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.

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

  
  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.

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.

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 if you need or a sitting cushion on the floor.

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.  

Retreat Schedule:

Sunday 

Other Days

Departure Friday

Same morning schedule 6:30 – 9:30 am – pack up your cabin as morning work meditation
9:30am                  silence ends and group discussion
11:00                     Forest hike
12 pm                    Lunch
Depart at your leisure or stay as long as you wish