Finding Balance in Chaos: A Mindfulness Retreat for Coming Back to Ourselves

We are living in tumultuous times. Stress is running high; adapting to this unsettling context is challenging. This retreat is an opportunity to slow down, settle, and come back to what truly supports us.

Throughout this retreat we will offer Buddhist mindfulness practices for calming and settling in the service of soothing the nervous system. We will take a stress inventory, and make room to acknowledge and release some of the ragged, unmetabolized emotions that have been building up.

We will settle into meditative postures–sitting, standing, lying down and walking–alternating between stillness and movement practices that move us toward well being and balance.

In a container of silence, as a collective of spiritual friends, let’s gather together and practice. 

Program Format: This retreat will include mindfulness teachings, guided meditations, and guided mindful speaking and listening explorations.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed during much of this program. Some contemplative exercises may involve mindful speaking and listening. Noble silence is to be upheld at all other times.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away. If you cancel more than eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel between three and eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit. Registration fees are nonrefundable less than three weeks before the program starts.

Schedule:

Please note that the daily schedule will vary (sometimes significantly) from course to course. Below please find a typical schedule, keeping in mind that it will not directly reflect every course.


Opening Day

 2:00 – 5:45 pm Check-in

 4:30 pm BCBS Campus Tour (optional)

 5:50 – 6:30 pm Kitchen Orientation and Dinner

 7:30 – 9:00 pm Opening Session


Middle Day(s)

 6:30 am Wake-up Bell

 7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

 7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

 8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Morning Session

 12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

 2:00 – 5:00 pm Afternoon Session

 5:00 – 5:30 pm Dinner

5:30 – 7:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

 7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Session


Closing Day

6:30 am Wake-up Bell

7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Closing Session

12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch (optional)