The Heart of Mindfulness: A Silent Meditation Retreat
Janet Solyntjes and Gaylon Ferguson
December 1–8, 2023
The Heart of Mindfulness Retreat is a 7-day silent meditation retreat that emphasizes the deep understanding and practice of mindfulness in its most universal expression while respecting and acknowledging its contemplative and spiritual roots.
Photo by Karen O’Hern
The retreat is open to all experienced meditators who are looking for an enriching silent retreat experience. It is suitable for mindfulness teachers or aspiring teachers, and fulfills the retreat prerequisite for attending MBSR and most other teacher training programs.
Program Details
The daily schedule will integrate sitting and walking meditation, mindful movement and periods of informal practice, all held within the container of noble silence. The retreat leaders will offer meditation instruction and talks aimed at illuminating the foundational principles of mindfulness, the universality of the human experience, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. Participants will have an opportunity to meet with a retreat leader in a small group setting to discuss their experience and ask questions.
Program Goals
- Provide a safe, nourishing environment for cultivating a deep and grounded mindfulness meditation practice.
- Foster a rigorous retreat experience, independent of any religious outlook.
- Offer excellent support and guidance from highly trained, experienced teachers and meditation instructors.
- Practice noble silence to develop a strong container for deepening meditation practice.
Attendance Requirement
Participants must attend all practice sessions
Attitudes to Cultivate
- Non-judging
- Patience
- Beginner’s mind
- Trust
- Non-striving
- Acceptance
- Letting go
- Generosity
- Gratitude
- Self-compassion
- Kindness
Taking Care
Please review the DMC COVID-19 policy before completing registration.
On Silent Group Meditation Retreats: 10 things I’ve learned along the way by Janet Solyntjes
Teachers
Janet Solyntjes
Janet Solyntjes, MA, is a Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher and has been leading silent meditation retreats in the U.S. and internationally for over 30 years. She provides online study groups and individual mentoring to mindfulness teachers-in-training and has been on the faculty of Naropa University, the Center for Mindfulness, and the Engaged Mindfulness Institute.
Janet facilitates the annual leadership retreat: Do Nothing: Learning to Live Your Life with Genuine Care for entrepreneurs and supports business leaders and teams in the integration of mindfulness into workplace settings.
Gaylon Ferguson
Gaylon Ferguson, PhD, has led mindfulness meditation retreats since 1976.
He has taught at Stanford, the University of Washington, and Naropa University. He is the author of two books: Natural Wakefulness (on the four foundations of mindfulness) and Natural Bravery (on fear and fearlessness). He has written articles for Lion’s Roar and Tricycle magazines.