Ongoing Silent Retreats – Anapana/Vipassana Inspired

Satya Narayan Goenka was the foremost lay teacher of Vipassana meditation of our time. Although Indian by descent, Mr. Goenka was born and raised in Myanmar (Burma). While living there, he had the good fortune to come into contact with Sayagyi U Ba Khin and to learn the technique of Vipassana from him.

The technique taught by S.N. Goenka goes back two and a half millennia to the Buddha. The Buddha never taught a sectarian religion; he taught Dhamma – the way to liberation – which is universal. In the same tradition, Mr. Goenka’s approach is totally non-sectarian. For this reason, his teaching has had a profound appeal to people of all backgrounds, of every religion and no religion, and from every part of the world.

In respect to the ultimate respect & sacredness of this practice, all daily Dhamma Talks are projected on a large screen at Inntirety. Carrie, steward of the land fondly named Inntirety, will be leading group meditations & providing support during your stay.

Our silent retreats offer a unique flexible schedule. Unless noted, your Vipassana journey can start any Thursday and end the consecutive Thursday.

This flexibility allows you to align your retreat experience with your personal schedule while still committing to the uninterrupted silence and reflection.

Yes, absolutely. There is a caveat. If you choose to depart before the 10 days is completed, you have not experienced Vipassana. You are welcome to start again any time you would like.

No, this is a residential retreat, and staying on the grounds for the entire duration of your chosen retreat length is a fundamental aspect of the experience.

Here’s why staying on the grounds is so important when taking a vow of silence:

• Minimizing Distractions: Our modern lives are filled with constant noise, demands, and external stimuli. The purpose of a silent retreat is to intentionally remove these distractions, allowing your mind to quiet and your attention to turn inward. Leaving the grounds introduces the very influences we are seeking to escape – traffic, conversations, digital alerts, and the general busyness of the outside world.
• Deepening the Practice of Silence: The vow of silence extends beyond simply not speaking. It’s about cultivating an internal stillness. When you remain within the tranquil environment of the retreat, every aspect of your day, from meals to walks to personal reflection, supports this deep, uninterrupted internal work. External excursions would disrupt this flow and the continuity of your practice.
• Creating a Container for Inner Work: The retreat grounds are designed as a dedicated, supportive “container” for introspection and self-discovery. This contained environment helps to foster a sense of safety and allows for deeper emotional and spiritual processing that might not occur if you were constantly re-engaging with the outside world.
• Respect for the Shared Experience: While your journey is personal, you are part of a community of individuals also deeply committed to their silent practice. Maintaining your presence on the grounds supports the collective atmosphere of stillness and respect for the silence of others.

By committing to staying on the grounds, you give yourself the best possible opportunity to fully immerse in the silence, gain clarity, and experience the profound benefits of this unique retreat.

During your silent retreat, we are committed to providing a nourishing, sattvic diet meaning that it focuses on food which is considered pure and light in energy.

During your silent retreat, we provide three light, fortifying meals daily that align with this principle. We believe that keeping meals light is important for several reasons during a silent retreat:

• Supports Mindfulness and Clarity: A lighter diet helps to reduce the energetic demands on your digestive system, allowing more energy to be directed towards mental clarity, introspection, and meditation. It can prevent sluggishness and enhance alertness.
• Aids in Physical and Mental Detoxification: A simpler, clean diet can support the body’s natural detoxification processes, complementing the mental and emotional clearing that often occurs during a silent retreat.
• Minimizes Distraction: Heavy meals can sometimes lead to discomfort or a desire for conversation. Our light approach helps maintain the atmosphere of quiet and focus.

Our meals are thoughtfully prepared, primarily consisting of seasonal vegetables, fresh fruits, fortifying stews, artisan breads, protein bowls, and nourishing options such as hummus and flatbreads (like naan). We also offer a selection of herbal teas throughout the day.

No, during our silent retreat, we also engage in a digital detox. We kindly request that you refrain from using cell phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices throughout your stay. We understand that these devices are an integral part of modern life, but intentionally disconnecting from them is vital for the profound benefits of this retreat.

Here are a few reasons why a digital detox is so important:

• Cultivating True Silence: The goal of a silent retreat extends beyond verbal quietude; it’s about quieting the mind. Notifications, news feeds, emails, and the constant urge to check devices are significant sources of mental chatter and distraction that directly counteract the purpose of the retreat.
• Encouraging Presence and Self-Reflection: Without the pull of external digital stimulation, your attention is naturally drawn inward. This allows for a deeper level of self-awareness, introspection, and connection with your inner landscape, which is often obscured by constant digital engagement.
• Minimizing External Demands: Even without actively using them, the mere presence of a device can create a subconscious pull or a feeling of obligation to the outside world. Disconnecting fully allows you to truly step away from responsibilities and external demands, fostering a sense of freedom and release.
• Resetting Your Nervous System: Our digital lives often keep our nervous systems in a state of heightened arousal. A digital detox provides a much-needed opportunity for your brain and body to rest, recalibrate, and experience genuine calm, leading to reduced stress and enhanced well-being.
• Deepening the Retreat Experience: By removing the digital tether, you create space for greater immersion in the retreat’s practices, such as meditation, mindful walking, and simply being present with nature. This uninterrupted focus allows for insights and clarity that are often elusive in our digitally-saturated lives.

