A new style retreat

Here’s an idea for a new, self supporting retreat model at Te Moata.

I’ve been talking with some friends about a new type of leaderless retreat that would support everyday-life practice. I’d like to know if this would interest others.

My idea is a retreat pitched somewhere between a scheduled, teacher-led, silent retreat, and home life: it would be essentially silent, with some structure.

My current thinking is that we would be our own cooks and service team, largely structure our own time but with several group sits – and possibly group talks – per day.

There would be some allowance for mindful talking and listening – because we aren’t generally silent at home and work, perhaps in the kitchen. And with a chance for the group to share and listen about the practice once, perhaps twice, a day.

I’m thinking 10–15 people and running Wednesday evening till Sunday morning as a trial, perhaps November or December this year.

I’m not sure of the cost but obviously less than usual with no teacher dana and no cooks to pay for.

We could develop this through this blog or you can email me your interest or ideas.