There will be chairs available, however, if you prefer to sit on the floor, you could bring a cushion, meditation bench, zafu, towel, blankets, yoga mat, etc. Some people like to bring precious objects like crystals, small buddha statues, mala beads, to arrange in front of them. None of these things are necessary, you can always sit in a chair, but if you choose to bring them that is welcomed. Weather permitting we will be doing our walking meditation outside on the beautiful 300-acre property that includes a labyrinth and a peace garden. Please dress for the weather and if you tend to get cold, bring layers. There will be a refreshment room with water and fresh fruit available but you may wish to bring your own water bottle and snack. Please refrain from bringing disposable plastic water bottles as they can be quite loud.

Yes. This is not an appropriate setting for the use of mind-altering substances. Refrain from all intoxicants while on retreat, and ideally also in the 24-hour period before the retreat.

Following in the Buddhist tradition, the amount you pay for a retreat does not pay for the teacher. If you feel you receive benefit from this retreat you are invited to offer "dana" (a donation of generosity) at the end of the retreat. Dana donations can be made via cash, check, or venmo at the retreat.

The giving of dana is a deeply personal practice that we engage with which asks us to see beyond the transactional view that we encounter in our lives and to tap into the generosity in our hearts. Dana should not be something that creates burden and hardship. It is a practice of giving straight from our hearts that which we are able to give freely and with delight.

When participating in any meditation retreat is to approach it with no expectations whatsoever and to receive whatever emerges with as much compassion as possible, whether it is an internal sensation, an interaction with someone else, or the surroundings. If you only have one instruction that you carry with you for the whole retreat let it be this: meet all arising experience with curiosity, compassionately noticing whatever arises without judgment and without needing to change it.