Dec 1 2024 - Dec 6 2024

Silent Meditation Retreat: 5 night stay

Celebrate Stillness

Whether you are in need of some space to think and reflect or are looking to nurture yourself in a spiritual and peaceful environment, this silent retreat provides the setting to return to yourself. In the stillness of silence you can reconnect with your inner wisdom and sort out the mental chatter of daily life, contemplate questions you may be avoiding or gain clarity of thought.

Taking a break from communication is a gift we give each other on retreat.  No need for small talk or wondering what to say.  The silence isn’t heavy and punishing, it’s welcome and light.

You will have the opportunity to meet other retreatants at the beginning of the retreat and we will go into the silence after dinner on the first day. Ways to communicate if necessary will be explained with the initial orientation session after arrival.

No experience is necessary.  The initial orientation session will provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to explore various ways to sit comfortably using a chair, cushion etc.

Work meditation is a daily period of shared work to take care of the daily stuff of life:  washing dishes, preparing food, sweeping the floor, cleaning the washrooms, weeding the gardens.  As we take responsibility for a task. we have another opportunity to become more aware of our inner dialogue.

Private meetings are available with Liz during the retreat.  You will have a sign up sheet available to book a time that suits you. The meetings generally last from 20 to 30 minutes, and there are no formalities. You may bring a question you would like to share, or you may come just to be together in silence and see what comes up.

What is a silent retreat?

Do you wonder what the heck you do on a silent retreat – isn’t it boring?  Isn’t it difficult to be quiet? Yes, and no.
With the silence comes clarity of thought, concentration and insights into motivation and attention.  Without distractions of communication, electronics and media you can focus on your own thoughts, become more self-aware and grow a little more, developing equanimity with all the background noise of the environment, other people, physical sensations.

We will spend time with the following activities:

-Meditate – sitting, walking, eating & working are all forms of meditation

-Personal practice of movement such as yoga which is done in silence and without instruction

-Read spiritually uplifting books

-Enjoy natural beauty  – walk from the Centre through forest trails

-Connect with others in a deeper way – through shared experience without talking about it

-Be nurtured by friendly staff and supportive teacher

-Rest, recuperate and have time for reflection & napping

-Enjoy delicious, organic vegetarian meals to nourish your body

The Benefits of Silence

What are the benefits of being in silence?

-Revitalize with fresh energy and deeply rest

-Reduce stress

-Connect more deeply with your spiritual self, deepen or start your own practice

-Access your own inner voice – gain insights and more clarity on life’s decisions, situations;

-Spend time in nature and reconnect to the natural world

-Clear blocks and open yourself up to greater creativity and inspiration.

 

There is no religious focus on this retreat.  People from all paths and all walks of life come on retreat and benefit from the shared practice.  You could be Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, Agnostic or anything in between!  In silence we can recognize our similarities as beings of love, desiring peace.

 

 

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Sunday, December 1
5:30pm
Dinner
7-8:30pm
Orientation, opening talk, & sitting
Monday-Thursday December 2-5
6:30-7:30am
Sitting
7:30-10am
Breakfast, work meditation, and break
10am-12pm
Sitting, walking and a talk by Liz
12-2pm
Lunch and free time
2-4:30pm
Group inquiry followed by open exercise period
4:30-5pm
Sitting and private meetings
5-7pm
Dinner and break
7-8pm
Evening Practice
Friday, December 6
6:30-9:30am
Same morning schedule - pack up your cabin as the morning work meditation
9:30am
Practice, group discussion and then silence ends
11am
Forest hike
12pm
Lunch - Depart at your leisure or stay as long as you wish

Meet Your Facilitator

Liz Frost

Liz Frost MA Ed, RP, is a certified yoga teacher, mindfulness coach and psychotherapist. She was introduced to meditation in the early 90’s and found yoga as a form of meditation. With a foundation in meditation and somatic based psychotherapy, she incorporates mindfulness into yoga practice. She is the owner of Sugar Ridge and devotes her time and energy to making the world a more peaceful place.

Liz Frost, M.A. Ed, RP

Book Your Retreat

Sunday December 1
|
Friday December 6
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Tuition

Tuition includes all meals, classes and accommodation.
Rates are per person.

Semi-Private – $1430 + HST (2 share a room)

Private – $1,895 + HST for a room to yourself

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Shared - Cabin will be shared with up to 3 other guests of the same gender. If you are booking for just yourself, depending on the retreat, we will match you with other guests of the same gender.

Semi-private - Cabin will be shared with the 1 other person you are registering with. If booking alone, we will try to match you with someone of the same gender.

Private - Cabin for one person, not sharing with others.

Book now

The Centre

Welcome to Sugar Ridge! It is our mission to provide a space for you to be nourished in body, mind and soul. From completely silent to dip your toe, testing mindfulness, we have what you’re looking for!

1st December: Silent Meditation Retreat: 5 night stay