Frequently Asked Questions
The Importance of Silence
Silence is an integral part of this retreat, which is based on “emptying out”. Eye contact, reading, and writing, as well as speech, dissipate meditative energy. In order to get your best results, please observe the rule of silence very strictly. Silence helps us “Be still and know that I am God”.
What is retreat life like?
Retreats follow a typical daily schedule that starts at 6:30 am and ends at 9:30pm. The day is spent in silent practice comprising alternate periods of sitting and walking meditation. Three meals are served – breakfast, lunch and a light dinner.
Each day offers:
- Two Meditation Instruction sessions
- Eucharist
- Group Sitting Meditation
- Walking Practice
- An integrative conference
- Communal Reconciliation
- Question and answer sessions
Comprehensive meditation instruction and talks about the teachings are offered daily. In addition, individual or group interviews with the teachers take place at regular intervals.
A simple, daily Eucharist is also offered on most retreats.
What to Bring
There are two mottos for clothing during your retreat: "Be Prepared" and "Be Comfortable". Weather in Calgary is seasonal and extremely variable, so we recommend that you come well prepared, with clothing selected for comfort rather than style.
Winters are cold, with frequent snow or ice. For walking outside, we suggest you bring a pair of boots or hiking shoes. As your meditation practice deepens, cool weather may affect you more than usual. Even for indoor wear, you may appreciate long underwear, light gloves, a cap or scarf, warm sweaters or a shawl, and heavy socks. Please do not bring clothing in noise-making, rustling fabrics such as nylon.
For your comfort in the dormitory accommodations, be sure to bring loose sweat suits, or other kinds of clothing that allow you to go to sit with ease. Also be sure to bring at least one pair of slippers or indoor-only shoes - this helps contribute to the silence and overall cleanliness of our retreat environment.
At the Retreat Center, please bring a sufficient supply of clothing to last the duration of your course.
Medicines, vitamins, supplements, etc. We ask that you anticipate your needs and bring unscented soap, body lotion and other hygiene products with you.
Please bring your own meditation cushion or bench. Chairs are available for those who cannot sit on a cushion. Please bring any extra meditation props you may need, such as additional cushions, a meditation stool, a shawl or throw rug.
You may want to bring so cash for donations. Books and other items are for sale at the end of your retreat. We do not cash personal checks or have the ability to accept credit cards.
What not to bring
Please do not use scented hygiene products, cell phones, beeper watches, candles, incense or 'noisy', rustling clothing. This retreat will be held in verbal and mental silence so you will not require reading or writing materials.
