the New Year
Public Talks with Gen-la Dekyong, 8 May 2027
Public Talks with Gen-la Dekyong
Sat 8 May 2027
Book nowLogan Hall, 20 Bedford Way
London, WC1H 0ALWith Gen-la Dekyong