Perfecting Deep Listening Retreat in York- 15th-17th May 2026

A warm welcome to everybody who expressed interest in joining Jack Pransky and Henriette Curtz for this exquisite deep, embodied exploration of true listening — to life, to others, and to yourself. This retreat is for you if you’re ready to truly understand what Deep Listening really is — beyond intellectual ideas — and to experience how it shapes your relationships, your work, and your life. Deep Listening isn’t a technique.It’s a way of being — one that naturally quiets the inner noise and reveals clarity, connection, and ease.

What's Perfecting Deep Listening all about?

Deep Listening is the simple yet profoundly transformative practice of tuning into the present
moment with openness and presence. It softens the grip of habitual thinking and reveals what’s
already true, always available, and deeply nourishing.

By the end of this retreat you will:

Understand what Deep Listening is really all about, beyond ideas.
Experience the depth, feeling and power of Deep Listening.
Practice Deep Listening in pairs, triads and groups.
Gain confidence in applying Deep Listening in your work and everyday life. after this retreat
Be in a good feeling, and will have had fun, connected with like-minded folk, made new friends and had a good experience

About the facilitators

Jack Pransky, Ph.D.

Jack is an internationally respected Three Principles trainer, coach, mentor, and author — having learned directly from the originator, Sydney Banks. He’s one of the most widely published voices in this work, including Somebody Should Have Told Us! (a highly regarded introductory book) and Modello: A Story of Hope for the Inner City and Beyond (which received the Martin Luther King Storyteller’s Award). Jack has been sharing this understanding globally since the 1960s and continues to guide individuals and professionals toward deeper clarity and natural wellbeing.

Henriette Curtz Jansen

Henriette holds a master’s degree in sport science and health promotion and works with businesses and private clients on wellbeing, resilience, and leadership. As a Three Principles coach and yoga teacher, she helps people understand the mind–body connection and recognize their spiritual nature in everyday life. She is also the author of Little Soul, a poetic children’s book offering a gentle, spiritual perspective on death for families. Listening deeply invites profound shifts — guiding us back home to a peace that’s always present.

Retreat Program

Across three days, we will combine theory with direct, practical experience:

Guided Deep Listening sessions
Partner and group practice
Reflection and integration
Time to connect and share with like-minded people

You’ll leave with a clear sense of how Deep Listening naturally enhances confidence, resilience, creativity, and compassion — in work and life.

The course runs from Friday morning to Sunday after lunch. The first two days include a morning session a long afternoon retreat break (after lunch) on one’s own or with others in the group to walk, hike, commune with nature, enjoy the water, exercise, sleep or meditate, and an evening session (before dinner). The third day session runs through the morning and finishes before lunch.

The Venue

Heslington Meeting Rooms

The venue: Main Street, Heslington, York, YO10 5EB

Here is the link to the website: Heslington Meeting Room

It’s a bright, comfortable, and welcoming space for us to come together for this retreat. Set in the heart of the friendly village of Heslington in York and just moments from the University of York, the venue offers a simple, relaxed atmosphere. There is easy access by bus, car, or a short walk from nearby accommodation. Its closeness to York’s beautiful city centre means you can enjoy a visit should you chose to do so during break time.

How To Get To The Venue From York

Bus Routes from York to Heslington

U1: Connects York City Centre (like Merchantgate) to Campus East, via Hull Road, and serves some stops in Heslington.

U2: Runs from the city centre to the University campus, via Heslington Road, and serves some stops in Fulford. There a quite a few Air B&Bs on Heslington Road.

U3: Travels from York City Centre (like Merchantgate) and connects to the University campus, with a new service that includes stops on Fulford Road and Heslington Lane. Also good for Air B&B’s.

You may download the app moovit for further information on how to find your way around York and to our venue.

Journey time on the bus from the city centre is approximately 15 minutes. However, York traffic is terrible, so I would recommend setting off earlier. The bus stop is 2 minutes walking distance from the hall. Use Heslington Hall stop on Main Street

Parking

Unfortunately, parking is not available right at the venue.

However, you can park for free at the Outgang (10 minutes walk away)—a children’s play area and sports field—or on village streets nearby.

Find the Outgang car parking at this link: Outgang Lane Play area

The Outgang is not an official car park; vehicles are parked along the track and at owners risk.

