5-Day Silent Retreat ! Enjoy the Silence
This retreat is a dive into silence. it is an opportunity for undressing the superficiality of our usual narratives and go deeper. the emphasis in this retreat is the continuity of a relaxed, however alert awareness, either when sitting or walking or in our daily activities. by simply look at the body/mind process with interest, curiosity and acceptance, we begin to understand the experience of living as it is.
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What is it?
What is a Meditation Retreat?
A meditative retreat is a personal adventure. It's a small investment of time that has the potential to affect the rest of your life. It is a space to silence the noise and distractions and come face to face with yourself, creating the opportunity to start a new direction.Why Attend to this Meditation Retreat?
A meditation retreat is the 'best time'. There is nothing that is required from you. When life runs at a fast pace, with incremental levels of stress, there are few opportunities to pause and allowing the mind and the body to fully recover. Going to a retreat allows you to exit from the daily routine, and offers the precious time that you need both at mental and physical level.Silence can be a challenge for some people at first, because it is a new and unfamiliar experience. Staying in silence can be confused. This is especially true when the primary association with silence is uncomfortable. However, our experience tells us that most people appreciate the silence of the retreat. Even those who were intimidated by him at first, often find that peace in the silence that become reluctant to end the retreat. As particants become aware of their wealth, they embrace the silence instead of fearing it.
Silence allows a heightened sense of intimacy with the world. In sustained silence our senses become more acute, and both the inner world and the outside may seem to us more clearly. For example, we begin to notice the birds singing or we can tune into our thoughts and emotions more calmly.
The main objective of this silent retreat is to support our meditation practice. Silence helps keep our focus on growing mindfulness and concentration. The continuity of mindfulness is much easier when you do not speak. The complex interplay of emotions and attitudes involved in most social interactions tend to keep a very active and fragmented mind, not allowing deep concentration.
'The Noble Silence'
This retreat is also a great time to find out what Buddhism calls the "noble silence", a beautiful state of mind that emerges when discursive thought slows / stops. The discursive thought refers to the internal dialogue in our own minds. One can imagine conversations with others, remembering the past or projecting the future, or conversations with yourself. It may involve abstract, analytical thinking about what is happening in the present moment. As discursive thought subsides the mind becomes more peaceful. As the excitement diminishes, the desire and aversion also decrease. When this calm interior is accompanied by confidence, purity and equanimity, then it is said that the mind experiences the fullness of the "noble silence".
The Group
This retreat is conducted in group and practitioners will spend much time in silence in the company of others. As the collective silence develops practitioners often find that being with the other in silence allows a rich sense of connection, which can be even more rewarding than if they were involved in a conversation. Instead of knowing the other through the stories of who they are, what they do, and have done, silence highlights our shared humanity and an empathic and compassionate relationship. A wonderful lesson of a retreat is as peaceful ways of being with others may allow a deep sense of connection. Benefits
Other Benefits from this retreat
Numerous scientific studies have shown that meditation has enormous health benefits. It positively affects the brain and body chemistry, blood pressure, breathing and metabolism and reduces the production of stress hormones. Most people would be overjoyed to have a tool that allows them to take control of their stress levels, no?
A meditation retreat can be the beginning of this process. And all as a result of "doing nothing"!
Naturally happens:
- Slowing down;
- Boredom cure (although at first it may seem otherwise);
- "Do not scratch where it itch" (practice Acceptance);
- Make friends with your suffering (practice Acceptance);
- Mindful eating practice;
- Get a good dose of natural opiates;
- Falling in love for the Earth;
- Feeling love for all beings;
- Get clarity on your life;
- Reduce your anxiety and stress levels;
- Be your own “master”;
- ...
What to expect?
This retreat may allow a better understanding about you. There no need for any special skills, because all it involves is meditating, eating, deep contact with nature, sleeping, sharing and daily lectures. What seems very daunting at first, it becomes something incredibly liberating. The important thing is to get in tune with your own mind and body, even for short periods on a regular basis, so you can improve your awareness of the present moment and allow the opportunity to work smoothly and healthy.In this retreat you will not have to make things that seem strange or difficult to you or even impossible, to sit cross-legged or meditate for long periods of time. There are alternatives to suit the needs of each person.
