Silence is meant to be shared, not filled.
The intention of the Session:
- A retreat provides an opportunity and a caring space for undertaking guided meditation, like an immersion course in a language.
- It is an opportunity to be with yourself, within a group setting, allowing awareness to expand, the body to quiet, the mind to clear, and an opening for insight to develop.
- Self-knowledge and understanding can grow as we see that we can live each moment with attention, clarity, and kindness.
Materials for Participants to have Available
- Yoga Mat, Meditation Cushion, Blanket, Water (we will have some blankets available)
- Mindful Lunch (prepared ahead of time and brought to class that does not require heating)
- Journal and a pen for reflective writing
Preparation for Four-Hour Guided Silent Retreat
This is a wonderful and very rare opportunity to practice with your community of classmates without distractions or interruptions. Here are the logistics:
- We’ll meet for four hours starting at 10:00am-2:00pm
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to get settled in the room: 9:45am
- If for some unexpected reason you arrive late, please enter the room silently and join in when settled in.
- Please bring your mindful meal (prepared ahead of time) as we will be eating together in silence.
- A formal opportunity for a bio-break will happen during our mindful meal, but we recognize that you may require this at other times during the retreat. We ask that you do so in silence, and if possible between practices.
- Have your yoga mat or towel/blanket to lie on and an additional blanket or pillow for resting, too. You will be invited to participate in a way that works best for you. Chairs will also be available in the space if you require one for any practice.
- Have your journal with you, and a pen.
- There will be an opportunity at the end of the retreat to reflect or journal about your experience before sharing with the group.
- You might not want to plan anything super-busy right after the retreat – it is a rare experience to be in silence for such a period.
- Whatever you end up doing after the retreat, the invitation is to explore with curiosity and interest how your experience at the retreat impacts your life.