The Pleasure of Absence: A 14-day retreat with Patrick Kearney and Robyn Gibson

Location: Kallara Conference Centre, Strathbogie Ranges

Date: Friday 24 July to Friday 7 August 2026

Teachers: Patrick Kearney & Robyn Gibson

The Pleasure of Absence is a 14-day silent meditation retreat with Patrick Kearney and Robyn Gibson, held from 24 July to 7 August 2026 at Kallara Conference Centre in the Strathbogie Ranges. This retreat explores the path of letting go—not as something forced, but as a natural process of releasing what brings disturbance and opening to a quieter, more subtle form of wellbeing. As we let go of what agitates the body and occupies the heart, a different kind of pleasure becomes available: not the stimulation of the senses, but something more refined, stable, and deeply satisfying. We might call this the pleasure of absence—a state in which, when we are no longer caught in reactivity, ease and clarity can emerge.

The retreat is grounded in the practice of ānāpānasati (mindfulness of breathing), through which the body settles, the mind quietens, and insight can deepen. Practice is supported through meditation in all four postures (sitting, standing, walking, and lying down), dharma talks, practical workshops, and regular one-on-one meetings with the teachers, offering personalised guidance and a clear reflection of your practice. Periods of silence, simplicity, and continuity of practice allow for a deepening of both serenity and insight over the course of the retreat.

This retreat offers a rare opportunity to step out of the momentum of daily life and enter a structured, immersive environment dedicated to practice. It is well suited to those who are ready to deepen their meditation and explore the path of letting go in a sustained and supportive way.

Cost and bookings:

Join Patrick Kearney and Robyn Gibson for two live streamed dharma talks on Thursday evenings during the retreat — 30 July and 6 August, 7:15pm–8:40pm, via Zoom. To book, click here.

Enquiries: retreats@melbourneinsightmeditation.org