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.
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.
Join us to nourish and sustain your practice, in a safe environment with experienced teachers.
Participant Guidelines
Retreat Location
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Big Bear Retreat Center 1000 Sugarpine Road Big Bear, CA 92314 |
Sample Retreat Schedule
Final schedule will be provided before the retreat. Times are PT.
Sunday Arrival
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 3:00–5:00 PM | Check-in & settling in |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00–9:30 PM | Evening Session |
Monday–Thursday
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 6:15–7:30 AM | Sit + QiGong |
| 7:30–9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM–12:30 PM | Practice |
| 12:30–2:30 PM | Lunch |
| 2:30–4:45 PM | Practice |
| 4:45–5:30 PM | Dharma Talk |
| 5:30–7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00–9:30 PM | Practice |
| 9:30 PM | Lights out |
Friday
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 6:15–7:30 AM | Silent Sit |
| 7:30–9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM–12:30 PM | Closing Practice |
Highly Recommended Reading
| Book |
|---|
| The Dharma of Modern Mindfulness — Beth Mulligan After Buddhism — Stephen Batchelor True Refuge — Tara Brach Mindfulness in Plain English — Bhante Henepola Gunaratana Listening to the Heart — Kittisaro & Thanissara Loving Kindness — Sharon Salzberg |
At the completion of this retreat, the participants should be able to:
- To support and strengthen the practice of mindfulness
- To reflect on and discuss the importance of embodying the attitudinal foundations of mindfulness and how they inform the practice and teaching of MBPs
- To strengthen mindful speech and mindful listening as they relate to the process of inquiry
- To cultivate loving-kindness and self-compassion as foundational components of practice and teaching
The retreat meets the requirements for teacher training and certification at the Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute, University of California at San Diego, the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society, University for Massachusetts and the Center for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto, Canada.
A refund (minus your $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit) will be made for cancellations submitted in writing up to 7 days prior to the event start date by emailing mindfulness@.ucsd.edu. No refunds will be allowed within 6 days of the event start date.
Please be aware that the registration fee, deposits, and funds are non-transferable to other programs.
In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee. In regards to in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).