Find Your Calm: A Beginner-Friendly Mantra Meditation Retreat

Finding stillness through mantra: Step away from the noise of daily life and give yourself the rare gift of true rest. If life has been feeling busy, overwhelming, or nonstop, this weekend retreat offers a simple and supportive way to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with a sense of inner calm.
You will be gently guided through an easy and powerful meditation that combines breathing with the mantra OM AH HUM. No prior experience is needed—this practice is designed for beginners, suitable for any level of experience, and simple to follow.

Over the weekend, you will:

• Learn a practical meditation technique you can use anytime
• Experience a calmer, clearer mind
• Let go of stress and mental noise
• Discover a natural sense of inner peace and mental spaciousness

To help you fully unwind, we will also enjoy periods of quiet morning silence until noon on Saturday and Sunday, allowing your mind to settle more deeply—no pressure, just a supportive environment.

All sessions are warmly and skillfully guided by Kelsang Dechok, Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia and an American Buddhist nun, known for her clear, down-to-earth teaching style.

You don’t need any experience—just come as you are. Everyone is welcome.

Where do these teachings come from?
These meditations come from the Mahamudra tradition—an ancient practice known for helping people experience deep inner peace and clarity.
Even a small experience of these methods can begin to shift how you relate to stress, helping you feel calmer, lighter, and more present in your daily life.

What should I expect during the retreat?

• Each session is simple, supportive, and easy to follow:
• A short, practical teaching
• Guided meditation
• Quiet time to practice
• Time to ask questions

Everything is designed to be accessible for beginners, while still meaningful for those with some experience.

What is a meditation retreat?

• A meditation retreat is a chance to step away from daily busyness and give your mind real rest.
• By letting go of distractions and constant “doing,” you can:
• Experience a deeper sense of calm
• Develop better focus and clarity
• Feel more refreshed and balanced
• Even if your mind feels busy, most people find they become more relaxed, peaceful, and happy during retreat than in everyday life.

What are the sessions like?

• Most sessions are 60–75 minutes (except introduction) and combine guidance with meditation practice.

You will learn how to:

• Experience a genuine sense of inner peace
• Build a simple, sustainable meditation habit
• Take practical tools home to use in daily life
• Enjoy Rest, Nature, and Connection

Between sessions, you can:

• Connect with others in a relaxed, friendly environment
• Walk scenic hiking trails
• Sit quietly by the reflecting pond and enjoy mountain views
• There’s plenty of space for both connection and quiet reflection—whatever you need most.

Optional Digital Detox
Feeling overstimulated or constantly on your phone? This retreat is a perfect chance to unplug and reset. You’re encouraged (but not required) to take a break from devices—even leaving your phone in your car if you wish. Many people find this creates a powerful sense of mental clarity, presence, and freedom.

Morning Silence (Until Lunch)

Each morning, we observe gentle silence to help your mind settle more deeply. This isn’t strict or intimidating—it’s a supportive way to:

• Quiet mental chatter
• Deepen your meditation experience
• Connect with a sense of inner stillness
• In this quiet space, insights can arise naturally, and a deeper feeling of calm can stay with you throughout the day.

Who is this for?

• Complete beginners
• Anyone feeling stressed, busy, or overwhelmed
• Those wanting a peaceful, meaningful weekend
• No experience needed—just come as you are.

Weekend schedule:

FRIDAY

• 3:00 PM–4:00 PM Arrival on campus
• 6:00 PM–7:00 PM Community dinner
• 7:30 PM–9:00 PM Welcome and guided meditation

SATURDAY

• 8:00 AM–9:00 AM Breakfast in silence
• 9:30 AM–10:30 AM Talk and Guided meditation
• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM Talk and Guided meditation
• 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Community lunch
• 4:30 PM–5:30 PM Talk and Guided meditation
• 6:00 PM–7:00 PM Community dinner
• 7:30 PM–8:30 PM Guided meditation and Q&A

SUNDAY

• 8:00 AM–9:00 AM Breakfast in silence
• 9:30 AM–10:30 AM Talk and Guided meditation
• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM Talk and Guided meditation
• 12:00 PM–1:00 PM Community lunch

What does my registration fee include?

• All program fees
• Two nights accommodations at Elohee Retreat Center
• Bed linens, towels and shower amenities
• All meals (healthy, delicious, and nourishing) and 24-hour tea service
• Access to Elohee’s miles of hiking trails, waterfall, reflection pond, Tea House and gift shop

For more information, contact Kadampa Meditation Center Georgia at ad@meditationingeorgia.org or epc@meditationforeveryone.org.

Check out Elohee’s Guest Information FAQs here.