Silent retreat offers a time to rest in the space of the heart. Sitting meditation alternating with walking meditation form the basic structure of this retreat in the Insight Meditation tradition. These practices calm the body and mind and open the heart to the truth of the present moment, just as it is. Guidance in these practices along with evening teaching talks will be offered as we deepen our practice in the shared silence. Participants will be holding silence with opportunities for questions and reflections. This retreat is open to beginners as well as more experienced practitioners.
Bring loose, comfortable clothing for walking, sitting and QiGong.
Gordon Peerman is an Episcopal priest, psychotherapist, and mindfulness meditation teacher. He is the author of Blessed Relief: What Christians Can Learn from Buddhists about Suffering, and his most recent book, The Body Knows the Way: Coming Home through the Dark Night. He leads retreats and workshops on the intersection of contemplative practice and psychological growth. With his late wife Kathy Woods, Gordon taught mindfulness practices at Vanderbilt’s Osher Center for Integrative Health, and to Vanderbilt law and medical students. At Vanderbilt Divinity School, he taught courses in Buddhist-Christian Dialogue and pastoral psychotherapy.
Ryan Black learned Tai Chi from Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming of YMAA, after years studying Taekwondo, Wing Chun Kung Fu, and Kendo. Ryan is a strong believer in the health benefits of Tai Chi for people of any age, but he recognizes that as we get older, it becomes an especially powerful practice. He is also interested in mindfulness and is currently a co-teacher at the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program at Vanderbilt’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and a regular facilitator for Mindful Mondays. He incorporates mindfulness in his teaching of tai chi as well.
Kenneth Robinson is a psychotherapist in private practice in Nashville, Tennessee. His practice brings together art, psychology, and spirituality as a means to facilitate emotional integration following trauma. Employing dance and movement, body and breath awareness, and “healing theatre,” Kenneth guides others beyond the shattering consequences of trauma to a sense of wholeness and connection. He considers his work a form of performance art, and his approach is best expressed in his quote: “Freedom is not a luxury; Ecstasy is not an indulgence.” Kenneth is a poet and musician and a founding member of Chant Ram, a musical group that leads kirtan, a form of meditation and worship that allows participants to move to open-hearted awareness and self-expression through sound.
*Roommates/Couples, contact Reservations directly for roommate discounts.
Financial Assistance Available:
St. Mary’s Sewanee Retreat Center wants anyone who is seeking spiritual transformation here to be allowed that opportunity. If you find it difficult to afford a program, please, contact Reservations for information about financial assistance.
Due to the generous donations of some St. Mary’s Sewanee supporters, there are limited scholarships available and applicable to any sponsored event.
To apply, contact Reservations@stmaryssewanee.org or 931-598-5342 and request an application.
All are welcome here to find Rest, Renewal and Reconnection.
*A minimum registration is required for retreats to take place. If the program does not meet the minimum registration within 2 weeks of the event, there is the possibility of cancellation. If SMS cancels a retreat for any reason, any registered guest will receive a full refund of all payments.
Deposit & Cancellation Policies:
A $100 non-transferable deposit is required to confirm your registration for an event. It can be fully refunded if cancelled within three (3) days of booking. The remaining balance is due seven (7) days prior to arrival. The credit card on file will automatically be charged the balance unless other payment arrangements have been made.
There are no refunds within 7 days of the event date and payments are non-transferrable.
If you are registering online, payment in full is required at the time of registration. If you prefer to only make the $100 deposit, please register by calling us at 931-598-5342.
Lodging in St. Mary's Hall (dorm style rooms, shared bathrooms), meals, program fees & materials
Meals, program fees and materials