Stillness in Community (Mon-Fri, 4 nights)

About the programme

In a world that often feels busy, noisy and demanding, it can be difficult to find time and space simply to be. This programme offers an opportunity to slow down, step back from everyday pressures and embrace a gentler rhythm of prayer, reflection and community life.

Stillness in Community is designed for those seeking rest, renewal and time for quiet contemplation. While not a silent retreat, the week encourages a slower pace and creates space for listening, reflection and being present. Each guest will have their own room, providing a peaceful place to rest, pray, write or simply enjoy time alone.

Alongside personal reflection, you’ll share meals, worship and community life with others staying at the Abbey. The balance of solitude and companionship allows space for both personal renewal and meaningful connection.

Set against the beauty of Iona in winter, this contemplative retreat offers an opportunity to reconnect with God, yourself and the natural world. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat, time for prayer, or simply space to pause and reflect, you’ll find a warm welcome and a supportive community.

Meet the Programme Leader(s)

This retreat is hosted by members of the Iona Abbey team, who will guide the shared rhythm of worship, community life and contemplative practice throughout your stay. Their experience of hospitality, prayer and community helps create a welcoming environment where guests can slow down, reflect and find rest.

What to expect

Stillness in Community follows a gentle rhythm of prayer, worship, shared meals and quiet reflection. While there is no formal teaching programme, the week is intentionally shaped to create space for rest, contemplation and attentiveness.

Each day offers opportunities to participate in worship, spend time in personal reflection and enjoy the beauty of Iona in winter. Guests are encouraged to embrace a slower pace, whether through walking, reading, journalling, prayer or simply spending time in silence and stillness.

You will have your own room throughout the week, providing a peaceful space to retreat, rest and reflect. Alongside this personal space, there will be opportunities to share meals, conversation and community life with others staying at the Abbey.

This is not a silent retreat, but the atmosphere is intentionally quiet and reflective. Guests are invited to be mindful of one another’s need for stillness while also enjoying the warmth and companionship that comes from sharing life together.

The week offers a balance of solitude and community, structure and freedom, helping create space for rest, prayer and renewal in the unique setting of Iona Abbey.

Key Information

Before booking, it’s helpful to know that this programme offers a gentler rhythm than many of our other weeks at Iona Abbey. There is no formal teaching programme. Instead, the week is shaped around prayer, worship, quiet reflection and community life, creating space to slow down and embrace stillness.

Each guest will have their own room, providing a peaceful place for personal reflection and rest, while also sharing meals, worship and community with others staying at the Abbey.