Clarity of Mind Retreat

Silence, contemplation, and meditation. This one-day retreat at the Pavilion in Thatcher Woods is an opportunity to let go of ordinary busy-ness, and gain insight into your own mind & the world around you. NOTE: advance registration is required for this special retreat.

We all have the potential for deep peace within. Buddhist teachings present a step-by-step method for developing a meditative concentration capable of producing a peaceful mind that is able to transform even the most challenging of external circumstances. 

Gaining even a little insight of the nature and clarity of our mind will profoundly change our understanding of everything around us and within us. In turn, we will learn how to protect ourselves from suffering, sickness, fears and dangers, while deepening our experience of inner peace.

In this special day-long retreat, we will have the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the practice of silence, contemplation and meditation. We will learn meditation techniques to improve our day to day life, and enjoy silence until we break for a community lunch. We also have the option to take a nature walk at the serene Thatcher Woods in River Forest. 

All sessions include a brief teaching and guided meditation and time for question and answer in the last session. The program is suitable for beginners and those with some experience of Kadampa Buddhism. Everyone is welcome!


What is a retreat?
In meditation retreat, we take a break from our normal busyness to gain experience of a particular meditation practice.

In a retreat, we have the opportunity to gain deeper concentration by letting go of our usual busyness, preoccupations and worries, to experience a spacious and life-enhancing perspective. 

Even with poor concentration, we are generally more peaceful, relaxed, and happy on retreat than in our ordinary fast-paced, externalized lives.

Whether you’re a beginner or simply want to enjoy retreat in ideal conditions, every aspect of these retreats are structured to help you refresh your mind through meditation. During the breaks enjoy meaningful conversation and the beauty and tranquility of Thatcher Woods.    

Make it a Digital Detox Day: 

Are you feeling over-stimulated by the modern world and your phone is rarely out of your hand? Are you losing time to tech-based distraction? Is your phone draining you of energy to live with clarity and focus? Instead of sinking into habitual distraction, now is the time to take back control of our mind. Consider leaving your phone in your car and taking a break.