“You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts;
And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.
And in much of your talking, thinking is half murdered.”
– Khalil Gibran
5-Day Silent Retreat – Kansas City
October 9-14, 2024
During this five-day silent retreat, we will have the opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. Without the distractions of our devices, we can connect with the Earth and learn how to be present in our bodies.
As a culture, we are programmed at a very early age to spend more time engaged in the outside world instead of from within. From video games to cell phones to computers to extracurricular activities to work, we hardly have any time left to cultivate a space of silence and bring our awareness within.
In silence, we gain access to one of life’s most precious gifts – the ability to observe our thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them.
This can lead to profound discoveries about yourself and your connection to the world. Silent retreats offer an opportunity to reset, recharge, and potentially transform your approach to daily life.
In this space, silence becomes a powerful medium for connection — with yourself, nature, and the unspoken bond between all participants. By stepping back from the world of sound, we open ourselves to a deeper level of communication and understanding.
Areas of Focus
Inntirety Healing Center supports people in finding peace and calm, rebalancing, quieting the mind, and reconnecting to their bodies in a safe, judgment-free space.
Some of the things we will explore include:
- A deepening of your meditation practice in a supportive and distraction-free environment.
- Fostering a direct, physical connection with the Earth
- Developing the ability to be attentive and flexible, and learning to perceive the intelligence conveyed by each of our senses
- Enhancing our internal awareness, the capacity to directly sense ourselves without relying solely on the thinking mind
- Reducing unnecessary tension in our movements
while deepening our natural sense of rhythm
Meet our amazing team.
We’re a talented group of creative individuals interested in art, cinematography, design, music, and all niches in between. Get to know us and what we can do for you!
Carrie Atkins
Yoga Instructor, Forest Therapy
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Crystal Tiehen
Intuitive Wellness Coach
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Giannis Teton
Office Manager
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Spiritual Tools & Guidance
Participants are asked to commit sincerely to the retreat’s standard and will remain in absolute silence until the process is completed in the closing circle.
Your experience is carefully guided and crafted to give you a relaxing, supportive, and transformative atmosphere for your inner journey.
There will be periods of instruction and guided meditation, alternating with shorter periods of silent sitting and walking meditation. Other activities include yoga philosophy, pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (yoga postures), aerial yoga, somatic movement, forest therapy, forest bath in claw foot tub, hydrotherapy, mini-zip lines, and arts/crafts.
* Waivers must be filled out and returned before the retreat begins.
Moving From The Outside, In.
Constantly turning to our thoughts or outside resources for insight on everything from relationships to health can disconnect us from our natural, genuine connection with our bodies and instead immerse us in a mix of external viewpoints, criticisms, and generic solutions. We have been taught that the key to living a fulfilling life is to accomplish more, do it more quickly, and do it better than everyone else.
When we begin to observe what our minds are thinking….rather than being attached to the thoughts, we can begin to experience discernment. We can recognize that we have a choice in which thoughts we choose to believe and act upon.
“The difference between false memories and true ones is the same as for jewels: it is always the false ones that look the most real, the most brilliant.”
― Salvador Dali
Nature As Our Guide
Nature is a compassionate and patient teacher. It doesn’t push us but allows us to find it ourselves. Nature helps us build authentic self-awareness because it doesn’t try to change who we are or influence our decisions. Instead, nature removes all the outside influences of the media and other people’s opinions while amplifying the quiet voice of truth that so often gets ignored. There’s no judgment in nature—just the pure freedom to be yourself as you are.
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God… I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” ~ Anne Frank
Native American Deer Legend
Fawn heard Great Spirit calling her. On the way to His lodge, she encountered a horrid demon who tried to keep all creatures from the lodge by making them think Spirit didn’t want to be bothered by them. This made him feel powerful.
When Fawn met the demon, she was curious, not scared. The demon was ugly, breathed fire and made horrible sounds. Fawn asked him to let her pass because she was on the way to see Spirit, her eyes filled with compassion. He was shocked by her fearlessness. Her love penetrated his hardened heart and his body shrank to the size of a walnut. Her gentleness and caring cleared the path for all of Spirit’s children to visit Him without the fear of demons blocking their way.
Silent Retreat Kansas City Sample Schedule
- 7:30a – Meet for mindful movement
- 8:15 – Guided meditation
- 9:00 – 10:00 – Provided breakfast
- 10:30 – 11:00 – Morning satsanga – The Yamas & Niyamas
- 11:45 – 12:30p – Silent sitting meditation
- 1:00 – 2:00 – Provided lunch
- 2:00 – 2:45 – Guided meditation
- 2:45 – 3:30 – Mindful movement
- 5:30 – Evening satsanga
- 6:45 – Community offering dinner
- 7:30 – 9:30 – Optional silent gathering for stargazing or fire meditation
Silent Retreat Details
Silent Retreat Preparation: This is still in the works, but we will email you a preparation workbook that includes meditations, activities, diet suggestions, journaling suggestions, mini-yoga sessions, and a sample of the yogic philosophy we will share at the retreat. The workbook will also guide you through setting a personal intention for the retreat.
