David Spound

This retreat will be offered in person at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover, MA

Register Online

This silent retreat is for those already teaching or interested in teaching mindfulness-based programs (MBP) such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention Therapy and Mindful Self-Compassion. It fulfills the silent retreat prerequisite for all Mindfulness-Based Interventions. In addition, it is open to individuals who would like to further develop their mindfulness meditation practice. Some experience with mindfulness meditation is expected. The importance of Silent Retreats for teachers of Mindfulness-Based Interventions is articulated beautifully in this article by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

An important aspect of teaching MBP is the requirement to have a personal mindfulness practice, our intention for this retreat is to support your personal practice. This 5-night silent retreat will consist of sustained periods of silence, alternating sitting and walking meditation, with periods of Mindful Movement; (All vital for deepening a personal practice and fundamental to teaching and living a rich full life). There will be afternoon sessions exploring the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness with additional meditation practices to foster and strengthen kindness and compassion, and evening talks. Throughout the week there will be scheduled group and individual meetings with the teachers. The container of Silence, which includes refraining from speaking (except with the teachers as scheduled and as needed) reading, writing, and technology, with the exception of emergencies of course. It is a rare opportunity to slow down and give our hearts and minds some space to access our inner wisdom and compassion.

The Retreat meets the requirements for teacher training and certification at the Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute, University of California at San Diego.

Join us to nourish and sustain your practice, in a safe, beautiful environment, wonderful healthy food, with experienced teachers. Learn more about the retreat.

Tentative Schedule

First Day

Registration: 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Dinner: 6 - 7 p.m.

First Session: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Last Day Session Ends: Noon

Sample Daily Schedule (may vary depending on the venue’s kitchen schedule)

7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Optional sit

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Mindful Movement

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Practice Period
(sitting and walking meditation, with some guidance in the early days.)

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Practice period

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Dinner

7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Practice and Dharma Talk

8:30 p.m. Lights out