Cultivating a Compassionate and Meaningful Life
An in-person Universal Education Gathering in Scotland
An Invitation to Pause, Reflect, and Reconnect
Join us for a nourishing Gathering – Retreat in the heart of Aberdeenshire, where we’ll explore the 16 Guidelines for Life as a framework for cultivating compassion, resilience, and meaningful connections.
Set against the backdrop of the Scottish countryside, this gathering offers time to reflect deeply, connect with like-minded people, and bring fresh inspiration into your daily life. Together, we’ll combine gentle practices such as meditation, journaling, mindful movement, and shared reflection to explore how the Guidelines can enrich both inner growth and outer relationships.
What to Expect
Across three days, you’ll be guided through a balanced flow of learning, practice, and connection:
Across three days, you’ll be guided through a balanced flow of learning, practice, and connection:
Day 1 – Arriving & Settling
Warm welcome, introductions, and setting intentions
Shared evening meal and meditation to ease into retreat life
Day 2 – Deepening Practice Morning Qi Gong to awaken body and mind
Explorations of key Guidelines such as Humility, Kindness, Patience, Generosity, Honesty, Gratitude, Kindness and Respect
Reflective practices: guided meditations, journaling, and mindful eating
Heartfelt discussions and paired sharing to strengthen community bonds
Day 3 – Integration & Looking Forward
Morning visit to a nearby stone circle for grounding and connection
Closing sessions on integrating the 16 Guidelines into everyday life
Commitments, takeaways, and a celebratory farewell circle
Venue & Accommodation
Our retreat will take place at the Sir Arthur Grant Residential & Outdoor Activity Centre, a peaceful venue surrounded by nature.
Capacity: Spaces are limited to 38 participants in on-site accommodation.
Nearby options: Additional lodging is available in the Aberdeenshire area for those wishing to stay off-site.
Who Is This Universal Education Gathering For?
This gathering welcomes anyone interested in living with greater compassion, meaning, and awareness, whether you are new to the 16 Guidelines or looking to deepen your practice.
The session structure is carefully designed to foster meaningful reflection, strengthen connections, and inspire actionable outcomes, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience.
Practical Details
📅 Dates: Friday 25 September – Sunday 27 September 2026
📍 Location: Sir Arthur Grant Centre, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
🍴 Communal meals provided (with mindful eating practice woven into shared dinners)
🧘 Practices include Qi Gong, meditation, journaling, mindful dialogue, and time in nature
Join Us
Come as you are, open to reflect, connect, and grow. Together, we’ll explore timeless wisdom and practical tools to help us live with greater compassion and meaning in our daily lives.
For more information and to to confirm your participation, please send an email to Gillian Cruickshank: gilliancruickshankwellbeing@gmail.com
Please use this Google booking form to reserve your place:
A minimum deposit of £50 is required on registration to reserve your place. The remaining amount is
payable by 25 August 2026.
