Deepening Concentration: A Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

Concentration refers to a calm unification within the mind that occurs when the mind is undistracted and steady. This state of serenity encompasses a balanced, joyful composure. Concentration practice can energize you and bring a sense of joy and calm to your life.

In addition, Concentration practice is essential to the cultivation of Mindfulness.  Whatever your level of experience, you can improve your Mindfulness by strengthening your concentration skills. Developing concentration can bring energy, clarity, and focus to your ability to be with the mindful investigation of what is skillful, true and real in life. Because a steady, undistracted mind is especially clear and perceptive, awareness is unclouded, and insights arise on a deeper and more profound level.

This retreat offers several techniques that will encourage and improve your ability to enter into relaxed but focused states of one-pointed absorption through the practice of concentration meditation. We will also give instruction for utilizing concentration during insight practice. Your ability to concentrate will develop in response to the attention you give it. The good news is that Concentration can be learned, practiced and realized.

This 3-day retreat is largely held in silence. All are welcome regardless of your level of meditation experience.   Each day will include meditation instruction, yoga, and evening talks on various aspects of concentration meditation.

Cost

The cost of the program is $350.00. But, because we understand that everyone has different financial ability, tuition is on a sliding scale that allows participants to pay according to individual means.  Sustaining tuition is $350; mid tuition is $250; and base tuition is $150. Please choose your amount based on an earnest assessment of your financial ability.

At checkout, you will be asked for a discount code.  For sustaining tuition, no discount code is required.  For mid and base tuition, please enter the code mid250 or base150, respectively.

Arrival and Departure

Particpants should arrive on Thursday between 3pm and 6pm. Dinner will begin promptly at 6:00pm. Departure will be on Sunday at 1:00pm. Particpants are expected to attend the entire retreat.

Meals

Three meals a day will be served during retreat. These meals will be vegetarian. Healthful snacks, coffee, and tea will be available throughout the day. This retreat is alcohol free.

What to bring

You will want to bring outdoor shoes for walking and hiking (optional). Indoor shoes, slippers, or socks are fine for inside the house. In the meditation hall slippers, socks or bare feet are permitted. Meditation cushions and mats as well as chairs will be available. You are welcome to bring your own meditation mat and cushion or bench if you like. Loose fitting clothes are best for meditation and yoga. You may want to bring clothing for outdoors as well. If the weather permits we will have an outdoor fire on Saturday evening for those who would like to participate.