Deepening Mindfulness: A 7-Day Silent Retreat, June 17 to 24, 2018

All of us have an innate capacity to experience well-being, strength, and confidence, even in the face of stress, pain, or illness. In order to enhance that capacity, we introduce the power of mindfulness, the practice of meeting each moment with an open heart and mind. This MINDFULNESS Meditation RETREAT IS AN INTENSIVE, residential, teacher-led, silent meditation retreat, which emphasizes the deep understanding and practice of mindfulness meditation in its most universal and secular expression.The RETREAT INCLUDES MEDITATION INSTRUCTION, guided sessions of MINDFULNESS MEDITATION PRACTICE, movement exercises, talks by the teachers, and mindful eating, as well as sessions of contemplation and teachings to deepen the understanding of the practice. During the RETREAT, there will also be small group sessions and an individual meeting with one of the teachers to discuss practice. This Mindfulness Meditation Retreat is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) principles developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli at the Center for Mindfulness in the University of Massachusetts Medical School. While open to all students who wish to experience a silent retreat, this retreat also fulfills one of the retreat prerequisites for attending the Oasis Institute for Mindfulness-Based Professional Education and Training.For those who are new to meditation practice, please be aware that practicing for a week in silence can be an intensive and challenging – as well as a highly rewarding – experience. ​This retreat is co-sponsored by the UMass Center for MINDFULNESS, and fufills the CFM's Oasis Institute requirement for silent retreats.  The retreat will be taught by Eowyn Ahlstrom and Zayda Vallejo. 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 May 20, 2018, cancellation will result in a full refund minus a $75 processing fee.  Until June 10, 2018, cancellation will result in a refund of half the registration fee minus $75 processing fee.  No refunds can be issued on cancellations after June 10th, 2018.