The Awakened Mind Meditation Center will host a week long silent retreat beginning Monday, January 7th and ending Sunday, January 13th. This retreat is open to anyone of any experience level. The goal is to kickstart your meditation practice for the new year. For many of us, our practice wanes over the course of the year. Would you like to find a new rythm for the new year? Come sit with us and see what adding more meditation to your everyday routine feels like.

From Monday through Friday, we will meditate for an hour in the morning and evening. Perhaps you've assumed there's no time for practice before work or you keep a late schedule. Well, now's your chance to try something new. Many practitioners report that they're more present and focused in the morning than in the evening. If you can, come join us for morning mediation and see what happens! If it's not possible to sit at the center, try meditating at home before you go to work.

Meditation practice doesn't end on the cushion. We also aim to take our practice out into the world. As lay practitioners, we have the opportunity to bring awareness to every moment and every interaction - sometimes in difficult situations. During this retreat, we encourage you to watch your feelings and your body as you go about your day. And if you can, try to find 15 minutes to pause and bring awareness to your breath, body, heart and mind. Lunch may serve as an ideal opportunity for such a pause.

The weekend portion of our retreat is scheduled to give you more intensive practice with your body, heart and mind in a compressed amount of time. Sitting in close succession can offer a view that most of us don't get otherwise. We'll sit for three hours in the morning and afternoon with fifteen minute breaks at the end of each hour. If you haven't tried sitting this long before, don't feel intimidated. There are no requirements. Please feel free to do what you can - sit for shorter periods, stretch out on the floor, leave the room, or leave the center if you need.

The retreat closes at 5:00pm on Sunday. However, we recommend that participants attend the regularly scheduled Sunday night meditation to share their insights and challenges with the group.

Mon, Jan 7 - Fri, Jan 11:
7:00 - 8:00am
6:30 - 7:30pm

Sat, Jan 12 & Sun, Jan 13:
9:00 - 9:45am
10:00 - 10:45am
11:00 - 12:00am
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch Break
1:30 - 2:15pm
2:30 - 3:15pm
3:30 - 4:15pm

Session closes at dinner on Sunday, April 30. We recommend that participants stay for the regularly scheduled Sunday night meditation to discuss their insights and problems during the retreat.

Silence: This is a silent retreat. Please do not talk or make eye contact with other participants while you are at the center, especially during meditation periods. If you must talk please do so outside in the parking area away from the meditation hall. You may communicate with retreat leaders during breaks if you have questions or are having difficulties.

Food and Drink: Food will not be served, but we will offer tea and coffee throughout the retreat. You may bring your own food and drink if you prefer.

Suggestions: Try to avoid listening to radio or watching TV during your retreat. While driving, turn off the radio and pay attention to the sensations in your body and watch your thoughts with curiosity. Moderate your diet, eat healthier, eat lighter, fast for a day or more if you're so inclined.

Location: The Awakened Mind Center

Price: Donations Accepted

Phone: 344-1370