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
meant to convey a vague promise of winter ecstasyINCLUDES:
- 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
NOTE: Sugar Ridge is located 1.5 hour drive north of Toronto. It is accessible by bus from downtown Toronto, and by shuttle from the airport. Also, we can try to arrange ride shares and / or shared car rentals from both downtown Toronto and Pearson International Airport. Let us know if you have any space in your car and wouldn’t mind giving someone a lift.
YOUR GUIDE
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 Skeptics. He 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.