The Heart of Mindfulness: A Silent Meditation Retreat

This 7-day silent meditation retreat offers a deep exploration of mindfulness in its most universal form, while also honoring its contemplative and spiritual origins. Designed for experienced meditators, it provides an enriching opportunity to deepen practice in a quiet, supportive setting.

The retreat is especially well suited for mindfulness teachers and aspiring teachers, and it fulfills the retreat prerequisite for MBSR and most other teacher training programs. Throughout the week, the schedule weaves together sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful movement, and periods of informal practice, all within noble silence.

Retreat leaders will guide participants with meditation instruction and talks that explore the foundational principles of mindfulness, the shared nature of human experience, and the development of wisdom and compassion. There will also be time for small-group meetings with a retreat leader to reflect on your experience and ask questions.

Program Goals:

• Create a safe, nourishing environment for developing a deep and grounded mindfulness meditation practice.
• Support a rigorous retreat experience that is independent of any religious outlook.
• Provide strong guidance from highly trained, experienced teachers and meditation instructors.
• Use noble silence to help build a strong container for deepening practice.

Attitudes to Cultivate:

• Non-judging
• Patience
• Beginner's mind
• Trust
• Non-striving
• Acceptance
• Letting go
• Generosity
• Gratitude
• Self-compassion
• Kindness

Faculty:

Janet Solyntjes leads programs and silent retreats in both the Shambhala tradition and in the MBSR-based style of secular mindfulness. She is the co-founder of the Center for Courageous Living and has served on the faculty of Naropa University, the Center for Mindfulness, the Engaged Mindfulness Institute, and Mindful Leader.

Gaylon Ferguson, PhD, has led mindfulness meditation retreats since 1976. He has taught at Stanford, the University of Washington, and Naropa University. He is the author of three books: Welcoming Beginner's Mind: Zen and Tibetan Wisdom on Experiencing Our True Nature; Natural Wakefulness (on the four foundations of mindfulness); and Natural Bravery (on fear and courage).

Lodging:

Several accommodation options are available during checkout. All choices include healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

• Off Land: For participants commuting from home or arranging their own off-campus lodging, such as a bed and breakfast or nearby camping. This option includes tuition, plus $40 per night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of facilities.
• Car Camping: Five primitive parking spots are available in the Rigden parking lot for parking and sleeping. This includes food and access to the bathhouses in Rigden Lodge. Please note: there are no water or electric hookups for RVs.
• Dormitories: Rooms with beds for up to 7–8 people. These are gender-segregated, with men in one dorm and women in another. Shared bathrooms are located down the hall and include shower stalls.
• Monk Rooms: A cost-effective indoor option for those seeking solitude and comfortable with a shared bathroom, or looking for a more affordable retreat choice. Located in the same hall as the Rigden Dormitories, these rooms offer more privacy than the dorms and include a bed, bedding, private room, closet, large window, desk, and desk chair.
• Single and Double Rooms: Ideal for those who want their own space and private bathroom. Each room offers extra space, a dresser, closet, and a 3/4 bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower, without a bathtub.
• Junior Suite: The Lodge Junior Suites feature a queen-size bed with a cozy comforter, desk, dresser, closet, private bath with bathtub, and a sitting area.

Check in Instructions:

All participants must check in at the Guest Services Cabin. Check-in is from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the program start date. After-hours guests will find a packet next to the door. The program begins with orientation, followed by dinner. Programs usually end at 12:30 pm on the departure date, followed by lunch. Additional schedule details will be provided upon arrival.