Residential 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 on heart-centered silence, group meditation, 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. 

Virtual Retreat participants

Enjoy the retreat from your home. Sessions that will be made available for VIRTUAL attendance are indicated with a *V below.

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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

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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

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

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*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.

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If you have any questions, please reach out to us:

Email us or call our office