Gratitude is the obvious theme for a retreat into silent meditation about three weeks before Thanksgiving. Cultures have long celebrated bountiful harvests with rituals of gratitude and the spiritual dimension of homecoming. We will also acknowledge that fall

is a time of “hunkering down” in the natural world as temperatures cool, plants grow

dormant, animals prepare for the upcoming chilly weather, storing food or traveling to

warmer regions. The natural world, by its nature, is in a state of non-resistance to the

rhythm of these natural cycles. Since we human beings are part of the natural world, we

will include ourselves in the natural flow of what life offers moment to moment, leaning

into the abundance of life that is always and already here.

This retreat is an opportunity for you to find a restorative and affirming shift in wellbeing

as we explore mindfulness meditation practices with curiosity and kindness, supported

by the beautiful spaces at WBG, incredible music, tasty food, and skillful teachers.

Participants are silent during most of the retreat as Karen and colleagues guide a

variety of meditation forms, including walking, eating, sitting, sound and mindful

movement, all touching on our theme: Falling Into Gratitude. Anticipate your silence as

a pleasant experience as your brain’s language center relaxes. The quiet space created

by not talking provides grounding for experiencing what it means to be in a state of

mindfulness.