Enlightenment Intensive Winter Retreat

The aim of this retreat, which will be hosted by Stephen Coomber, is for participants to dive deeply into the question ‘Who am I?’ using a simple yet powerful technique of self enquiry.

The Enlightenment Exercise or ‘Dyad’
The main activity during the retreat will be a 40 minute exercise where you sit opposite another participant and take it in turns, with one person being the contemplator and one person being the listening partner or witness. A bell will ring after five minutes and you will swap roles, repeating this until the end of the exercise. You will choose a different person to work with for each exercise as far as the group size allows.

The beauty of the dyad format is that it allows anything that comes up in contemplation to be communicated and moved through, allowing you to be free to approach your enquiry with freshness and energy each time. It also has a cumulative effect. As one person has a breakthrough, they are able to communicate it fully and this enhances the experience of others within the group.

The precise technique for contemplation or self-enquiry will be explained in full at the beginning of the retreat and fully qualified and experienced staff are on hand to instruct and support throughout.

This exercise will be interspersed with periods of walking contemplation, silent meditation, lectures and meal breaks during which silence is maintained.

For more information please see The Enlightenment Intensive Winter Retreat

Schedule
Arrival time is by 7pm on Thursday 8th January 2026. There will be a meal available and time to settle in to the accommodation.

The retreat is complete by 9pm on the Sunday after which you will be able to return home, or for a small additional fee you can stay the night and we will have a light schedule of optional exercises and time together concluding at 12 noon on the Monday.

Contact
If you wish to speak with Steve about any aspect of this retreat, please email him stevecoomber52@gmail.com

‘If one’s mind has peace, the whole world will appear peaceful.’ ~ Ramana Maharshi

“I have done several Enlightenment Intensives over the last few years and have experienced firsthand its efficacy, as well as seeing time and again the profound effect it has on others. The concept of self-enquiry and the EI  format was initially terrifying to me: ‘Say who I am? But I have no idea!’ but I now see it as the safest space going in terms of having a long hard look at yourself, whoever you might be. I have consistently experienced moments of real magic, as well as facing things I had long tried to bury. Steve has been a critical part of nearly half the EIs I have attended, both as a support staff member and as a space holder, and brings a calmness and clarity that I have always greatly appreciated. His passion and commitment for sharing the value of this process with others is clear and inspiring.”

Ed Ryland, 30th October to 3rd November 2025 Enlightenment Intensive, Scotland.

I have worked with Steve on Enlightenment Intensive Retreats for Eighteen years, and I am delighted he is now sharing his wealth of experience and leading them himself. Steve has the heart of a saint and the mind of a mathematician. This rare combination enables him to meet people with empathy, compassion and love teamed with attention to detail, precision and clarity. His dedication to this work shines bright. I whole-heartedly recommend him as a trusted and inspirational guide on your journey of self-discovery.’

Claire Heron, Enlightenment Intensive Master, last time working together was July 31st to August 5th 2025, Wales