Serenity Mindfulness Retreats

Retreat Overview

Retreats are hosted quarterly, usually in January, April, July, and October.

They are typically two or three days in length (one or two overnight stays, depending on availability at the St. Benedict Center).

Space is limited.

Specifics are sent out via email to those who inquire. Contact Anne Hajek (anne.serenitym3@gmail.com) with any questions. Payment is appreciated upon registration but can also be made at the start of the retreat.

Accepted modes of payment: cash, check, venmo.

Where…

St. Benedict Center – Schuyler, NE (1126 Co Rd I, Schuyler, NE 68661)

What to expect…

During the retreat, we will explore breath control patterns, yoga and mindful movement, mantra, and sound immersion as meditative practices. Structured sessions will be followed by periods of free time, during which you are encouraged to rest or engage in quiet, contemplative activities.

Pricing varies based on the length of the retreat. Meals, lodging (private, single rooms), and all sessions are included in the retreat package. Registrants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Center.

What to bring…

  • Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
  • A warm sweatshirt, blanket, or shawl
  • Snacks (if you want to eat between meals)
  • A meditation cushion or bolster
  • Spiritual/yogic reading material, a journal or coloring book

Late arrivals…

If you cannot arrive by 6 p.m. on Friday, please let us know as soon as possible.

If you find yourself running late for a session during the retreat, please enter the room as silently as possible. The group schedule will be posted outside of our room (see example below).

A word about technology and personal electronic devices…

Consider this an opportunity to break free from your phone, computer, and the online world. Cell phones can be tucked safely away in your room. In case of emergency, the point of contact at St. Benedict Center is Fr. Thomas: 402-352-8819 ext. 357 (during the day) or 402-615-3958 (after hours).

Sample Agenda

Saturday

  • 5:00 p.m. – Introductions and First Practice
  • 6:00 p.m. – Supper
  • 7:15 p.m. – Restorative/Yin Practice with Sound Immersion

Saturday

  • 7:00 a.m. – Candle Gazing Meditation
  • 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast
  • 8:45 a.m. – Mindful Movement – Qi Gong
  • 9:30 a.m. – Free Time
  • 10:00 a.m. – Kriya and Meditation
  • 11: 00 a.m. – Free time
  • 11:30 a.m. – Silent Sit
  • 12:00 p.m. – Lunch and Free time
  • 1:30 p.m. – Mindfulness Meditation
  • 2:00 p.m. – Free Time
  • 3:00 p.m. – Qi Gong
  • 4:00 p.m. – Free Time
  • 5:00 p.m. – Silent Sit
  • 6:00 p.m. – Supper
  • 7:15 p.m. – Gentle Yoga Practice Sound Immersion

Sunday

  • 7:00 a.m. – Candle Gazing Meditation
  • 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast
  • 8:30 a.m. – Cleanup and Check Out of Rooms
  • 9:00 a.m. – Mindful Movement
  • 10:00 a.m. – Free Time
  • 11:00 a.m. – Final Session
  • 11:30 a.m. – Debriefing
  • 12:00 p.m. – Lunch and Departure

More about the retreat

In preparation for our weekend retreat, please read through the information below and reach out to Anne with any questions.

Tips

  • Mindfulness is being aware of thoughts, feelings (emotions and physical sensations), and sounds. Meditation can be described as smiling at the crazy mind as it jumps from one thing to another. Don’t worry about achieving a still mind. We try simply to be fully present from moment to moment. And remember: it’s all just PRACTICE!
  • Meditation retreats may be more easeful when the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices is minimized or eliminated. Abstention from such use reduces “hindrances” (our mind’s ability to see clearly and our capacity to develop a stable, concentrated mind and fosters tranquility in the mind). Think about leaving your smartwatch, tablet, laptop, etc. at home. Tuck your cellphone away and give your loved ones the contact information for the Retreat Center.

Guidelines for personal conduct

  • The retreat schedule will be posted on the door to our conference room. You are not obliged to attend all sessions; feel free to use your time as you see fit.
  • If you arrive late for a sit, please enter the room as quietly as possible, so as to cause minimal disruption.
  • Once a practice starts, avoid leaving the room. If you need to leave for any reason, do so quietly and return with as little noise as possible.
  • There should be no sleeping or snoring during our group practices, but it occasionally happens during meditation or nidra practices. If your neighbor snores, gently nudge them.
  • Minimize or eliminate use of strong fragrances. We will be seated for extended periods of time in relatively close spaces.
  • Be mindful of your consumption of food and drinks during practice sessions to avoid unnecessarily distracting your neighbors.

Preparation

  • Bring what you need to be comfortable sitting for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. The Retreat Center provides relatively comfortable chairs, and Anne will bring yoga blankets, blocks, and bolsters. You might consider bringing: your own meditation cushion; a hoodie, a blanket, or a shawl to keep warm when sitting; a mala, rosary, or other prayer beads; paper, a notebook, or a coloring book for journaling, writing, drawing, or meditative coloring; reading material: Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hahn, Joseph Goldstein, Sharon Salzberg, etc.
  • Pack snacks, if you want them. Meals are provided, usually at 7:30 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. – the schedule is posted in the facility. Arrive early to meals, if possible, as the staff stop serving once the line thins.
  • Don’t forget your walking shoes and appropriate clothing to stay warm/cool inside and out. The facility has a walking path around the lake, a labyrinth for walking meditation, and a chapel for contemplation.