For emergencies, we will provide a contact number that your loved ones can use to reach you. However, for the duration of your stay, we invite you to fully embrace this opportunity for profound digital and mental rest.

While the retreat is silent and free from digital distractions, there are many enriching activities and practices available to support your journey inward. Our intention is to create an environment where you can truly connect with yourself without external demands.

During your stay, we will provide you with a journal and a pen/pencil for reflection, which are excellent tools for processing thoughts and insights that arise in the silence.

Beyond journaling, you are encouraged to engage in activities such as:

• Meditation: This is a cornerstone of a silent retreat. You can practice various forms of meditation, focusing on breath, body sensations, or simply resting in awareness.
• Mindful Walking: Explore our grounds with conscious awareness, noticing the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature without judgment or distraction. This can be a moving meditation.
• Yoga or Gentle Movement: Engage in gentle yoga postures, stretching, or other forms of conscious movement that help release physical tension and promote energy flow.
• Rest and Napping: Sometimes, the deepest insights come from allowing the body and mind to fully rest and rejuvenate. Don’t underestimate the power of quiet repose.
• Nature Observation: Simply sitting in nature and observing the trees, birds, or changing light can be a profound practice for cultivating presence.
• Simple Chores or Helping Out (Mindfully): If there are very light, optional, and silent tasks available (e.g., tidying a common area, watering a plant), engaging in these mindfully can also be a form of meditation and service.
• Self-Inquiry: Dedicate time to deeply reflect on questions about your life, purpose, or challenges, using the silence as a catalyst for inner wisdom.

The beauty of a silent retreat is the freedom to simply be without the usual demands of doing. You are invited to listen to your own needs and allow your intuition to guide you in how best to utilize this precious time for your inner peace and well-being.

Your well-being and safety are our highest priorities. While the retreat is designed for deep introspection in silence, we absolutely encourage you to seek support if you are experiencing an anxiety attack, emotional distress, or any other significant challenge.

Yes, you can and should break silence to communicate your needs for support.

We understand that stepping into deep silence and introspection can sometimes bring unexpected emotions to the surface. To provide the necessary care, we have established a dedicated Reflection Tent. This is a calm, comforting space equipped with comfortable cushions and blankets, and it will be attended by a facilitator who is there specifically to offer compassionate assistance and guidance.

At Inntirety, this is a safe environment to always express your truth, your needs, and any challenges you may be facing. We are here to support you through your journey, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not a break in your commitment. Please know that you are never alone in this experience.

Yes, absolutely. You are welcome to bring a friend or loved one. Sharing this experience can be incredibly supportive and enriching. It offers a unique opportunity for shared growth and connection on a deeper level, even in silence.

Many find that having a familiar presence nearby provides a sense of comfort and subtle encouragement throughout their personal journey. Just keep in mind that when sharing a space with someone you know well, it can be easy to instinctively break silence.

We encourage you both to be mindful of your shared commitment to the vow of silence, even in your private space, to fully embrace the benefits of the retreat.

Your retreat experience at Inntirety is designed to offer a balanced blend of structured support and free time for personal introspection. Your stay includes three nourishing sattvic meals daily, along with access to a variety of activities and facilities to deepen your silent journey:

• Stock Tank Saltwater Pool: Enjoy refreshing dips in our unique saltwater pool, a peaceful spot for gentle movement and relaxation.
• Forest Sauna: Rejuvenate in our tranquil forest sauna, perfect for detoxification and deep relaxation amidst nature.
• Yoga Sessions: Participate in gentle yoga sessions suitable for all levels, designed to promote flexibility, mindfulness, and inner calm.
• Guided Meditations: There will be two guided meditations each day of your Vipassana.
• Dhamma Talks: Engage with insightful talks on Vipassana, offering wisdom and perspectives to enrich your understanding of yourself and the world.
• Rest and Personal Time: Ample unstructured time for rest, napping, or simply “being” is a key component, allowing for deeper integration and rejuvenation.
• Access to Retreat Facilities: This can vary widely, but might include:
  • Gardens and walking paths.
  • Small library with spiritual texts you can borrow during your stay.
  • Simple indoor/outdoor common areas for quiet contemplation.

These activities are offered to support your journey, but participation is always optional, allowing you to tailor your retreat to your individual needs and preferences.