Every Sunday morning, from 9:30-11 am, we offer a free ‘Yoga in the Forest’ session, which you are encouraged to attend. You can feel into the land, walk the forest, and ask questions.
I will be hosting a virtual Zoom 3-Day silence observation in September that all atendee’s are invited to join. It will include daily guided meditations and gentle movement. The observation will begin with a 24 hour fast and I will share post-fast gentle recipes to consider for the remainder of the silent observation.
Retreat Mantra: “May all beings be happy, may all beings be peaceful, may all beings be free from suffering”
Spirit/Power Animal: The Deer.
Special Guests: Crystal Tiehen
Bathroom / Shower: There is an outhouse and an enclosed outdoor shower.
Attendance/Arrival and Departure:
Our 5-Day Silent Retreat option begins with a 9:00 a.m. arrival on Wednesday, October 9th, and check-out is at noon on Monday, October 14th. Your full participation in this retreat supports both yourself and the rest of the group. We ask that everyone join us for the entire retreat. (See accommodation options here.)
Our 3-Day Silent Retreat option begins with a 9:00 a.m. arrival on Friday, October 11th, and check-out is at noon on Monday, October 14th. Your full participation in this retreat supports both yourself and the rest of the group. We ask that everyone join us for the entire retreat. (Tent camping only)
Opening Ceremony: Details coming soon.
Silence: After our opening circle, participants will observe silence until the end of the retreat.
Meditation: Most meditation periods will include sitting and walking meditation. The forms we will use are easy to follow and will include guidance as needed.
Asana (Yoga postures): Beneficial and accessible to both new and longtime students, these classes have a balancing and centering effect that grows throughout our time together. Styles include Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini, and Nidra.
- Vinyasa – Vinyasa is a style of yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another, seamlessly, using breath.
- Kundalini – Kundalini is the term for “a spiritual energy or life force located at the base of the spine“, conceptualized as a coiled-up serpent. The practice of Kundalini yoga is supposed to arouse the sleeping Kundalini Shakti from its coiled base through the 6 chakras, and penetrate the 7th chakra, or crown.
- Nidra – Yoga Nidra or yogic sleep is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, one that occurs just before falling asleep, typically induced by a guided meditation.
Meals: 2 meals per day are included. They will be primarily vegetarian, emphasizing organic and local ingredients, and served in individually boxed containers. Upon registration, you can let us know if you have any food sensitivities or concerns.
What to bring:
- Clothing
Pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing in layers for both indoor and outdoor activities. Lightweight, stretchy, and flowing clothing is often best, and you can wash new meditation clothes before the retreat to avoid allergies or itching. Yoga clothing can also work well for meditation. Sensible shoes that are easy to slip on and off can be useful for both sitting and walking meditation. Hiking boots is also a very good consideration. - Meditation cushion or chair
We have a few meditation cushions, but bring your own if possible. - Other items
You can also consider bringing a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. If you’re a light sleeper, you can bring earplugs and an eye mask to help you sleep. Bring a swimming suit if you plan on taking a hydrobath or forest bath, an extra blanket if you get cold at night, and a pillow and pillowcase. Each site has sheets, bedding, and a quilt or comforter. Camp alarm clock. One like this is perfect. - Misc.
Inntirety has a gift shop/cafe where either cash or Venmo can purchase snacks, spirituality items, drinks, and smoothies.
EARLY BIRD RATES – ENDS SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
All-Inclusive Rates: A $150 non-refundable deposit* will hold your spot.) The final payment is due before October 1, 2024.
* Due to the nature of this retreat, if we do not have 9 guests – the retreat will be postponed or canceled, and your deposit will be returned. The sign-up deadline will be October 7, and we will let you know then.
The retreat costs an average of $200 per day / per person. Prices vary depending on the choice of lodging.
* Upon receiving your deposit, we will schedule an introductory Zoom meeting to discuss which lodging option works best for you. You will also receive a registration form & waiver that must be completed before attending the retreat.
QUESTIONS? Call Carrie at 913-850-8827.
- Raja Rendesvouz 16 sq/ft Yurt:
$800 – $1000 + tax (Shared Space – Sleeps 3 Individuals) - Dragonfly Inn Vintage Camper:
$900 – $1000 + tax (Shared Space – Sleeps 2 Individuals – Private Sleeping Area) - Wendy’s House Tree House:
$1000 + tax (Single, Couple or Close Friends – Sleeps 2) - Dombi Den 9 sq/ft Yurt: $900 – $1000 + tax (Single, Couple or Close Friends – Sleeps 2)
- Embrelize TeePee: $900-
$1000 + tax (Individual/Couple/2 Friends) - Crooked Beak TeePee: $900-
$1000 + tax (Individual/Couple/2 Friends) - Camping with your tent:
$800 + tax – 3 Spots Available