Retreat Centers

You can practice acceptance at any time. Right now as you are reading this, what is your mind's attitude? Do you feel you need to get somewhere to be at peace? If so, become aware of the now. Use your 5 senses. Feel you body in the chair. Hear the sounds around you. Feel your stomach rise and fall with each breath.

You don't need to be anywhere to practice acceptance but going to a retreat center is a powerful way to force yourself into acceptance. The following retreat centers offer silent retreats. Your day will consist primarily of sitting meditation and walking meditation. Without distractions or entertainment, you will encounter the full force of your mind's thoughts of resistance and needing to get somewhere. Then you will have the chance to accept and enter the present moment. It will be the most difficult thing you have ever done but also the most powerful.

Click here to view an interactive map of retreat centers across America

or browse the list below...

Retreat Center Description Affiliation Location
A Cistercian monastery that also offers individual retreats focused on prayer, sacred work, and love of God. Roman Catholic Trappist, Kentucky
Green Gulch Zen Center A Buddhist practice center in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition. It offers Zen training and work opportunities designed to awaken the spirit of kindness and helpfulness in participants. Buddhist (Zen) Northern California (Marin County)
Elat Chayyim A non-denominational Jewish retreat center that offers teachings in Jewish spirituality and week long meditation retreats. Jewish Falls River, Connecticut
Insight Meditation Society Offers teaching of Buddhist mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation. The Meditation retreats cultivate compassion and awareness among participants. Buddhist (Vipassana) Barrre, Massachusetts
Omega Institute A center for Holistic healing, Omega Institute offers workshops and retreats, including silent meditation retreats and mindfulness based stress reduction programs. Non-Affiliated Catskills, New York
Karme Choling Karmê Chöling includes seven meditation halls, a zen archery range, a large organic garden, comfortable private guest rooms, and full dining facilities. They offer beginning instruction for those new to meditation, teachingsin Tibetan Buddhism, programs in the contemplative arts, and visits from renowned teachers. Buddhist (Shambhala) Barnet, Vermont
Kripalu Kripalu teaches the art and science of yoga and meditation. Kripalu was founded by Yogi Amrit Desai and offers numerous workshops and programs, including teacher training. Non-Affiliated Western Massachusetts
Shambhala Mountain Center This 600 acre retreat center offers introduction to Buddhist teachings, meditation, and yoga practices as well as secular Relaxation and Rejuvenation programs. Buddhist (Shambhala) Northern Colorado
Spirit Rock Meditation Center Retreat Center dedicated to teaching Buddhist Vipassana (mindfulness) practices. The center hosts ongoing classes, day-long programs and residential retreats. Buddhist (Vipassana) Woodacre, California
Spiritual Life Institute A contemplative and ecumenical community devoted to prayer and experiencing the beauty of nature. Roman Catholic Crestone, Colorado
Zen Mountain Monastery A Buddhist training center and monastery that also offers programs and retreats for lay practitioners. Buddhist (Zen) Catskills, New York

 

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