Retreat Instructions general

1. We will start on time, so arrive 10-15 minutes early, set up your mat and gather any props you have been using for the meditation practices. Feel free to bring your own or use what’s here. Once you are settled find a comfortable position on your mat and begin to unhook from the thinking mind by bringing your awareness to your breath and the sensations in your body. I will ring the bell to start.

2. Please turn off all cell phones for the entire retreat and do not wear a watch.

3. Wear comfortable clothes and have layers and/or blankets to stay warm.

4. Rest your personality - no one is watching. Limit eye contact with others so everyone can stay in their own experience.

5. Have water and tissues available, and anything else you may need to support your practice. If you need to leave for any reason, there is no need to let me know, just do so as mindfully as possible. If you do not plan to return, or you need assistance, send me a text: 720-313-4565. As always make taking care of yourself a priority. Working with any difficulty that arrises IS the practice.

6. Bring a lunch that does not need reheating. There is a refrigerator you can use. There are glasses for water and there will also be hot water and tea available. We will be doing a mindful eating exercise for lunch. Sometimes a dessert or something sweet is nice to work with.

7. I will be leading you through all the mediation exercises we have done in class: Mindful Movement, Sitting Meditations, Walking Meditation and the Body Scan.

8. From the moment you arrive, commit to spending the retreat in your chosen space in silence (“compassionate noble silence”). There will be no reading or writing, nothing to do, nowhere to be. Hopefully it will be a restful and restorative experience for you.

For Online Retreats only:

1. Put the meeting in Speaker mode to limit distractions. You will not need to look at the screen other than to clarify instructions. Keep your video on (hide self-view fine) but sound muted. Consider headphones.

2. Please choose a space free of interruptions and distractions.