Foundations of Mindfulness: A 5-Day Silent Retreat, May 22, 2019 - May 27, 2019

This 5-day program is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) principles developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. The practices offered on this RETREAT EMPHASIZE THE ANCIENT ROOTS OF MINDFULNESS-based stress reduction (MBSR), especially the four FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS FIRST TAUGHT BY THE BUDDHA. The RETREAT IS offered in collaboration with the Mindfulness Center at Brown University [https://www.brown.edu/academics/public-health/research/mindfulness/current-upcoming-programs-0], is open to the public, and qualifies as a pre-requisite for MBSR teacher trainees.The course will include a full daily schedule of sitting and walking practice, lying down and standing meditation, daily mindful hatha yoga, and evening talks. On the first evening and the last day of the course there will be opportunities for group dialogue about practice. During the retreat there will also be brief meetings with the teacher to discuss the unfolding of the practice. For information about and to see pictures of the facility, the beautiful grounds and welcoming accomodations (comfortable, simple, contemporary shared guest rooms and baths), please visit spiritfireretreatcenter.com [http://www.spiritfireretreatcenter.com/planning-your-stay.html]. The food will be vegetarian, with gluten free and dairy free options available. Click here  [https://www.brown.edu/academics/public-health/research/mindfulness/people/teacherstrainers]for a brief bio of the course teacher, Éowyn Ahlstrom. And, if you have questions about the RETREAT CONTENT, you may contact Éowyn at eowyn@middlepath-healingarts.com. Course size is limited to 19, which will provide a wonderful, intimate atmosphere for this powerfully introspective mindfulness program. The retreat begins with a buffet dinner on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. and concludes with lunch at 12pm on Monday, May 27, 2019. Please plan to arrive between 2:30 and 5:00PM on the opening day to allow time for getting settled into your room and oreinted to the place. Note: This is a SILENT RETREAT, which means the intention is to make a full-on commitment to be present. _You are asked to be in silence and turn off your cell phone from the start of the retreat to the end (except in the case of an emergency)._ The program will include practice sessions that start at 6am and run through 9pm. Self care is supported and encouraged through periods of mindful movement, lying down meditation, mindful eating, and small group meetings with the teacher to discuss practice. Cancellation Policy Until April 24th, 2019, cancellation will result in a full refund minus a $75 processing fee.  Until May 15th, 2019 cancellation will result in a refund of half the registration fee minus $75 processing fee.  No refunds can be issued on cancellations after May 15, 2019.