Santa Barbara Retreat participants enjoy exclusive use of the stunning 35-acre Pacifica Graduate Institute, 801 Ladera Lane, Montecito. This amazing Retreat Center was originally built for Jesuit monks that took 30 night silent retreats. This historic property lies at the foot of the Ynez Mountains. Here we can immerse ourselves in contemplative silence and stillness.
Your daily retreat program includes teachings and guidance on heart-centered silence with teachers Ruth Davis, Bruce Davis and Nicole Becker. We offer three daily group meditation periods, silent sitting, silent meals, non-doing periods, and optional guided relaxation and gentle yoga. Take time for a silent walk along meandering paths, and rest amidst the expansive contemplative gardens.
Pricing is ALL inclusive: Lodging, Food and Program
Virtual Retreat participants
Enjoy the retreat from your home. Sessions that will be made available for VIRTUAL attendance are indicated with a *V below.
Silent Stay Santa Barbara
Arrival Day
8:30 am - 2:00 pm | Arrival
3:00 pm | Room Check-In
4:00 - 5:00 pm | Opening Meditation (Sanctuary) *V
5:15 - 6:30 pm | Dinner in Silence
6:30 | Silent Sitting* (Sanctuary) *V
7:00 - 7:45 | Evening Meditation (Sanctuary) *V
8:00 - 8:30 | Guided Relaxation (optional) *V
Silent Stay Santa Barbara
Each Full Day
7:15 - 8:30 am | Breakfast in Silence
8:30 am | Silent Sitting* *V
9:00 - 9:45 am | Morning Meditation *V
10:00 am | Non-doing Period*
11:00 -12:00 pm | Gentle Yoga (optional)
12:00 - 1:15 pm | Lunch in Silence
3:00-4:00 pm | Heartfulness: Cultivating Effortless Being *V
4:00 - 5:30 pm | Non-doing Period*
5:15 - 6:30 pm | Dinner in Silence
6:30 - 7:00 pm | Silent Sitting* (Sanctuary) *V
7:00-7:45 pm | Evening Meditation (Sanctuary) *V
8:00 - 8:30 | Guided Relaxation (optional) *V
Silent Stay Santa Barbara
Departure Day
7:15 - 8:30 am | Breakfast in Silence
8:30 am | Silent Sitting* *V
9:00 - 9:45 am | Morning Meditation *V
10:00 - 10:30 am | Closing Circle *V
11:00 am | Check Out of Rooms
12:30-1:30 | Lunch in Silence
1:30 - 2:30 pm | Non Doing Period*
4:30 pm| Latest Departure from property
*Silent Sitting: before each group meditation you are invited to gather in the sanctuary for practice of sitting, resting, or even gentle stretching on yoga mats provided
*Non-doing: Non-doing is the ancient daoist practice of effortless action (wu wei). During your non-doing periods simply rest your awareness. Reflection, walking meditation, laying on the lawn, being with the present moment, contemplation, journaling, meditating, guilt free napping, being with nature, listening to silence, being present without the need for entertainment, being gentle with yourself. This is a time of non-judgement allowing you to bathe in the softness of your heart & absorb the retreat experience.
*V periods available to VIRTUAL participants as well.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us:
Ruth is available for spiritual guidance, advice or counseling. She knows, by her own experience, that there is nothing more precious or fulfilling than to support others on the path of the heart.
Learn More
52 Contemplations for Awakening your Heart
In our deepest Heart lies the jewels of our being. They become our Path to awakening. Each contemplation uncovers another jewel, another treasure.
The contemplations will be in recorded & written form to enjoy as you wish. Receive with an open heart and absorb the presence from within.
Course coming soon. Register here to be on the list for the release date.
"Bruce and Ruth teach a beautiful heart centered meditation that allows you to quickly tap into the deepest realms of your own soul. Their message is simple--- live your life from the deep beingness that already exists within."
~ Maria
Healing Yoga + Resourcing the Heart
Our retreats at Pacifica offer optional gentle yoga and relaxation sessions offered by our daughter, and Heart Team member, Nicole. Nicole has been leading Heartfulness, Silence and Yoga retreats with us since 2012.
