Would you like to spend a day dedicated to mindfulness practice, in a serene setting with other like-minded folks? Then please join me at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville on Saturday, November 2, 2019!
This retreat is intended for participants in my fall Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy groups, as well as a refresher for anyone who has taken a Mindfulness class with me. It is also suitable for any beginning student of mindfulness and meditation (adults only, please).
If you’ve never done a mindfulness meditation retreat before, perhaps you’re wondering “how will this benefit me?” or “will it be worth my time and money?” I still remember my first MBSR (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction) retreat in 2009: I showed up not knowing at all what to expect, and found it truly transformative. I was able to go to a deeper level in my meditation, and it gave me new insights about myself and how I was living my life.
There’s something profoundly restorative for the soul in being able to step out of “clock time,” disconnect from our devices, and simply experience time unfolding, moment by moment, through direct sensory awareness. We are able to connect with ourselves, even in a room full of strangers.
So here’s how it goes: we will meet from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm. In the morning we will learn and practice breath awareness exercises, simple yoga, and sitting and walking meditation. After a buffet lunch in the dining hall, there will be a period of silent practice where students can sit indoors or out in the gardens, or walk on wooded paths or in the labyrinth (as shown in the photo).
Then we come back together and close out the day with group discussion and a loving kindness practice. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, layered clothing, and bring a water bottle. You may bring a yoga mat and/or meditation cushion if you have one, but it’s not necessary. (We will be meeting in a large carpeted room with windows and reasonably comfortable chairs.)
This retreat, like all of my classes and groups, is taught in a secular, down to earth way, based on scientific principles while grounded in Buddhism and other ancient Eastern philosophies. For more information about the retreat center itself, which is run by the Franciscan Order, click here.
The retreat fee this year is $125, which includes lunch. It’s a bit higher than in years past, reflecting the retreat center’s increased rental costs. However, I’m offering an early registration discount, so if you register by October 12, you can get the 2015 rate of only $95!
If you miss the early registration deadline, I can accept payment in almost any form at the door, however, I ask that you still register in advance so I know how many people to expect (using the contact form on this website, or via email or phone.)