Opening to Life
A Weekend Retreat

October 27-October 29, 2017

Serenity Ridge Retreat Center

Nelson County, VA

Teachers: 

Teresa Miller, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville, www.imeditation.org/teachers/ourteachers

Philip Davidson, Mindfulness Meditation of Richmond, www.mindfulnessmeditationforrichmond.net

Scholarship Information:
imeditation.org/Residential-Retreat-Resource

A weekend retreat offers an opportunity for deepening one’s practice, with time for settling the mind and body, and opening the heart to develop clarity and depth of practice. Reflecting on the experience of being human, we see that our true nature is a loving awareness, that we can open to the life that's right here.

In the silence of retreat, we are freed from much of the daily barrage of stimuli that draws attention outward. Learning to be aware of our experience from a place of quiet and deep listening allows us to see more clearly and, as insight deepens, compassion and wisdom can arise.

The retreat is designed for beginners and experienced practitioners alike and will include meditation instructions, sitting and walking practices, dharma talks, and meetings with teachers.

Testimonials from past retreatants:

"The physical environment of Serenity Ridge, nestled in the mountains where one can see the weather changing in a vast, open sky. The comfort of the room accommodations, bathroom facilities, and gorgeous meals. The clear dedication of the planners and teachers and retreat facilitators to build a cohesive schedule and then to implement it flawlessly."

"I have longed for a retreat like this, just integrating the whole living being, through mind-body experiences."

"The spirit of compassion towards self and others was demonstrated, modeled. So loving. I feel like the teachers’ teachings will change the world (and me) for the better".

Registration Fees and Accommodations

The type of accommodation you request will determine the cost of your attendance, which you will select on the registration page. (Click the 'register' button to the left on this page.) The cost is inclusive of all of your meals and snacks, tea and coffee.

Discounted rates are offered during the early registration period which runs through September 29. Payment in full is required to receive the discounted rate.

If you are in need of financial support from IMCC, please see the information and scholarship application on our residential retreat resources page. Shared rooms are available to those requiring financial assistance.

Room assignments are on a first come, first served basis, and assignments are dependent upon availability. Early registration assures best room assignment.

For those camping, Serenity Ridge has a number of gravel tent pads in the woods north of the meditation hall: in the past, tents pitched have remained dry even after successive days of rain. Indoor showers and restrooms are located about fifty yards from the camping area.

Financial Aid and Contributions

As you know, expenses for retreats are increasing, while personal incomes often are not. This means that some people who want to come to an IMCC retreat cannot afford the cost. It is our intention, when possible, not to turn anyone away for financial reasons. 

If you would like to make a donation to the IMCC Fred Meyer Scholarship Fund in order to assist those in need, you will have the opportunity to do so when you register. Contributions are tax deductible; we will provide you with a statement of your contribution upon request. 

Refund Policy

If your plans change and you are unable to attend the retreat, please notify us as soon as possible as there may be people on a waiting list. Requests for refunds will be considered before September 29. A $50 fee will be charged for all cancellations; these fees are donated to our scholarship fund.  We are unable to offer refunds after September 29 due to fees that we must pay in advance to the retreat center.  There will be no refund if you decide to leave the retreat early.

Residential Retreat Resources

 A collection of information on residential retreats, including a link and map for the Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, travel directions, short descriptions on what to expect on retreat, what to bring and other details and advice can be found at IMCC's  residential retreat resources page. 

Dana

Retreat fees cover the cost of room, board, and facility fees. No part of the fee covers payment to the teachers. Teachers are dependent on dana, which are contributions from those attending the retreat. You will have an opportunity to make a dana payment to the teachers at the end of the retreat.

Please note:

If you are in the midst of a life trauma, emotional upheaval or instability that might require individual support beyond scheduled meetings with teachers, the retreat format may not be a good match at this time. Should  you have any questions about this, please contact the retreat manager. 

Retreat Manager

Please direct questions to our Retreat Manager, Laura DeVault or Assistant Retreat Manager, Liz Reynolds, at info.imccfall2017@gmail.com.

Location:
Serenity Ridge Retreat Center
554 Drumheller Ln
Shipman, VA 22971

Map