In short
This retreat prepares you to face the ups and downs of your existence. Reduce your stress, fear and concern. Restlessness recedes and passion moderates itself. Things begin to fall into place and your life becomes a flow instead of a fight. All this happens through understanding. Meditation sharpens your concentration and your power to think. Your intuition clears up. The precision of your thinking process increases, and gradually comes to a direct knowledge of things as they really are, without prejudice and without illusion. So, are these enough reasons to worry? Hardly. These are just promises on paper. There is only one way to find out if meditation is worth the effort: Learn to practice it correctly and do it on a regular basisBy discovering the great value of silence practitioners can explore their uses in everyday life. Learn to be comfortable with silence expands what is possible in our relationships with others and with ourselves. In particular, it can be a great support to help us find greater (spiritual) freedom wherever we are. And with freedom we can experience stillness and peace, even within the frenzy.
Try it for yourself !
For whom?
This retreat is accessible to everyone with some experience in CONTEMPLATIVE practices. Using awareness, compassion, non-judgement and body knowledge, the participants will learn the principles to develop a sustainable, health and well-being promoting personal practice.
This retreat is for people who:
► wants to foster their sense of health and well-being;
► wants to live with more awareness;
► wants to learn ways of self-exploration and self-care.
► are seeking a complementary treatment to medical or psychotherapeutic treatment;
and who
► feel stressed by their jobs or who feel burned out;
► are living with an acute or chronic disease;
► are suffering from chronic pain;
► have psychosomatic symptoms (problems with sleep, digestion…);
► experience feelings of anxiety or depressed mood...
PREREQUISITES
This retreat is accessible to everyone with some experience in CONTEMPLATIVE practices.
* This retreat does not confer competence to teach or apply the program to others, but is a mandatory prerequisite (foundation level ) for those interested in teaching Mindfulness-Based Initerventions.
Teacher
Dh. Karunavira, M.Sc.
Karunavira is one of the most experienced teachers that you can find internationally and exceptionally skilled at creating a safe learning environment, supportive and deeply engaging, allowing participants to seek, explore and inquire.
Karunavira is a Senior Trainer at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice (CMRP) - Bangor University and
Director of Mindful Health LLP.
Some highlights:
► 10 years of continuous MBSR and MBCT teaching with approximately 150 8-week courses taught to date;
► Counselling psychotherapist using Mindfulness in this context;
► trained as an Iyengar Yoga teacher and have over 40 years Tai Chi and Chi Kung practice;
► Train National Health System mindfulness teachers in the south of England.
Karunavira (aka ‘KV’) holds an M.Sc. in Mindfulness-based Approaches with Bangor University, an FdSc in Person Centred Counselling (BACP), and a Dip Ed. KV is a senior trainer and tutor on the CMRP Masters Programme , and is a founding director of Mindful health Llp, which delivers Mindfulness Teacher Training programmes within the NHS, he is also a part-time NHS psychotherapeutic counsellor. KV was the Spiritual Director of the Brighton Buddhist Centre from 1999 to 2009, and has been a teacher of meditation and Buddhist Studies since 1989. KV’s teaching specialisms include carers, young people, staff groups, and international training and workshops. Publications: ‘The eye of the storm’: NHS staff well being MBCT feasibility study: The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (2014).
+ Informations:
Bangor+ CV
Karunavira is one of the most experienced teachers that you can find internationally and exceptionally skilled at creating a safe learning environment, supportive and deeply engaging, allowing participants to seek, explore and inquire.
Karunavira is a Senior Trainer at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice (CMRP) - Bangor University and
Director of Mindful Health LLP.
Some highlights:
► 10 years of continuous MBSR and MBCT teaching with approximately 150 8-week courses taught to date;
► Counselling psychotherapist using Mindfulness in this context;
► trained as an Iyengar Yoga teacher and have over 40 years Tai Chi and Chi Kung practice;
► Train National Health System mindfulness teachers in the south of England.
