What Is a Meditation Retreat?
A meditation retreat offers a unique opportunity to cultivate present-moment awareness through the practice of observing your experiences with kindness and non-judgment.
During the retreat, you’ll deepen your ability to recognize the ebb and flow of emotions—from profound joys to deep sorrows—while nurturing stillness, clarity, and compassion.
Meditation is accessible to everyone, regardless of background, including religious or political affiliation, physical ability, race, gender identity, and economic status.
At Yogaunme, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals can seek refuge and deepen their spiritual practice.
Benefits of Retreat
Through immersive meditation practice, you may discover greater clarity, wisdom, resilience, and inner stability. This experience allows for a spaciousness where emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations can arise and dissolve, reducing reactivity and suffering.
Participants often report an increased sense of well-being, along with supportive qualities like compassion, joy, forgiveness, and equanimity.
Understanding Meditation
While meditation has gained popularity in various fields—from healthcare to education—it’s important to recognize that its richness can sometimes be oversimplified.
Many people encounter meditation as a tool for stress reduction or improved focus, but our aim for retreat participants is to deepen their understanding and practice. We focus on techniques that address the root causes of suffering—such as craving and aversion—rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Noble Silence
Noble Silence, a cherished tradition, involves refraining from speaking, reading, or engaging in non-verbal communication during the retreat. This practice minimizes external distractions, allowing you to settle into your inner landscape.
While entering silence may feel daunting, especially for first-timers, remember that it’s a common experience to feel unsettled at first. If challenges arise, know that it’s a normal part of the process and will pass.
Retreat Details
Date: Sunday, 09/28/2025, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Capacity: Limited to 14 participants. Please reserve your spot early.
Full Retreat Schedule:
8:00 AM – Arrive, check-in, and first meditation
9:00 AM – Orientation and Q&A
9:30 AM – Second sitting meditation
10:30 AM – Mindful Yin Yoga
11:00 AM – Third sitting meditation
11:50 AM – Personal time (bathroom and tea breaks)
12:00 PM – Eating meditation and cleanup
12:30 PM – Walking meditation and direct contemplation outdoors
1:30 PM – Fourth sitting meditation
2:30 PM – Gentle mindful yoga
3:30 PM – Dharma talk and Q&A
4:00 PM – Closing
Tuition
Supported: $68
Regular: $108
Sustaining: $148
Additional scholarships are available for individuals needing financial assistance at Yogaunme Scholarships.
Cancellations
Please note that Yogaunme does not offer refunds for cancellations made within two days of the retreat. However, credits can be transferred to future events or services.
Practice of Generosity
The concept of dana represents generosity, both in the practice and contributions made to support our mission of making yoga and meditation accessible to all.
We keep registration fees low and provide generous scholarships to those in need. At the end of each retreat, we invite voluntary financial contributions to help us continue this work.
Meals and Dietary Needs
Our meals for the Eating Meditation are primarily vegan, using locally grown produce whenever possible. We accommodate gluten-free diets and require advance notice for severe food allergies.
What to Bring
Bring your own lunch, and optional a vegan meal to share during our eating meditation.
We have all the meditation and yoga props at the studio, but you're welcome to bring your own.
What Not to Bring
Please refrain from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. Out of respect for others, avoid using scented products and electronic devices during the retreat. Cell phones will be collected and turned off at the beginning of the retreat.
Communication and Transitions
Communication will be limited to essential functional words. For anything requiring communication, please use paper notes. We encourage you to minimize interactions during the retreat, saving deeper conversations for our Community Meditation Circle.
Additional Guidelines
Bell Usage: One ring indicates the end of a session; three rings signal the start of a session.
Breaks: Move gently and mindfully when taking breaks.
Emergency or Early Leaving: If you must leave early, please notify the teacher with a note.
We look forward to welcoming you to a day of refuge and deeper understanding through meditation!
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