Let’s gather together in stillness—into the grace of suchness, into the wonder of nature, and into the mystery of no-mind:
Zen.
This summer retreat, held on the morning of the Summer Solstice, invites you into a deep state of presence, reflection, and grounded community.
In this offering hosted at Whole Village Ecovillage, we’ll gently flow through meditative silence, organic nourishment, and a sacred silent walk in nature. Together, we’ll explore the effortless beauty of Zen-style meditation—where the moment simply is, and we allow ourselves to soften into it.
Through this blend of seated meditation and nature-based practice, a natural rhythm unfolds: inner stillness meets the world, and the world meets you back without interference.
This gathering is open to all. Feel free to share and invite friends.
Space is limited to 20 participants to preserve an intimate and restful atmosphere.
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LOCATION: Whole Village Ecovillage suite and surrounding nature
20725 Shaws Creek Rd, Alton, ON L7K 1L7
(To find us, turn into the Whole Village driveway and follow it to the parking lot on the right.
Parking is available—please carpool if you can)
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DATE & TIME: Saturday, June 21st, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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ORGANIC LUNCH: included in fee
RETREAT SCHEDULE:
08:00–08:30: Arrival, welcome, and tea (Indoor)
08:30–09:00: Introduction to suchness-based meditation. Concluding with a Forest Flute performance by the Host to ease participants into meditative presence (Indoor)
09:00–11:00: Guided silent meditation (Indoor)
11:00–12:00: Organic, locally-prepared lunch (Indoor and outdoor)
12:00–13:00: Silent walk in nature
13:00–15:00: Afternoon meditation session (Indoor)
15:00–15:30: Closing circle and gentle reflections (Indoor)
WHAT TO BRING:
Your own cushion or yoga mat if possible (a few will be provided)
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes for walking outdoors
MEDITATIVE SILENCE
Participants are warmly encouraged to uphold meditative silence with one another from the opening session through to the retreat’s conclusion, including during lunch and during the nature walk. For important or time-sensitive matters, participants are encouraged to quietly approach the host or his collaborators.
INFO ABOUT THE HOST: The meditation sessions will be led by Davide Ferri - also known by his pen name River Fideda - a passionate meditator, musician, and Early Buddhist studies enthusiast, whose meditation books include "And the Fellow Was Instantly Enlightened" and "There is No Enlightened Person" (available; feel free to DM for more info)
FEE:
CAD $95 per participant. We recommend registering early, as space is very limited. To secure your spot, please send an e-transfer to:
ferridave [at] gmail.com
(If you'd like a confirmation of payment, please email me after the transfer. Also, feel free to email me or DM me on Facebook Messenger about any additional queries you may have)
Alternatively, one can sign up through Eventbrite.
Link:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/one-day-zen-meditation-retreat-at-whole-village-ecovillage-june-21-2025-tickets-1333238485199?aff=oddtdtcreator
Part of the proceeds will go to Whole Village Ecovillage, which everyone is invited to explore and support in its regenerative organic agriculture practices (website: www.wholevillage.org)
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
We don’t want money to be a barrier. Please reach out if you’d like to attend but need support.
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Let this solstice be a turning point.
Let presence return to the bodymind...to our deeper nature.
We look forward to meditating with you!
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Orangeville, Music events in Orangeville.
