The Art of Balance
Threshold UK Annual Retreat
Sep 26-29th 2025, The Vedanta, Lincoln Rd, Branston, LN4 1PD, Lincolnshire, UK
with Shaikh Kabir Helminski, Selçuk Gürez, Mahmoud Mostafa
As we know, the dervish in Sema is performing a remarkable feat of balance. And this symbolizes the balance we yearn for in our lives.
This year’s UK Threshold Retreat can be expected to be a balanced program of meditation, zikr, music, movement, discourse, and friendship, all made coherent through the theme of “Balance.”
I once asked the late and beloved Celalettin Çelebi, “Is it better to follow our mind or our heart?”
“It’s best when both can agree,” was his answer.
Finding our balance is a critical question, especially in these times. Some areas that we need to consider in order to live a free and independent life under divine grace in guidance:
In our personal lives, what is the balance between livelihood and spiritual practice? Between family obligations and individual needs? Between self-discipline and healthy pleasures?
Or on the world stage, between staying abreast of the “news” and avoiding toxic media? Or between moral outrage, and trust in the Divine Order?
And in a spiritual tradition, like ours, what would be the best balance between contemplation and service, between discipline and spontaneity, between esoteric and exoteric?
Put another way, how do we balance Aql and Ashk, Intellect and (Spiritual) Love?
These questions and more are integral to the Art of Balance. But most essential is the experience of balance that is possible in our community relationships, in our worship, and in our practice.
We invite you to join us.
TEACHERS
Shaikh Kabir Helminski is the co-director of The Threshold Society, a non-profit educational foundation rooted within the traditions of Sufism and inspired by the life and work of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. He is an author, a translator of the works of Rumi and others, and a shaikh of the Mevlevi Order which traces back to Rumi. His books on spirituality have been published in at least twelve languages. Kabir is especially interested in finding a contemporary, creative approach to Sufism without compromising the authenticity of tradition. He has toured as shaikh with the Whirling Dervishes of Turkiye bringing Sufi culture to more than 100,000 people. See more about Kabir’s work here.
Selçuk Gürez is a master Mevlevi musician and whirling dervish. He embodies and carries the qualities and knowledge of the Mevlevi tradition, with 30 years of teaching Mevlevi activities in Turkiye. Selcuk is a talented musician on various instruments including the Turkish reed flute, and teaches sema (the whirling dervish ceremony). He has participated in more than 400 concerts, festivals and training seminars in the world (28 countries) as kudumzen, neyzen, ayinhan, whirling dervish and chief semazen. See more about Selçuk’s work here.
Mahmoud Mostafa is a deputy teacher/khalifa of the Threshold Society and follows the Mevlevi path of Jalaluddin Rumi under the guidance of Shaikh Kabir and Camille Helminski. Since 1995, Mahmoud has been devoted to the study and practice of Tassawuf. In the course of his development, he received teachings from Sufi shaikhs in the USA, Turkey, Syria, South Africa, and Egypt. In addition to extensive study of the Quran and Hadith, he has also studied the works of Imam Ali, Rumi, Ibn Arabi, and other Sufi masters. He has facilitated Sufi circles, Quran study groups, and participated in inter-faith dialogues. He has been involved in the translation of several books, including The Book of Hadith, The Mevlevi Wird, The Light of Dawn, and Women of Sufism. He currently resides in London with his family, and facilitates the Threshold London circle and a global Mathnawi study group.
LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY
The Vedanta is a beautiful Grade II listed Elizabethan estate, nestled amongst 75 acres of woodlands, meadows and lakes. The Vedanta is committed to the concept of ‘Ahimsa — compassion for all’, which serves to create an atmosphere of love and respect for all beings, and offers vegan and vegetarian food. The Vedanta is wheelchair accessible. See more about the venue here.
Train: The closest station is Lincoln Station (10 min drive) which is a 2.5-hours journey from London and Birmingham.
Air: The nearest airport to Lincoln is Humberside (HUY) Airport which is 26 miles away. Other nearby airports include East Midlands EMA (43.3 miles), Manchester MAN (72.8 miles), Birmingham BHX (73.6 miles) and London Luton LTN (93.9 miles).
REGISTRATION
The main retreat is offered from Friday with arrivals from 4pm, until Sunday lunchtime. An optional extra day is offered until Monday lunchtime (please note you have to join the main retreat to attend the additional day). All rooms are ensuite. Most of the rooms are on a shared basis. We reserve single rooms for those with special need.
Friday to Monday: 3 nights all inclusive
£620 Ensuite twin shared room (a few triples also available on request)
£730 Ensuite single room (limited)
Friday to Sunday: 2 nights all inclusive
£410 Ensuite twin shared room (a few triples also available on request)
£480 Ensuite single room (limited)
TO REGISTER:
1. Fill in the registration form here.
2. Receive an email with payment link. Please wait for this unique payment link – do not use any other links.
3. Receive a confirmation email — please note that your place is not booked until you have submitted both registration form and payment, and received confirmation from us.
Please allow 5 working days for a response. If you have any questions that are not covered in the registration form please contact us at eyeoftheheart@sufism.org
We look forward to welcoming you to a contemporary experience of
sacred space, beauty, friendship, whirling, music, poetry, and prayer
in beautiful countryside with precious community!
Whatever mistakes I may make, You are enough as my balance.
Divan-e Shams-e Tabrizi: Quatrain 1812, The Rumi Daybook, Helminski
Even if my life is ruined, You are enough as my goal.
I know that when I’m ready to leave this world, they will ask,
“What have you done?” As my answer, “You” will be enough.