More on Living Silence Retreat

Silence: While silence can be uncomfortable, it can also be a beautiful opportunity to connect with oneself, the land and (perhaps surprisingly) each other. Unburdening from the need to “keep ourselves together” or present in a certain way - our silence can support an unspoken yet powerful sense of care to emerge in our communal field. While those who doubt their capacity to not talk for a whole weekend are wholeheartedly encouraged to give it a try, please weigh this against any current mental health challenges you are experiencing. Contact Joe at 401-241-9051 if you would like support making this evaluation.

Dana: Dana, the Pali/Sanksrit word for Generosity, is the waterway by which Buddhism and many other spiritual traditions have flowed down the ages, passed heart to heart, hand to hand, and mouth to ear - to reach us here, today. It is what guides and supports us as we practice. It is what allows these ways of wisdom and care, to be passed on for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.

This Retreat is held in this spirit of mutual generosity. This opportunity to learn and practice is offered freely, without a fixed price aside from the minimum $170 deposit necessary to cover shared expenses (please contact Joe if you cannot afford even this minimum deposit and we will work with you). In turn, at the end of the retreat, participants are asked to offer financially according to their means to support the livelihood of facilitators.

The practice of Dana asks each of us to take honest account of our resources, to give in the spirit of trust & abundance, and to directly challenge the fear and scarcity in our cultural conditioning that constantly tells us that we have to do it all on our own. Your generosity allows these opportunities to continue, grow and flourish as well as supports others with less resources to attend. All offerings of Dana are gratefully received and will be used with intention and care.

Joe has personally benefited from this lineage of abundance during his formative years as a young man on the spiritual path with few resources. He is committed to it’s preservation and continuation.

Food, Lodging & Collective Effort: Your deposit includes three simple & nourishing breakfasts, three hearty lunches (our main meal) and a snack on Friday/Sunday evening (ex. fruit, crackers and cheese). 

All meals are vegetarian with accommodations possible for dietary restrictions including vegan, gluten free and dairy free. If your diet is uniquely restrictive, you may need to bring your own provisions to substitute or supplement. You are welcome to bring ‘luxury’ food items such as chocolate, just please bring a modest amount to share with others.

As this is a community-centric retreat we will collectively contribute to maintain a clean space, prepare food, ring bells and do the washing up. Once we are together there will be a sign-up sheet to ease the flow while in silence. Unstructured offerings of support, particularly with the setup and takedown of the space before/after the retreat are most gratefully received.

Our lodging will be the beautiful and spacious Deer Hill with ample sleeping space, a dedicated Dharma Hill and the wilds of the Mancos valley just outside our front door.