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Step away from daily demands and enter a supportive environment for calm and insight at the Annual Easter TWIM Meditation Retreat. Set on 70 acres of rolling hills, vineyards, shaded walking paths, and outdoor practice areas, this retreat offers an ideal setting for sustained meditation and personal transformation just south of San Francisco. This ten-day retreat is suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators. It combines structured group instruction with daily one-on-one interviews. Guidance is provided by two certified and experienced teachers, Adam Eurich and psychologist Cassandra Gearhart, Ph.D., ensuring both practical and psychological support throughout the retreat. The retreat is based on Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation (TWIM), an early Buddhist system that develops serenity, clarity, and insight through loving-kindness and mindfulness. TWIM is especially helpful for meditators who feel stuck in their practice or who seek deeper and more stable stages of awareness leading toward liberation. Daily schedules balance sitting and walking meditation with group sessions and private interviews. Mornings begin with meditation and ethical precepts, followed by meals and practice periods. Evenings include an instructional talk with questions and quiet reflection, allowing insight to deepen and integrate. Participants stay in comfortable single or double rooms with private bathrooms, linens, and towels. Meals are served twice daily in buffet style with vegetarian, meat, and gluten-free options. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day, and special diets can be accommodated with advance notice. This retreat is well suited for professionals in demanding fields such as technology, healthcare, business, research, and education who want practical methods to reduce stress, improve focus, and build emotional balance. Many participants report meaningful insight and lasting improvements in both work and family life.

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Venue

St. Francis Retreat

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St. Francis Retreat is a comprehensive retreat and conference center, providing a variety of conference spaces, highly rated food service and dining facilities, overnight guest accommodations, and numerous outdoor amenities. Open to all faiths, religions, non-profits, and individuals, this "Franciscan" setting offers a unique environment for reflection, refreshment, and personal growth. The center's chef and kitchen staff deliver restaurant-quality cuisine, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. Located 40 miles south of San Jose, St. Francis Retreat offers a tranquil getaway from daily cares. Set off the beaten path on an escarpment beside historic Fremont Peak, it is also close to the historic city of San Juan Bautista and the Old Mission San Juan Bautista. Visitors are warmly invited to explore this serene retreat in San Juan Bautista, California.

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Garden

Towels

Housekeeping

Coffee / Tea

Restaurant

Kitchen

Free Parking

Shower

Balcony

Fireplace

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Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch

Diets catered

Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Nut Allergy Friendly · Organic

The dining room offers spacious indoor and outdoor patio seating with panoramic views of lawns and gardens. In this meditation, Two full service meals are served buffet style. Both offer both vegetarian or meat/fish entrees with gluten-free options, salads, fruits, and side dishes. Hot and cold beverages, including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee, are available 24/7. Refrigerated food storage is available to those with special dietary needs or eating disorders that require supplementing the standard menu.

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