This year’s Annual Gathering marked a special milestone—30 years since the development of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Held in the peaceful town of Marlow, the event brought together leading voices in the field, including the original founders of MBCT Zindel Segal, John Teasdale, and Mark Williams. But for many, the most transformative experience wasn’t found in the keynotes or panels—it was in the quiet.

Overarchingly we were invited to become intimate with our minds: such intimacy creates understanding, and understanding fosters love.

In this blog post from Opera Air, we hear from a participant, Patrick, who joined us for a full day of silent practice, co-led by Mark Williams and Antonia Sumbundu. Their reflections offer a heartfelt glimpse into the power of stillness, the intimacy of self-awareness, and the gentle invitation to return—again and again—to the present moment.