Information for the Silent Meditation Retreat

During the reatreat

  1. Noble Silence: Maintain a period of "Noble Silence" throughout the retreat, which means refraining from verbal communication with fellow participants. This includes gestures and written notes.
  2. Mindful Speech during Designated Times: In the times when sharing and discussions are encouraged participants are asked to engage in mindful and concise verbal communication.
  3. Respect Retreat Structure: Adhere to the schedule, attending meditation sessions, walking periods, and other activities as outlined. Punctuality is essential to maintain the collective meditative atmosphere.
  4. Mindful Movement: Practice awareness and mindfulness during movement, whether it's walking or engaging in daily activities. Move slowly and intentionally, avoiding hurried or distracting actions.
  5. Personal Space: Respect the personal space and privacy of fellow participants. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of your impact on the shared environment.
  6. Simplicity and Modesty: Dress modestly and maintain simplicity in personal belongings. This helps create a focused and uncluttered atmosphere.
  7. Vegetarian Meals: The retreat includes vegetarian and vegan meals to support the meditative process. 
  8. Books: Participants are encouraged to limit or refrain from reading books, magazines, or other written materials during the retreat. The intention is to minimise external stimuli and foster a deeper internal focus.
  9. Avoid Eye Contact: While eye contact might be unavoidable in some situations, especially during group activities or movements, participants are generally encouraged to minimise eye contact to maintain a sense of personal introspection.

Before you arrive

  1. Bring a screenshot or printout of the instructions to find us.
  2. Please aim to arrive between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Thursday and if you can't then please make sure to let us know.
  3. Please minimise the use of electronic devices, if not completely abstaining from them. If at all possible please turn off phones and other devices for the duration of the retreat to avoid distractions. Emergency calls can be directed to 0433 173 508 and we will pass on messages.
  4. Bring snacks, if you wish. Chai and snacks will be served during breaks. If you think you will need something more, feel free to bring your own snacks. We encourage you to go for low-sugar and vegetarian snacks to support your rejuvenation.
  5. Leave any drugs at home. This does not include items for medical purposes but does include anything other than tea or coffee, anything that is illegal, smoked and alcohol. If you bring drugs or are under the influence of them at any time during the retreat you may be asked to leave.
  6. Bring layers of comfortable clothing. Although our local area has an average temperature in January of 21-32℃. It can become cold. We recommend bringing various options and layers of clothing that will also be comfortable for yoga and walking meditations.
  7. Bring some comfy but waterproofed shoes. Flourish is in the middle of the rainforest. After the recent rains there are a few muddy areas so we recommend bringing waterproof shoes. Shoes are asked to be removed before entering most rooms so we also suggest picking shoes that are easily removed 
  8. Be mindful of the environment. Flourish is currently operating on tank water so please watch your water consumption and particularly be careful not to spend too long in the shower.
  9. We are not running the retreat to make money but to help bring something wonderful to the world. We would appreciate your co-operation in support of our intention for the retreat.
​Should you have any questions or concerns go ahead and email us at [email protected] or call Julian on 0411 450 642.

​Looking forward to seeing you at the retreat. : )
Flourish Sanctuary exists primarily to serve the people of our community. To date, we have proudly not taken any government grants or corporate money and are totally independently funded. Everybody who works on the property is an unpaid volunteer apart from our cleaner, but they do get to live on this sacred land. Black Sheep Farm and Compassion Temple are operated by volunteers of Flourish Sanctuary. Our purpose is people, not profits. If you can make a donation to support our purpose then please click here.
We believe this world is for everyone regardless of spiritual beliefs, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity or species. ​We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather, the Bundjalung people, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and community, and we support their ongoing efforts towards self-determination and sovereignty.