What is a Silent Mindfulness Retreat?
Silent Mindfulness Retreats offer silent periods of sitting meditation practice, walking meditation, and yoga. Brief periods of time are also set aside for practice discussions with retreat instructors as check-ins throughout the retreat experience.
What Can I Learn in a Silent Mindfulness Retreat?
Informed by ancient contemplative traditions and modern cutting-edge research, silent mindfulness retreats are an opportunity to experience a reprieve from the fast-paced, tech-driven, and stressful aspects of modern life, providing a sanctuary to reconnect with one's self. For teachers and those interested in teaching, these retreats offer an essential experience as it is through one’s own depth of practice that we are able to support and teach others.
What are the Benefits of a Silent Mindfulness Retreat?
While each student's experience is unique, the published research has shown changes like these are common.
Deepened mindfulness practice • Deeper sense of meaning and purpose • Increased compassion for self and others • Enhanced focus and concentration • Enhanced emotional regulation and resilience
Retreats for Teacher Training and Teachers
MHI's 5-day and 7-day silent, teacher-led mindfulness retreats fulfill retreat requirements for many mindfulness teacher training programs.
Silent teacher-led mindfulness retreats, Live Online via Zoom
Tuition:
- 5-Day: $625.00
- 7-Day and Insight Inside Us: $880.00
Payment plans are available at checkout. See our refund policy.
All times are in EASTERN TIME (ET). Click here to use a timezone converter.
Upcoming Silent Mindfulness Retreat Courses
October 6 - 11, 2024, Instructors Eric López Maya and Bob Stahl
5-Day Silent Mindfulness Retreat: Cultivating Wisdom and Compassion
In-Person at the Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY
December 13 - 18, 2024, Instructors Bob Stahl and Éowyn Ahlstrom
5-Day Retreat, Live online via Zoom
- December 13 (opening): 7:00pm - 9:30pm (ET)
- December 14-17 (full-day): 9:30am - 9:30pm (ET)
- December 18 (closing): 9:30am - 12:30pm (ET)
Don't see dates/times that work for you? Join the Silent Mindfulness Retreat waitlist to be notified when a retreat is available.
“I felt like coming back home – giving my body a pause for those days. For the first time, it was all about understanding myself, not others. It was a break to listen to my own thoughts. The teacher's presence was powerful; they diligently followed up with individuals and offered support when needed.”
Zarin Khan, Student
Silent Mindfulness Retreat
“I loved being given permission to integrate the learnings in real time at home. ”
Student
Silent Mindfulness Retreat
“This retreat came at the perfect time, and was such a gift to myself and my family. I can feel the ripples spreading out to the world. I'm in deep gratitude for the time, guidance and support. The facilitators were kind and thoughtful and guided in a way that brought reflection, compassion, connection, and even joy. The schedule was supportive, and the content was mindfully presented. I'll be signing up again!”
Beth, Student
Silent Mindfulness Retreat
Why Attend a Retreat?
Attending a silent retreat provides an opportunity to give moment-to-moment attention to mindfulness practice over the course of a number of uninterrupted days, thus deeply exploring awareness, experience, and the intrinsic relationship between them. Such times of dedicated mindfulness practice support deepening and widening into an every moment of our lives. Our retreats are designed to be rigorous and intensive, and also nourishing and reflective.
The practice of retreating to explore the inner self has roots that stretch back over 5,000 years – from the ancient mystics and the revered philosophers of the old world to the indigenous wisdom healers and modern-day spiritual leaders. Today, this ancient practice remains relevant, supporting individuals to uncover innate tools for leading a more authentic life.
Firmly grounded in respect and kindness, these retreats are an important experiential learning for all who are interested in turning towards one’s life in all its richness and wonder.
Which Mindfulness Retreat is Right for Me?
5-Day Silent, Teacher-Led Retreats
A 5-day silent mindfulness retreat is opportunity to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and immerse oneself in deep, uninterrupted reflection, self-discovery, and stillness. By engaging in sustained periods of silence, participants can cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and clarity, allowing them to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment. This intensive practice fosters a profound sense of inner peace, resilience, and insight, equipping individuals with valuable tools to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and compassion. Daily talks, guided practices, and brief meetings with the teachers provide support and direction. Ultimately, the retreat provides a transformative experience that can lead to lasting personal growth and a deeper connection with oneself.
7-Day and Insight Inside Us Retreats
Mindfulness is grounded in wisdom principles that support increased awareness of and investigation into the causes of stress. Led by experienced retreat teachers who are leaders in the field, Insight Inside Us retreats explore, through direct experience, the deep roots that inform mindfulness and are the underpinnings of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Through mindfulness meditation, exploration of perception, stress science, and engagement with the wisdom of the body, students are empowered to participate in their own health and well-being, cultivating a continuity of practice engendering stability, tranquility, focus, and resources for transformation. Daily talks as well as individual and group meetings to discuss meditation practice, provide additional support.
What are the Potential Learning Experiences of Retreats?
Individual retreat learning experiences vary widely from person to person and can include the following:
- Stepping-away from the assault of distractions and interruptions
- Experiencing silence and stillness
- Cultivating paying attention to your mind and body and meeting each moment with an open mind
- Nurturing an open heart with compassion and less judgment
- Discovering a deeper understanding of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations
- Becoming more aligned with your core self, more aware of the world around you, and the intersection of the two
- Reducing the symptoms of stress and suffering
- Restoring and recharging mentally, physically, and emotionally for a healthier life
Harvard Business Review, March 2020
- Matthias Birk
“Practicing meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety, calm the amygdala, increase our ability to think creatively and empathetically take other people’s perspective.
In times of uncertainty, there is a strong temptation to start the day by checking your email and news. But when we do that, we are drawn into reactive mode, often fighting one fire after another. On the contrary, starting the day with a few minutes of meditation can help you center and calm fear-based thoughts.”
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