A ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into this year’s Summer School: The Art of Awakening - Thursday 23rd July – Sunday 26th 2026 Retreat At A Glance
- Theme: The Art of Awakening
- Dates: Thursday 23rd July – Sunday 26th July 2026
- Location: Fintry (Featuring an exhibition by Freya Purdue)
- Highlights: Mandala workshops, Art in Nature, Somatic Yoga, and Music.
To give you a behind the scenes personal glimpse into this year’s upcoming Summer School we spoke to course facilitators, Drs. Jean-Paul and Sally Jeanrenaud, and asked them some key questions. This is what they shared with us.
Sally and Jean-Paul, you’ve called this Summer School The Art of Awakening. Can you say more about that? Sally & Jean-Paul:
When we speak about awakening, we are pointing to something both natural and profound. In one sense, we are already awake, but we are not always ‘aware that we are aware’. Awakening means recognising the quiet presence—the witnessing awareness—that lies within and behind all our thoughts and perceptions. This recognition often takes practice because the pristine awareness is usually obscured by our own thoughts and emotions. We get ‘caught up’ or ‘lost’ in them, often mistaking them for reality. The art of awakening is simply learning to notice the clear light of awareness that is always present, both within us and beyond us. Many practices can help us rediscover this, including meditation and contemplation, the arts, time in nature, and connecting with the deeper source of life.
If people are unable to afford the full fee, is there flexibility there?
Sally & Jean-Paul: Yes, there is flexibility. We are offering an Under 35 discount, as well as a non-residential option (which includes all meals), which may be convenient for people who live locally. If people really want to attend the Summer School, but don’t have enough money, they should contact the Administrator directly, and make enquiries about discretionary bursaries.
You mention ‘integral art’. In brief, can you say something about that and why you think it’s important. Sally & Jean-Paul:
When we think about art people often think immediately about the so called ‘fine’ arts, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and so on. But people are inspired in so many different ways, and as a result, there are many different types of art. The 2026 Summer School will explore the nature of the creative impulse, and its diverse expressions, including the pragmatic, therapeutic, the intellectual and the mystical arts. The different modes of creative expression have a unique relationship with the universal and transcendent ideals of Beauty, Goodness, Truth and Unity. By embracing this wider vision of art, we’ll learn to appreciate how different artistic modes can coexist, complement one another, and contribute to a creative, more holistic and elevated life.
Can you say something more about the practitioners who will be involved and what they hope to contribute? Sally & Jean-Paul:
There will be many opportunities to engage with a variety of artists during the Summer School. The mandala workshop will be led by artist Daniel Bowler (Dan Dala), and art in nature with Holly Foskett-Barnes. The Summer School will also explore the arts through music and poetry, with musician and composer Jessica Webster and poet Julia Cousins. There will also be an exhibition of Freya Purdue’s paintings at Fintry at the time. Many of her paintings are inspired by the subtlety of philosophical and mystical thought. There are also opportunities to practice somatic arts with yoga teacher Florence Harry, and to talk to participants who have been involved in humanitarian and therapeutic work. Ready to rediscover the quiet presence within? Space is limited for this year’s retreat. We invite you to step away from the noise and join us for a transformative four days at Fintry. Explore the Full Programme & Book Your Place