Karunavira (aka ‘KV’) holds an M.Sc. in Mindfulness-based Approaches with Bangor University, an FdSc in Person Centred Counselling (BACP), and a Dip Ed. KV is a senior trainer and tutor on the CMRP Masters Programme , and is a founding director of Mindful health Llp, which delivers Mindfulness Teacher Training programmes within the NHS, he is also a part-time NHS psychotherapeutic counsellor. KV was the Spiritual Director of the Brighton Buddhist Centre from 1999 to 2009, and has been a teacher of meditation and Buddhist Studies since 1989. KV’s teaching specialisms include carers, young people, staff groups, and international training and workshops. Publications: ‘The eye of the storm’: NHS staff well being MBCT feasibility study: The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (2014).
+ Informations:
Bangor
Program
Monday
Arrive (any time) from 2pm - ’settling in’
3.30pm Group Meets ‘orientation to retreat’
4.30pm Meditation (and then free time to explore)
7.15pm Dinner:
8.30pm Reflective Practice (‘intentions’)
9.00pm End of day brief practice
Tuesday
7.30am: Morning Practice (Mindful Movement + ‘unguided’ Sitting Practice)
8.30: Breakfast
10.00: Orientation to Meditation then Sitting-walking-sitting ‘cycle of practice’
1pm: Lunch:
(Free time to explore the local landscape)
4pm: Sitting-walking-sitting ‘cycle of practice’
7.15: Dinner
8.30pm Practice input and mindful Q and A
9.00pm End of day brief practice ('choice-less/open awareness')
Wednesday
7.30am: Morning Practice (Mindful Movement + ‘unguided’ Sitting Practice)
8.30: Breakfast:
10.30: Sitting-walking-sitting ‘cycle of practice’
1pm: Lunch:
(Free time to explore the local landscape)
4pm: Sitting-walking-sitting ‘cycle of practice’
7.15: Dinner
8.30pm Input (Making Effort in Mindfulness)
9.00pm End of day brief practice (‘Open Awareness')
Thursday (Theme of day is MBSR practices as in an ‘All Day’)
7.30am: Morning Practice (Mindful Movement + ‘unguided’ Sitting Practice)
8.30am: Breakfast
10.00am: Mindful Movements + Body Scan
Mindful Tea Break
12.00 Walking + 4 Stage Meditation
1.pm Lunch
3.30pm Sitting Practice and ‘Coming out of Silence’ process
Afternoon Tea
5.00pm ‘Open Awareness’ – Just Sitting Practice
7.15 Dinner
8.30 Sitting and then Whole Group mindful Q&A
Friday
7.30am: Morning Practice
8.30am: Breakfast
10.00am: Whole Group Meets (ending process)
Depart by lunchtime
Venue + FAQ
VENUE
• Casa Silva, Barcelos, Portugal
About 50 kms from Oporto airport Nestled in the beautiful North of Portugal, this center is the perfect site for retreats. It offers fresh air, mountain vistas, gorgeous wooded acreage, personalized service and the best facilities around. Located just 40 minutes from Oporto Airport, with great accesses, you will feel a million miles away from the city, but we're close enough for an easy getaway. The meditation gardens offers sanctuary to reflect and recharge in natural beauty with sounds of water all around. Amenities:
Accomodations:There are more than 30 bedrooms (altought the group is limited), each with its own newly remodeled private bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Sheets, blankets, towels and soap are provided. Rooms have adjustable heaters and wireless internet.
The food is amazing.
Distance between Barcelos station and the retreat center
For various reasons, we encourage that participants share rides and travel costs.
What time should I arrive? When will we finish? We will begin checking people into the retreat at 3pm on the first day. However, it may be possible for you to arrive before and have access to your room. We ask that you plan on arriving no later than 4pm so that we can begin with the full group in attendance at scheduled time. We plan to end the retreat by 12pm on the last day, so please plan your plan your travel accordingly. Sometimes situations arise in which people have to leave the retreat earlier than noon on the last day but we strongly urge you to avoid this if at all possible.
