Winter Stillness Retreat

DOWNLOAD Retreat PDF here

This retreat will be a blend of meditation practice and real world exploration. There will be plenty of silent sitting and guided instruction, plus cross-country skiing / snow-shoeing, a winter bonfire, and hot chocolate by the fire. Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre is located 1.5 hours north of Toronto, at the edge of a large forest criss-crossed with trails. For those who want the exercise, each day we will explore how to turn our outdoor adventures into deliberate meditation-in-action practices.

Other than that bit of optional invigoration, this will be a relaxed retreat. Smallish group, intimate conversations, plenty of time for contemplation. There is nothing more beautiful – or quiet – than the Canadian forest in winter. Throughout the retreat I plan to explore various compelling and helpful subjects and practices that are at the cutting-edge of my own teaching and understanding right now (see rough schedule below). I promise not to get too weird out on the far margins of civilization.

If I do … there is always the consolation of delicious organic food; our hosts Liz and Kurt are excellent cooks.

Look forward to hanging out with you!

Jeff

FEES AND REGISTRATION

COST:
Tuition is $795 + HST all inclusive 3 nights shared accommodation
(4 guests of same gender per cabin)
meant to convey a vague promise of winter ecstasy

INCLUDES:

  • Meals Thursday dinner to Sunday lunch
  • Snowshoe or cross-country ski rental
  • Admission to the Wye Marsh trails
  • 4 days with Jeff


For more information or to book your spot on this retreat, please call Sugar Ridge 866-609-1793 or email info@sugarridge.ca

 

Jeff Warren is a writer and meditation teacher. He is the author of The Head Trip, a travel guide to sleeping, dreaming and waking, and co-author of The New York Times bestselling Meditation for Fidgety SkepticsHe is also Founder and Chief Exploring Officer of The Consciousness Explorers Club, a nonprofit meditation adventure group in Toronto.

ROUGH SCHEDULE
(subject to small changes)

Thursday
3 – 5pm           Arrive, settle into cabin, snowshoe / explore
5 – 6pm           Introductions
6 – 7pm           DINNER
7 – 8:30pm     Guided Meditation Exploration: Finding Home Base
9 – 10pm         Body-Mind Wind-Down

Friday
7 – 7:45am     Silent meditation
8 – 9am           BREAKFAST
9:15 – 9:30      Movement as Practice: Unbundling Meditation Core Skills
9:30 – 11:30    Optional Cross country ski / snow shoe at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
12 – 1pm         LUNCH
1:30 – 3pm     Guided Meditation Exploration: Peering into the Self
3 – 5pm           Free time / Teacher Interviews – read, meditate, nap
5 – 6pm           Silent meditation
6 – 7pm           DINNER
7 – 8:30pm     Evening Meditation Exploration: Self-Pacing, Self-Care
9 – 10pm         Body-Mind Wind-Down

Saturday
7 – 7:45am      Silent meditation
8 – 9am           BREAKFAST
9 – 9:30am     Wiggle Wiggle Joint Clearing Session
9:30 – 11:30    Optional Cross country ski / snow shoe at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
12 – 1pm          LUNCH
1:30 – 3pm     Guided Meditation Exploration: Space, The Final Frontier
3 – 5pm           Free time / Teacher Interviews – read, meditate, nap
5 – 6pm           Silent meditation
6 – 7pm           DINNER
7 – 8:30pm     Evening Meditation Exploration: Creativity and Play
9 – 10pm         Winter Bonfire

Sunday
7 – 7:45am     Silent meditation
8 – 9am           BREAKFAST
9:30 – 11am    Guided Meditation Exploration: Gratitude and Trust
11 – 12               Free time / Teacher Interviews – read, nap, pack
12 – 1pm          LUNCH
1:30 – 2:30      Final circle

You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the good vibes, and your new pals.  Depart at your leisure.

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