*Both In-Person and Online Streaming Options Available
During this daylong meditation retreat, we’ll be exploring the Bhrama Viharas, or the Divine Abodes – four practices that open and nurture the heart.
In the Buddhist teachings, these four – loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity – are considered the highest qualities of heart and emotional well-being.
During our time together, we’ll not only begin to sense into these profound and deep qualities of heart, but practice abiding and dwelling in them as well. Over time, with practice, these qualities can become our true home, as well as the atmosphere in which we deepen our mindfulness practice and intimacy with life.
Our retreat will include a dharma talk, a flow of both guided and silent meditations combined with walking meditation, and silent time in nature.
Please note: These daylong retreats usually fill with a waiting list about 3 weeks prior to the day of retreat. Meditation experience is recommended, but not required. These retreats are not recommended for those under age 18.
ABOUT THE VENUE
We’ll be gathering for our retreat on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m in the beautiful St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, VA. The peaceful interior is filled with large bright windows overlooking the great lawn and a canopy of trees. The expansive grounds include a special labyrinth, and many natural places to sit and walk. *There are many open spots on the carpeted floor of the sanctuary if this is your preference for sitting; please let us know of your interest in one of these in the form below.
New to retreats? Read: What Is A Retreat Like?
TESTIMONIALS
“As a newbie, I was unsure if I would be able to hang in … When it was over, I didn’t want it to end and was in deep, deep gratitude for the experience; I know it will marinate within me for a very long time, and the impact will be shared forward and outward. The cadence of the meditations was wonderful, and I surprised myself when tears flowed at various times – such a gift to sit quietly and emote naturally. I look forward to attending again, and again …”
“Shell, thank you for a beautiful and powerful day. This retreat was transformative for me, truly a day of awakening. Thank you for your loving and compassionate guidance.” “Thank you for leading such a beautiful retreat. I felt completely wrapped up in the comfort, safety and structure of the day. It was pitch perfect.”
“As always, it was a pleasure to experience another one of your retreats; each one is a gem and I cherish them. I really feel blessed to have experienced so many hours of your excellent teaching, you really are an expert at what you do and I truly admire the way you hold the space for us as you lead class and retreats.”
“Yesterday was awesome! Seven hours of silence and meditation, just what I needed!! Great leader, great people, great view, great day!! I feel so refreshed! Looking forward to doing it again in the future! Thanks so much Shell.”
“Thank you again for the fabulous experience, and for your expertise that you are imparting to curious minds such as mine. I am grateful for the exposure, and realize I have much to learn about the art of meditation. Thank you for making my first experience pleasurable.
OUR RETREAT LOCATION
St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 
REGISTRATION:
$85 In-Person Registration; $40 Private online streaming.
Late registration is unavailable the day of retreat. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive detailed instructions, suggestions, and directions.
Cancellation Policy: The administrative fee for cancellations made up to two weeks prior to the retreat is $35. Full payment is forfeited two weeks prior to the retreat, and we can no longer offer refunds for any reason, without exception. We also cannot offer credit or transfers, including transfer to live-streaming. If you register for online attendance, we are unable to transfer your registration to in-person.