Is there wireless service/mobile phone use?
Expect to get consistent, reliable wireless internet service while at the retreat center. It is most advisable to restrict cellphone use and to leave your computer at home because of the retreat nature, however we recognize that sometimes computer use is a necessity. Most cellular phones will work in this location. Again, however given the nature of the retreat there will be limited opportunities to use them, so informing those who may need to contact you of these limitations ahead of time will be helpful.
Is it possible to stay extra nights at the facility or arrive a day or two early?
The retreat center is often booked both right before and right after our training, so arriving early or staying an extra night or two after the retreat maybe a possibility, but requires to planning in advance.
What do I need to bring?
If it is at all possible, please bring a meditation cushion (zafu) and a yoga mat. We will have a some cushions and mats, but maybe not enough to everyone. So if you have one and can squeeze it into your luggage or bring it as a carry-on please consider doing so. It is always advisable to check the weather forecast prior to traveling, to help guide you in proper clothing choices.
The relatively 'remote' location makes security a minor concern, but we do want people to know that with shared sleeping quarters and very limited availability of keys to lock rooms, we highly recommend leaving valuable items at home to reduce the possibility of anything being lost or stolen. Certainly some of us will have vehicles where such items can be secured if this is necessary.
What should I expect regarding the format of the retreat?
This retreat is taught in a residential format, which means there is a great deal of contemplatives practices embedded. The venue very much facilitates this format; we will will meet, eat and be housed in a relatively secluded area. There are no other large groups planned in the center that weekend, so it should be relatively quiet and secluded. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but not by any means luxurious.
What if I require some special accommodations or have dietary restrictions?
While you are asked to note specific food restrictions on your registration application (on the comments), if there are any additional food or medical concerns we should be aware of please let us know of these in advance so we may assist you.
If you are interested in reviewing a small part of the books and research articles covering mindfulness-related topics, please view the bibliography (in PDF format) taht UCSD CFM have compiled
This is an opportunity to rediscover yourself and to access the qualities and strengths you possess deep inside.
Pre-registration + Fee
► Total cost:
Early Bird:€445 (reservations until 27th January 2017);
After 27th January: €500
(includes Teachings + accomodation + three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner, + snacks e tea (middle morning and middle afternoon).
Notes
► It's necessary to fill the application form;
► In the application form select the Event - Silent Retreat;
► The retreat takes place with a minimum and maximum of participants;
► If possible bring baggy clothes, a pillow and a mat and zafu (if you have them);
► Upon submission of your registration you will receive an email with additional information;
► The program is subject to minor changes.
Cancellation Policy
► A refund (minus your non-refundable and non-transferable deposit) will be made for cancellations submitted in writing 30 days prior to the training. No refunds will be allowed after that date.
► In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, Portuguese Society of Meditation - Mindfulness Institute is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee and not for transportation, hotel accommodations or any miscellaneous expenses.
PRE-REGISTRATION
Notes
If you have difficulties in the application form, please, open this page in a different browser, such as Firefox or Chrome or contact to eventos.spmbe(at)gmail.com
The Portuguese Society of Meditation / Mindfulness Institute (SPM-BE - MI) has no responsibility for losses, damages, expenses or inconvenience that may arise, for any reason, due your participation in this event
CONFIDENTIALITY
SPM-BE - MI guarantees the confidentiality of personal data provided and their treatment in accordance with current legislation on data protection.
The Portuguese Society of Meditation / Mindfulness Institute (SPM-BE - MI) has no responsibility for losses, damages, expenses or inconvenience that may arise, for any reason, due your participation in this event
CONFIDENTIALITY
SPM-BE - MI guarantees the confidentiality of personal data provided and their treatment in accordance with current legislation on data protection.
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5-Day Silent Retreat ! Enjoy the Silence
Reviewed by
Vítor Bertocchini
on
11:59
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Reviewed by
Vítor Bertocchini
on
11:59
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