Cultivating Steadiness and Ease: A Mindfulness Retreat for Beginners

In a world that seldom slows down, this retreat creates space to step away from daily momentum and reconnect with steadiness, ease, and presence. Held in silence and supported by guided practice, it invites participants to listen more closely to the body, the heart, and each unfolding moment.

Created for beginners and those in the early stages of meditation practice, this retreat offers a clear, welcoming introduction to mindfulness meditation. No prior retreat experience is necessary, though some familiarity with meditation will be helpful, as the retreat is held primarily in noble silence to support continuity of practice.

Through guided meditation, silent periods, and accessible Dharma talks, participants will explore mindfulness as a way of meeting experience with care and steadiness. The practices center attention on the body, the breath, and present-moment awareness, offering practical tools for cultivating focus without strain or self-judgment.

Support is offered for working with common experiences such as restlessness and wandering attention, with the understanding that these are natural parts of the path. An emphasis on kindness and compassion helps participants build trust and confidence in their practice.

We will not require or administer Covid-19 tests in 2026, but participants are asked to bring mindfulness to their actions in the days leading up to the retreat out of consideration for staff, teachers, and fellow participants. Masks will be optional and encouraged, especially if someone is feeling unwell. Avoiding higher-risk situations and wearing masks whenever possible will help reduce the chance of transmitting viruses on site. We strongly encourage anyone with symptoms of a communicable illness to stay home.

First-time retreatants at Southern Dharma must arrive by 5:00pm ET on the first day of retreat. Check-in begins at 3:00pm. Returning yogis may check in between 3:00 and 6:00pm.

Departure will take place by 2:00pm on the final day of retreat. Please be sure you can attend the full program before registering.

All registrations are subject to the new 2026 cancellation policy, and all retreatants must review and agree to it at the time of registration.

For 2026 retreats, pricing is based on lodging. Please select the option that best reflects your ability to give at this time. Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax-deductible contribution to Southern Dharma Retreat Center, and your confirmation email serves as your receipt for tax purposes.

We are deeply grateful for your support.

Please note that registration fees do not include dana for the teacher(s). In the Buddhist tradition, teachings are offered freely and teachers are not paid for their offerings. They rely on dana contributions from students, and we appreciate your generosity in supporting a community of practitioners committed to the Dharma.

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. Five housing options are currently available:

• Bed in Lodge, shared double room (2nd floor)
• Bed in Lodge, dorm with privacy partitions (3rd floor)
• Unheated kuti (single cabin)
• Canvas Tent (furnished, single)
• Basic Tent Platform (camping with your own gear)

*Please note: Southern Dharma is no longer able to offer Heated Kutis. All Kutis are unheated and have no electricity.

Scholarship awards based on need are available at 25% or 50% discounts for lodge-based room assignments. Choosing a scholarship option gives you a high likelihood of being placed in shared housing.

Please use the appropriate fields to share any additional housing needs, such as whether you prefer to be housed with others of the same gender, whether you snore, use a CPAP machine, or require single housing if you registered through a scholarship pathway and would otherwise be placed in the lodge.

Southern Dharma also offers additional financial aid for BIPOC and Young Adults, as well as for those with more serious financial need. Please email if you require financial aid beyond the 25% or 50% scholarship.

Participants who have previously used Hemera Foundation Fellowships are welcome to use any of the in-house scholarship options.