Pricing and Payment Instructions

Retreat fee: £350
Deposit: £50 to secure your place by 09th January 2026
Balance due by 31st March 2026 (unless special arrangements have been made).

Put this price and deposit inside a clear box or highlighted panel near the top of the page so people see it immediately.

Cancellation policy

30+ days before: full refund minus £50 deposit
15–29 days: 50% refund
14 days or fewer: no refund

(Substitution welcome at no cost up to 48 hours before.)

Please note: All payments are made to: Clare Downham, Clare Downham Coaching, clare@uniquejourney.co.uk

Receipt for payment will be your registration confirmation. Please retain a copy of it for your records.

What’s Included — and What’s Not

Included in the retreat fee:

All teaching and facilitation across the three days
Guided Deep Listening sessions and group work
Use of the retreat venue
Hot and cold beverages and snacks

Not included:

Accommodation
Meals
Travel to and from York

Participants are asked to arrange their own accommodation and meals. There are many options nearby, and there will be breaks long enough to eat locally or meet informally with others if you wish. Please visit the bottom of this page for further information and suggestions.

Some participants enjoy sharing meals together in York, and this often happens naturally — though it is entirely optional.

Cancellation policy

30+ days before: full refund minus £50 deposit
15–29 days: 50% refund
14 days or fewer: no refund

(Substitution welcome at no cost up to 48 hours before.)

Accommodation

Heslington Road and Fulford Road are recommended areas for B&B accommodation and hotels, thanks to their excellent proximity and accessibility to both the venue and York city centre. Heslington Village itself is also an option; however, accommodation there tends to book up quickly due to student demand and university visitors.

As York is a popular tourist destination, early booking is strongly advised.

Below is a curated selection of accommodation options designed to suit a range of budgets and preferences. All offer convenient access to central York, either on foot or via a short bus or car journey, allowing you to make the most of your free time exploring the city.

You are, of course, welcome to conduct their own research—York is well known for its many quirky and charming places to stay.

For any questions or further guidance, please feel free to contact Chrissie, who has lived in York for 25 years and is happy to help.

Hollies Guest House

Located on Fulford Road in Fulford — quite close to Heslington / the University area.

Offers on-site parking and WiFi.

A good option if you prefer staying somewhere with easy bus access and a quieter suburban feel, yet still within reach for campus or city.

The Hollies

Midway House

On Fulford Road — part of the general Fulford/Heslington area, which tends to offer easier access to Heslington than central-York. Good reviews. To book or to view click here: Midway house

Ashbourne House

Also on Fulford Road — convenient for both the city and the University/Heslington areas. Victorian-style guesthouse with good reviews and a friendly, local-house feel — might suit people looking for a cosy, homely stay.

Fourposter Lodge

According to accommodation-search listings, this is located on Heslington Road — so very close to the University / Heslington area, making commuting to your event easy. hotelinmap.com+1Simple guest-house amenities (room with necessary facilities) — good pick for those who prioritise proximity over luxury.

Asbourne House

York Priory Guesthouse

To view and book follow this link: The York Priory

The Farthings Guesthouse

A classic guest-house / B&B feel, with a range of room types (single, twin, double, family) including ensuite options. farthingsyork.co.uk

Often more budget-friendly than full-hotel stays — a good choice if you want basic accommodation at lower cost.

Located in a residential and quiet area, but still with access to York city centre and local transport.

Novohotel

Comfortable 4-star hotel with amenities — more “hotel comfort”: good rooms, often a bit more upscale than budget options.

Reasonable compromise between proximity and convenience — not far from York city centre, making sightseeing easy; while Heslington / University is still reachable (though a short commute).Bus stop outside the hotel!

Good for visitors expecting more comfort.

To view and book follow this link: Novotel York

York

York is a small city with a big story. With over 2,000 years of history, it blends Roman roots, Viking legends, and medieval charm into a welcoming, walkable place. Between sessions, you might wander the Shambles, admire the magnificent York Minster, or enjoy a gentle stroll along the city walls.In the evening, York invites you to slow down—perhaps with a relaxed meal at an independent restaurant, a light-hearted ghost walk, or a drink in a historic pub.

York is a place that invites curiosity and slow exploration — a perfect backdrop for deep listening.

We hope you'll enjoy discovering it.

More information about what is on offer in York can be found here:

www.visityork.org/whats-on