The Buddha said, "Within this fathom-long body and mind is found all of the teachings"
About this Retreat
We tend to relate to our bodies as a vehicle and possession that we maintain, attending to them only when they fail, falter, or disappoint us. Seldom do we turn our attention to the body to know life directly as it unfolds through our felt experience of the present moment.
In this retreat we will explore mindfulness of the body, the first foundation of mindfulness, as an anchor, and portal through which reality reveals itself, providing the ground for awakening, insight, and wisdom to arise.
The retreat will begin at 10:00am on December 28th, 2019 and ends around 12:00pm on December 31st, 2019. The retreat will be held in Noble Silence. Participants will practice mindfulness meditation, which involves moment-to-moment observation of the mind/body process through calm and focused awareness. This retreat is suitable for beginners and seasoned meditators alike. The teacher will provide instruction and discussion, group meetings, and nightly dharma talk.
Location
This 4-day retreat will be held at The Cenacle Sisters Conference Center in Chicago, IL. The Cenacle provides well appointed rooms for sleeping and spacious, peaceful surroundings for both sitting and walking meditation. If weather permits, The Cenacle also features a lovely outside lawn that can be used for walking and reflecting.
Teacher
We are happy to welcome Andrew Getz back to Chicago as our teacher and guide. Andrew has been leading meditation retreats for Insight Chicago since 2004. He has practiced Vipassana meditation for over 30 years, including four years as an ordained monk in Burma and Thailand. He has taught at Spirit Rock and The Insight Meditation Center in Barre, MA. Additionally, Andrew is a hospice nurse and psychotherapist and was trained as a mindfulness based stress reduction instructor by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. He has worked extensively teaching mindfulness in healthcare community settings and with incarcerated teens. We are fortunate to have him return again to Chicago this year.
Registration
Space is limited so early registration is highly recommended. Confirmation will be made on a first come basis. If registration becomes full, there will be a waiting list for those who are still interested in attending.
To enroll, click on the tickets button at the top right of this page. Then select a Single Room, Double Room or Non-Residential option and click Order Now. Once you complete and pay for your registration you will receive an email confirmation from Eventbrite.
Also, a week or two before the retreat you will receive an email with additional information about the retreat, i.e. what to bring, etc.
Cost
The cost of the retreat includes three meals a day and all boarding expenses pertaining to your stay at the Cenacle. The cost per person for the retreat is as follows:
Single Room: $385
Shared Room: $325
Non-Residential/Commuter: $220
Meals
All meals will be vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options available by request. If you have any dietary restrictions please contact us via the email below.
Dana
Dana is a Sanskrit and Pali word that connotes the virtue of generosity, or giving. In keeping with an ancient tradition, the teachings are offered freely by Andrew, as the cost of the retreat merely pays for our food and lodging. There will be an opportunity to make a donation (dana) to the teacher at the end of the retreat.
Refund Policy
Cancellations before November 29th will receive a full refund. No refunds can be offered after December 12th except for dire emergencies. Scholarships are limited and will pertain to the commuting option only. Please contact the registrar for more information.