Day-Long and Half Day Programs
"Listen to the sound of water
In the clefts and in the gullies:
The tiny streams gurgle loudly
Mighty waters flow in silence."
-- Sutta Nipata 720

For scheduled events, please see the list of Day-Long Retreats.

Day-Long Retreats offer the opportunity for deep meditation practice and contemplative reflection with the convenience of a single day format. Through a continuity of sitting and walking meditation, participants can deeply explore the meditative process, and still be home in time for dinner.

Our monthly Day-Long and Half-Day Retreats are suitable for both novice and seasoned meditators.

The structure of Day-Long Retreats usually include alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation, instructions, dhamma teachings, and optional consultations with the teacher. Often a movement discipline such as yoga, TaiChi, QiGong, or Feldenkrais is offered as an alternative to walking meditation. A typical schedule for the meditation Day-Long Retreat is provided below, though it can change without notice.

9:30-- 10:30Meditation & Introduction
10:30-- 11:30Walking Meditation or Movement Practice
11:30-- 12:15Sitting Meditation
12:15-- 12:30Questions/Answers
12:30-- 1:30Pot Luck Community Lunch
1:30-- 2:15Sitting Meditation
2:15-- 3:00Walking Meditation
3:00-- 3:45Sitting Meditation
3:45-- 4:00Break
4:00-- 5:00Dharma Talk & Closing
5:00   Clean up

IMSB offers Half-Day Workshops that strengthen mindfulness, introduce awareness based movement practices, or develop experiential Dhamma themes. Using a combination of sitting meditation and movement or experiential practices, these half-day programs are designed to encourage wakeful presence, clarity of emotion, and balance in both body and mind. Programs may introduce traditional disciplines such as qi gong and yoga; or they may incorporate modern awareness practices that are employed in healing arts, theatrical training, improvisation, or dance, such as Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, and Laban and Bartenieff Work. Walking meditation is always an option for individuals who prefer mindful walking to the guided movement practices.

Other details:

  • The Day-Long Retreats will be held in Noble Silence to support the deepening of meditative realization. Please turn off cell phones, minimize conversations, and refrain from socializing until the end of the program.
  • Events may include a pot-luck lunch, or the suggestion to bring a bag lunch. Please check the event listing to determine if the event is a bag lunch or pot-luck event. Tea is usually provided. A refrigerator and microwave are usually available. Eating on site supports the development of concentration by avoiding the disruption of excursions to shops or restaurants
  • Chairs are provided. Please bring a mat, cushion or bench if you would like to sit on the floor. The room at St. Timothy's Church is carpeted; the room at Foothills Congregational has a hard wood floor. For some movement events you may want to bring a mat.
  • Most of our Saturday programs are taught by Shaila Catherine, and periodically by guest teachers. Some programs incorporate gentle awareness based movement practices guided by guest instructors. Walking Meditation is always an option for students who do not wish to participate in the featured movement practice.
  • Day-Long Retreats that do not have a movement theme usually include opportunities to consult with the teacher about your individual meditation practice. Usually these meetings take place during the walking meditations.
  • No registration is required. Everyone is welcome. Arriving on time and staying until the end is appreciated. However, if you can only attend part of the program, please arrive or depart during the lunch period.
  • In the spirit of generosity, or dana, these Day-Long Retreats are offered without registration fees. Two bowls will be available for voluntary donations to support IMSB and the teachers with their ongoing efforts of serving the Dhamma. Voluntary contributions are appreciated.
  • The locations at St. Timothy's and Foothills Congregational are on the ground floor. There are no stairs, but bathrooms are not equipped with specialized features for accessibility. If you have a disability and would like to attend our events, please let us know how we can help. Although most talks are amplified with a PA system, hearing impaired students find it helpful to bring their own hearing devices.

On Saturdays in 2012, Day-Long Retreats are held at Saint Timothy's Church. Beginning in 2013, Day-Longs will be held at Foothills Congregational Church and Half-day programs will take place at St. Timothy's Church in the afternoon only.

Saint Timothy's Church
2094 Grant Rd.
Mountain View, CA 94040
Directions for Mountain View Location
Foothills Congregational Church
461 Orange Avenue
Los Altos, CA 94022
Directions for Foothills Congregational Church Location

For more information contact sitimsb.org. For questions visit Frequently Asked Questions.