You will be provided a schedule to follow, similar to the one below. There is variation between retreats, as some might have more movement, chanting, music, Q&A, reflections in dyads, individual or small group meetings/interviews with the teacher.
Arrival Day:
Check-In 4-6pm; Early arrivals may be accommodated; email registrar@southerndharma.org to request
Optional SDRC Grounds Tour with Staff 4:30-5:30pm
Dinner with Mandatory Orientation for all retreatants 6pm
Opening Program could begin as early at 7:30 and end as late at 9:45pm
Start of Noble Silence usually occurs upon leaving the hall
Lights out 10pm
Full Retreat Days:
Wake up 630am
First sit 645am
Breakfast 730am
Working meditation 830-930am
Morning Sit 945-11am
Walking Meditation 11-1130am
Sitting Meditation 1130-1215pm
Lunch 1230pm
Midday Break 1-230pm
Sitting Meditation 230-3pm
Mindful Movement (yoga, qi gong) 3-345pm
Sitting Meditation 345-430pm
Heart Practice 430-515pm
Walking Meditation 530-6pm
Dinner 6pm
Evening Talk 730-830pm
Walking Meditation 830-9pm
Closing Sit 9-930pm
Lights Out 10pm
Departure Day:
Same morning programming
Departure by 2:00pm
While on retreat, we encourage you to practice putting down your ideas of how the schedule “should” be. It is natural to feel constriction regarding a new routine that varies from your daily customs. Instead of resisting, allow yourself this opportunity to notice and tenderly let go. Retreat is a radical opportunity to sink into a rhythm where you don’t have to plan or constantly check your phone… just be.
Additionally, since we live and practice in close community here, it’s important to respect the schedule so as not to disrupt others. Together, we co-create the community and atmosphere of each retreat.