The Heart of Mindfulness: A Silent Meditation Retreat
June 13–20, 2025
Meditation & Mindfulness, On Land Retreats
The Heart of Mindfulness Retreat is a 7-day silent meditation retreat emphasizing mindfulness’s deep understanding and practice 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 suits 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 to illuminate 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
Blog
On Silent Group Meditation Retreats: 10 things I’ve learned along the way
by Janet Solyntjes
Teachers
Janet Solyntjes
Janet Solyntjes leads programs and silent retreats in both the Shambhala tradition and in the MBSR-based style of secular mindfulness. She is the co-founder of the Center for Courageous Living and has served on the faculty of Naropa University, the Center for Mindfulness, the Engaged Mindfulness Institute, and Mindful Leader. Janet facilitates the annual leadership retreat: Do Nothing: […]
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 three books: Welcoming Beginner’s Mind: Zen and Tibetan Wisdom on Experiencing Our True Nature; Natural Wakefulness (on the four foundations of mindfulness); and Natural Bravery (on fear and […]
