FAQs – Retreats

Retreats provide a safe and nourishing environment for the cultivation and development of a deep and grounded mindfulness meditation practice away from the distractions of daily life. Highly trained, experienced teachers and meditation instructors provide excellent support and guidance in group settings, as well as in one-on-one interviews. Longer meditation periods allow participants to develop discipline of the mind and body, as well as more focused concentration.

Noble Silence means no talking and no eye contact, or practicing “guardianship of the eyes.” These rules allow participants to go more deeply into the meditation practice and to conserve energy for the work of mindfulness. The silence and absence of eye contact supports the process of looking into and accepting ourselves. They also help us become more intimate and familiar with the actual comings and goings of our own minds and bodies.

No. Participants engage in many different forms of mindfulness practices, which include sitting, lying down, standing, and moving.

Yes. At designated times, mindfulness instructors will open the discussion to the participants for questions. Although, cross-talk between participants is not allowed.

Most sitting meditations last about 30 minutes, followed by shorter periods of walking, or other mindful movement.

At the beginning of the retreat, most meditations are guided. As time goes on, guidance decreases, and participants practice some of the meditation periods in silence.

Participants are encouraged to practice meditation in a position that works best for them, whether sitting in a chair, lying down on the floor, or standing.

You need to bring:

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Layers, as room temperature may vary
• Blanket
• Flashlight, in case the power goes out
• Jacket or coat, and warm boots or shoes, depending on the season
• Shoes, which slip on and off easily; we will be removing them upon entering the meditation room
• Meditation cushion
• Yoga mat

Special diets, including vegan and gluten-free, will be provided upon request.

Yes. Everything we do at the retreat is with awareness and in silence. We eat our food knowing that we are eating, chewing, tasting, swallowing. We practice mindful awareness in silence between each formal meditation practice.

There will be a board provided where participants will be allowed to post questions for mindfulness instructors. If you have something urgent or requiring immediate attention, please don’t hesitate to approach one of the mindfulness instructors or teachers.

You’re advised not to read or write. It’s a rare opportunity not to have to process any more input.

We advise participants to stay off all devices, except in certain circumstances, which we can discuss individually.

Daily Schedule (may vary depending on the venue’s kitchen schedule):