Silent Meditation Weekend
29. November – 1. December 2024
Kloster Marienstatt, Streithausen (Westerwald)
On Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool to help you to dive into your own depths. Regular use of this technique leads to an investigation of the mind, whilst noticing its fluctuating states and its repetitive nature. It allows you to observe and over time release behavioural and thought patterns or personal/generational/karmic trauma you may be holding within and might be subconsiouscly pushing down. Staying in silence for a longer period of time creates the necessary space for repressed emotions to surface, be recognized and „reorganized“. A key factor of this practice is to allow everything that surfaces to come up, without any judgment and without engaging with the story or fabricating a new story as a distraction tactic. This way we actually allow ourselves to be in the present moment and accept the reality unfolding in front of us. This way our reactions to any present situation are not conditioned, but can actually be conscious and authentic. Through our practice we cultivate something that is often referred to as „the beginner’s mind“: a mind that is always open to what is actually happening, a mind that is fresh and free from comparison, a mind that embraces what is there without judgment.
The meditation weekend is not relaxing and it is not a wellness time-out. It is hard work. But it is also extremely transformative, enrichening and rewarding.
We will gather at the beautiful Abby Marienstatt in Streithausen, Westerwald. The Abby can easily be reached by car. You can also chose to arrive by public transportation via train. We will assist you in getting from the train station to the Abby.
Daily Schedule
Friday
from 2:00pm: Earliest possible arrival at the Guesthouse of Kloster Marienstatt
5:00 – 7:00pm: Introduction and opening circle in the Schulseminarraum
Why meditate and why stay in silence?
Establishing a meditative seat
How to work with obstacles
Trial run
Welcome Yoga Nidra session
7:30-8:30pm: Dinner
Saturday
6:00 – 8:00am: Open practice space* in Schulseminarraum
8:30 – 9:30am: Breakfast
10am – 12:30pm: First round of sitting and walking meditation
1 – 2pm: Snack buffet/lunch
2:30 – 5:00pm: Second round walking and sitting meditation
6 – 7pm: Dinner
7:30-8:30 pm : Talk
Sunday
6:00 – 8:00am: Open practice space* in Schulseminarraum
8:30 – 9:30am: Breakfast
10am – 12pm: First round of sitting and walking meditation
1:00 – 2:00pm: Lunch
2:30 – 5 pm: Second round walking and sitting meditation
5 – 6 pm: Talk and closing circle
*Open practice space
The open practice space is an invitation for people to practice whatever they feel they need to do in the morning before meditation. It is a self guided practice and will be assisted by either Leni or Franzi. The practice can be Asana or any other non-disruptive somatic practice, like breathing practice. Some people like to journal or go for a walk outside in nature.
On our arrival day, we have an introductory talk and a thorough explanation on Awareness Meditation. This includes among other topics, how to find a stable meditation seat, how to anchor the mind during meditation, how to walk in a meditative manner and how to work with obstacles (physical pain as well as emotions) during the meditation sessions. We will also do a short trial run so that everyone knows how our meditation sessions will be conducted over the weekend.
Each meditation session consists five cycles of 20 minutes seated meditation and 10 minutes walking meditation. The rest of the day is spent in silence. It is up to you, if you want to also refrain from using your phone in your room, refrain from reading etc. We do however ask you to refrain from speaking to other participants, in order to allow them to fully experience the effects of silence. Should there be the need to speak with someone, you may speak with one of the retreat guides.
In the past, all participants have found the extended silence revealing and even soothing. Our sharing circles at the end of these weekends have proven time and again the utter value and potency of immersing yourself in silence.
Accommodation
The Accomodation overall is very basic. The rooms are simple and the showers and bathrooms are shared. The atmosphere of the Abby Marienstatt is full of grace and reverence. Participants of past Silent Meditation Weekends have loved the surroundings and have felt that the simple accommodation very much brought them into tune with the overall endeavor of the weekend. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Food
We will have our own cook preparing nourishing food throughout the weekend.
Our cook will make sure to prepare fresh, nourishing and simple meals, that can easily be digested and will not distract from the meditation process.
All meals will be vegetarian, with vegan options.
Should you have any food restrictions or allergies, please let us know prior to the retreat.
Franzi Schill
Franzi found her way to Ashtanga Yoga within her twenties while being at University. The fascination and reverence for Yoga has never left her.
For her, Yoga offers the invitation for connection. To the hidden parts of oneself. To the inner depths. To other beings. To the energy of the universe. Yoga involves deep and receptive listening. One in which everything that is, is allowed to be there. Yoga involves giving space. It opens up the possibility of love.
Franzi believes the Ashtanga Vinyasa system offers opportunities to build strength and flexibility, to enhance health. But beyond that it offers the gateway to a philosophical system that enriches every part of ones life.
Franzi has learned from and practiced Yoga with world renowned teachers such as Richard Freeman, Mary Tylor, Ty Landrum and Rolf Naujokat. She has a vast knowledge on Asana, Pranayama and Philosophy and draws from many years of experience of teaching this practice to international audiences and in various settings including governmental institutions in Germany.
She draws her inspiration from her own practice, daily walks in the forest, her teachers, ideas of Jiddu Krishnamurti and the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke.
Leni Scherer
From an early age on, Leni has been fascinated with both human physiology and philosophy and how different paradigms of these two fields connect on a spiritual level. During her medical studies she stumbled upon the practice of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga and meditation practice. She then fully immersed herself in that practice and began study Yoga philosophy and Ayurveda more extensively. Along the way she has had the opportunity to study with and draw inspiration from teachers such as Dr. Ronald Steiner, Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, Tim Feldmann, Kino Macgregor, Sharat Jois, Eddie Stern, David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, to name a few. Currently she is studying with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach in order to become a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. Leni is a licensed physician, an AYI Expert teacher and a 500-hour Yoga teacher trainer accredited by the Yoga Alliance. In the past few years she has been teaching in a variety of settings and has been a part of numerous teacher trainings. Being a dedicated practitioner herself, she combines her knowledge of Yoga philosophy and human physiology with her personal practical experience and manages to put it into a spiritual context with didactic aptitude. Leni enjoys sharing what she has learned so far with anyone who is sincerely interested in continuously exploring and developing their individual practices
What you need to bring
Comfortable and warm clothing
A blanket for meditation sessions if you tend to freeze quickly
Optional: you own meditation bolster or cushion or props (the Abby provides us with cushions, but you may want to use your own)
Non-slippery socks
Notebook and pen, if you would like to take notes
Outdoor clothing for optional walks in the garden and nature surrounding the Abby
What is included
2 nights accommodation in Kloster Marienstatt
3 meals each day; water, tea, coffee and light snacks all day
10 hours of meditation
Introduction to meditation technique, effects of meditation and cultivating a self-practice
Optional reading materials
Daily dharma talks
Optional use of the practice space for a self-guided morning practice (Yoga Asana, Pranayama, Tai Chi etc)
Welcome Yoga Nidra session and closing circle
Prices
Double room shared (shared bathroom): 350,00 Euros
Single room (shared bathroom): 405,00 Euros
A non-refundable deposit of 25 % of the full price is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the event. Refunds are given in full until 30 days before the event (minus deposit).