Silent RetreatWe are delighted that you are considering undertaking a personal silent retreat at Flourish Sanctuary.
A silent retreat is not a holiday, nor is it a course. It is an opportunity to step away from the constant demands of modern life and spend uninterrupted time with yourself. For many people this becomes one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. Every retreat is different. Some people experience deep peace. Others meet restlessness, grief, joy, creativity or profound insight. There is no "correct" retreat. Whatever arises becomes part of the practice. What You Can ExpectDuring your stay you can expect:
Unless otherwise arranged, this is a self-directed retreat. We do not provide a structured teaching program or daily guidance, although individual meetings with Jagad may sometimes be available by prior arrangement. AccommodationSee potential retreat rooms here. Accommodation options vary depending on availability.
Please ask us about current options when booking. What to BringPlease bring:
If self-catering:
Is This Retreat Right for You?Silent retreats can be deeply nourishing.
They can also be emotionally challenging. Periods of silence sometimes bring previously unnoticed thoughts, emotions and memories into awareness. If you are currently experiencing significant psychological distress or are in crisis, please speak with your healthcare professional before undertaking a silent retreat. We are happy to discuss whether this retreat is suitable for your current circumstances. ArrivalWhen you arrive, we'll:
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Suggested ScheduleYou are welcome to create your own schedule.
Many people find the following helpful:
The important thing is consistency rather than intensity. Our ExpectationsTo preserve the intention and atmosphere for everyone, we ask that guests:
Observe Noble Silence Please refrain from:
Maintain a Meditation Lifestyle We encourage you to spend your time in ways that support awareness, including:
Respect the Sanctuary Please:
Digital Detox We strongly encourage switching your phone off for the duration of your retreat. Many people discover that putting the phone away is one of the most transformative aspects of the retreat. CostWe believe the benefits of silence should be available to everyone.
There is no fixed charge for undertaking a personal retreat. Instead, we invite you to make a donation according to your means and your experience. Your generosity helps maintain Flourish Sanctuary and supports future retreatants. Our IntentionFlourish Sanctuary exists to provide a place where people can remember what has never been lost.
We hope your time here offers moments of stillness, clarity, compassion and genuine rest. Whether your retreat feels peaceful or difficult, trust the process. Silence has been a teacher for thousands of years. May it be one for you as well. |
I've never done a silent retreat before. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Many of our guests are attending their first retreat. Previous meditation experience is recommended. Curiosity, openness and a willingness to spend time with yourself are the only real prerequisites.
What exactly is Noble Silence?
Noble Silence means intentionally stepping away from unnecessary communication.
This includes speaking, texting, emailing, social media, and other forms of interaction.
The purpose isn't simply to be quiet—it is to reduce external distractions so you can observe your own mind more clearly.
This includes speaking, texting, emailing, social media, and other forms of interaction.
The purpose isn't simply to be quiet—it is to reduce external distractions so you can observe your own mind more clearly.
Can I speak if I really need to?
Yes.
Emergencies, health concerns, or essential practical matters should always be communicated to a staff member.
Your wellbeing always takes priority over maintaining silence.
Emergencies, health concerns, or essential practical matters should always be communicated to a staff member.
Your wellbeing always takes priority over maintaining silence.
Can I use my phone?
We strongly encourage turning your phone off for the duration of your retreat.
If you need to remain contactable because of family or work responsibilities, please discuss this with us beforehand so we can find an approach that supports both your needs, your intention and the retreat environment.
If you need to remain contactable because of family or work responsibilities, please discuss this with us beforehand so we can find an approach that supports both your needs, your intention and the retreat environment.
Can I read books?
We generally recommend avoiding books, podcasts, videos and other forms of intellectual stimulation during the retreat.
Instead, allow your own experience to become the focus of your attention.
If you are attending a retreat for spiritual study rather than deep silence, please discuss this with us beforehand.
Instead, allow your own experience to become the focus of your attention.
If you are attending a retreat for spiritual study rather than deep silence, please discuss this with us beforehand.
Can I write in a journal?
Yes.
Many people find journalling helps integrate insights.
We encourage using your journal sparingly as a place to capture reflections rather than analysing every experience.
Sometimes the deepest understanding comes when we simply observe rather than explain.
Many people find journalling helps integrate insights.
We encourage using your journal sparingly as a place to capture reflections rather than analysing every experience.
Sometimes the deepest understanding comes when we simply observe rather than explain.
What if I become bored?
Almost everyone does.
Boredom is often the mind's response when it is no longer constantly stimulated.
If you stay with it patiently, boredom frequently gives way to greater stillness, creativity and insight.
Boredom is often the mind's response when it is no longer constantly stimulated.
If you stay with it patiently, boredom frequently gives way to greater stillness, creativity and insight.
What if difficult emotions arise?
Silence often creates space for emotions that daily life keeps busy.
Sadness, anxiety, joy, gratitude, grief or unexpected memories may arise.
This is a normal part of retreat for many people.
If at any point you feel overwhelmed, please speak with us.
Sadness, anxiety, joy, gratitude, grief or unexpected memories may arise.
This is a normal part of retreat for many people.
If at any point you feel overwhelmed, please speak with us.
Do I have to meditate all day?
No. A healthy retreat usually includes a balance of:
Retreat is not about forcing yourself to meditate every waking moment.
- Sitting meditation
- Walking meditation
- Rest
- Service
- Gentle movement
- Mindful meals
- Time in nature
Retreat is not about forcing yourself to meditate every waking moment.
Can I leave DuRING MY Retreat?
Yes, but we encourage remaining on the property for the duration of your retreat whenever possible.
Leaving to visit shops, cafés or other public places interrupts the depth of silence.
If you need to leave, please let us know. If you are needing to do this more than once every ten days this is the wrong retreat for you.
Leaving to visit shops, cafés or other public places interrupts the depth of silence.
If you need to leave, please let us know. If you are needing to do this more than once every ten days this is the wrong retreat for you.
What if I find the silence too difficult?
This happens more often than people expect.
Sometimes the most valuable moments of retreat occur just after we feel like giving up.
If you are struggling, please let Jagad. We can discuss what you're experiencing and help determine whether continuing, adapting or concluding the retreat is the wisest course.
Sometimes the most valuable moments of retreat occur just after we feel like giving up.
If you are struggling, please let Jagad. We can discuss what you're experiencing and help determine whether continuing, adapting or concluding the retreat is the wisest course.
What if I don't experience anything special?
Many people come hoping for profound insights.
Sometimes they happen.
Sometimes they don't.
The purpose of retreat isn't to manufacture extraordinary experiences but to become fully present for ordinary experience.
Often, the deepest transformations are recognised only after returning home.
Sometimes they happen.
Sometimes they don't.
The purpose of retreat isn't to manufacture extraordinary experiences but to become fully present for ordinary experience.
Often, the deepest transformations are recognised only after returning home.
Who is a silent retreat suitable for?
A personal silent retreat may be suitable for anyone seeking rest, reflection, spiritual practice or a break from the pace of everyday life.
If you are experiencing acute mental health difficulties or are in crisis, please speak with your healthcare provider before booking. We are also happy to discuss whether a self-directed retreat at Flourish Sanctuary is the right fit for your current circumstances.
If you are experiencing acute mental health difficulties or are in crisis, please speak with your healthcare provider before booking. We are also happy to discuss whether a self-directed retreat at Flourish Sanctuary is the right fit for your current circumstances.
