SILENT RETREAT 2021
Feb 21st - Mar 5th Manor, TXFULL
I invite you to join us for a 10 day silent meditation retreat in rural Texas. In complete silence, we can go deeper into our spiritual practice of self-knowledge, awareness and peace to bring vibrations of unity, love, light and joy to the planet simply through our beingness. The meditation will center around Anapanasati (mindfulness of breath) and Vipassana (insight). Please register below to reserve your spot.
You will be required to observe a vow of silence for the 10 day period. On the 11th day, silence will be lifted as well as precepts #3, #5, #6, & #7. The property is large and well-isolated, surrounded by nature. There is a hot tub available at all times to participants. You can see footage of the land here: https://youtu.be/L2fqWHh89U0
General Information:
You can schedule your flights to arrive before 3:30pm (Central Time) on Feb 21, 2021 at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and depart home after 2pm on Mar 5, 2021. From BOS to AUS, the round trip tickets should cost no more than $200.
There are bedrooms, air mattress and floor sleeping/outdoor camping options. Depending on your choice of accommodations, the price may be slightly higher or lower.
A vegan meal will be prepared for breakfast and lunch, and tea or ceremonial cacao will be available during the evenings. Guests will be expected to follow the meal routines as long as they are staying at the retreat.
The 7 precepts we will be abiding by are the following:
1. To refrain from taking the life of any living creature
2. To refrain from taking that which is not given
3. To refrain from any kind of sexual activity
4. To refrain from false and harmful speech
5. To refrain from consuming intoxicating drink or drugs which lead to carelessness
6. To refrain from eating at inappropriate times (after midday)
7. To refrain from entertainment, beautifcation and adornment (such as music, makeup or jewelery)
Please note these are not admonishments or commandments, but guides for entering a temporary state of "fasting" willingly engaged by each participant in order to experience a deeper level of silence.
Working meditation is an important part of the retreat. It involves completing designated chores & tasks such as cleaning the toilets, sweeping the floors, or meal preparation. It is a selfless activity requiring a perspective of the "whole", offering you the opportunity to experience kindness, patience, and mindful awareness of action.
$100 deposit required
2 Bedroom spots - 1 filled
3 Air mattress spots - 2 filled
5 Outdoor spots - 3 filled
*The retreat is not for profit.
Group cost split between participants - estimated $2,800 to be divided accordingly for Bedroom, Air Mattress and Camping accommodations
(Airbnb - $2,171.97; Food - $600-$700)
Please reserve your spot using the button below. The schedule and FAQ is also provided below.
SCHEDULE
Arrival Day:
3:30pm - Shuttle from Austin Airport
4pm - Check in, room set-up
6:15pm - Boundary tour, review rules, chore designation
7pm - Dinner, Introductions
8:00pm - Fire, Intention Sharing
9pm - Guided Meditation
*BEGINNING OF THE SILENCE*
10pm - Lights out
Daily Schedule:
5:45am - Wakeup Bell
6am - Morning Yoga/Tai Chi
7:15am - Morning Chores/Meal Preparation
8am - Breakfast
9am - Sitting Meditation
9:45am - Nature reflection & immersion
11am - Lunch Preparation
12:30pm - Lunch, reflection and rest
2pm - (Optional) Guided Group Meditation & Instruction
3pm - Personal Practice time, Activity signups (ice bath, reiki sessions, breathwork, etc.)
5:30pm - Evening Tea/Ceremonial Cacao
7pm - Sitting Meditation
7:30pm - Group Walking Meditation
8pm - Chanting (first 3 nights, optional group discussion)
8:30/9pm - Evening Meditation
10pm - Bedtime, Lights out
Day 11:
5:45am - Wakeup Bell
6am - Morning Yoga/Tai Chi
7:15am - Morning Chores/Meal Preparation
8am - Breakfast
9am - Sitting Meditation
9:45am - END OF THE SILENCE, Music, group discussion period
11am - Lunch Preparation
12:30pm - Lunch
2pm - Celebration; music, dancing, socializing, hot tub
5:30pm - Evening Tea/Ceremonial Cacao, Intention and Experience Review
7pm - Ice Baths
8pm - Evening Meditation
8:45 - Sacred Medicines
Day 12:
10am - Shuttle to Austin Airport, Goodbyes
FAQ
Strictness: In a retreat, your spiritual experience may avail you opportunities which cannot be predicted or planned. Because of this, no scheduled activity is required other than the daily work meditations. However, it is strongly advised that you attend as many sessions as you can, as the schedule is designed to generate a consistency in consciousness required for processing catalyst. As long as the silence is kept, the only items that are required for continued participation on the retreat are the 7 precepts, and cell phones are prohibited.
Exercise: Physical Activity is encouraged, within reason, as long as it does not disturb others. The body is an important focus within the mind/body/spirit complex and can provide a great channel for "grounding". Strong lower chakras are our foundation from which we jump to heart-centered love & understanding.
Leaving the retreat: Once a participant exits the premises, they cannot return. This preserves the energetic bubble of protection within the time/space of the retreat. It is strongly discouraged to leave the retreat, and I kindly ask that if you plan on leaving, do not attend this retreat. However, if the intensity becomes too great, the seeker may leave without the weight of guilt nor shame, knowing that each has their own path in this journey. The retreat guides also reserve the right to expel participants in the unlikely event of behavioral disturbances.
Reading: Reading is strongly discouraged. Books will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and set aside for the entire 10 days.
Phones: Phones are prohibited, as one of the few strict rules. They are an extreme distraction and can bring in outside energies/thought forms. They will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and set aside for the entire 10 days.
Journals: Journaling, drawing, or distractions of a similar nature are strongly discouraged. The retreat is intended to be an exploration of the self as a microcosm for the universe. External expression and distractions will provide your mind a diversion from self-knowledge.