Vermont Silent Meditation Retreat

February 24th-Feb 28th, 2027

A five day, four night silent meditation and yoga retreat in a historic home in the mountains of Vermont.

Teacher: Lora Ksieniewicz Retreat Assistant: Michelle Bouchard

“This amazing noble silence retreat has both introduced and laid the foundation for a heartfelt and awakened way of life. I thought I was coming for me, but it turns out I came for my family as well. I have some tools to help them/remind them of the idea of being present and to minimize distraction” -Julie, Vermont Insight Retreat ‘18, ‘19, ‘22

“One of my life’s best experiences thus far!” - Karen, Vermont Insight Retreat ‘19

“I cannot thank you enough for helping me to deepen my practice. I was ready and you were there (with) this past weekends retreat- to really connect with myself It just keeps getting better.” -Lisa, Vermont Insight Retreat ‘19

Why silent retreat? In our culture, we are used to living with a lot of urgency and tension. We may sustain this pace for long stretches, sometimes decades, but we show the strains in the enduring health of our bodies and minds. A silent retreat is an opportunity to deeply re-set, connect inwards, and to stay a while with your own experience. You will find that the days are very full, but in none of the ways you may be used to. We will have a consistent and fairly continuous schedule each day of seated meditation, walking meditation, gently guided yoga practice, meals, and dharma talks.

We will explore the teachings of Buddhism, the practices of mindfulness, and their application to our daily lives, in a way that is not possible in any other format where the mind is still engaged in social interaction and maximum sensory input. We will peel back the layers of our own habits, mechanisms of mind, holdings and unresolved healings, in order to deeply digest that which still needs processing.

This is an opportunity to take a journey away from one’s daily responsibilities, preoccupations and worldly events. With this in mind, we require everyone to disengage from their computers and phones for the duration of the retreat in order to genuinely connect with oneself in a less distracted inner and outer environmen

We’ll make an intentional and supported journey back from our practice of silence and deep introspection on he final day, so emerging from silence is both supportive, and celebratory.

Note: You must attend the entirety of the retreat. This is not something we are able to be flexible around as once we are in silence, it is disruptive to the group as a whole to have arrivals and departures, especially unplanned.

Note: If you have had the experience of going on a much-needed vacation and promptly getting sick, you’ll recognize that we can carry what we do not have time to process till body and mind see an opportunity. Our bodies may have been battling that sickness for months, just waiting for a moment we weren’t racing from point A to B for it to fully manifest. Similarly, in the deep stillness of a silent retreat, you may find yourself finally digesting even long gone experiences; grief, deep joy, sadness can all be vividly present. This is normal, and welcome, for you to feel and experience deeply. However, if you are under the care of a therapist or mental health professional we ask that you consult them prior to attending. We believe in the benefits of this practice for everyone, but just as we would not advise a physical practice with an acute injury, we do not advise a deep mental practice with acute “injury” or level of distress.

Registration for all retreat and programs are non-refundable and non-transferable. We STRONGLY recommend taking out travel insurance on the retreat once you book, and are happy to suggest companies we like, to ensure a full refund should anything arise.