MBSR Teacher-Led Silent MBSR Retreats

Importance of Retreats: Developing Essential Skills of Inquiry

The following article by Jon Kabat-Zinn explores the foundations of MBSR and the importance of meditation practice and retreat attendance for all MBSR teachers. We strongly recommend that all MBSR teacher trainees read this article, as it may assist you in selecting a suitable retreat. Some Reflections on the Origins of MBSR, Skillful Means, and the Trouble With Maps (pdf).

To be considered for Teacher Certification in MBSR, you must attend two, 5-Day (or longer) silent retreats and two 7-Day (or longer) silent retreats.  These retreats should be attended concurrent with your teacher training as illustrated in the Teacher Education pre-requisites.

These MBSR Teacher-Led Retreats meet the prerequisites of the Oasis Institute™

August 30 - September 4: Foundations of Mindfulness: A Silent Retreat

Spirit Fire Retreat Center is located on 95 acres of forest and meadow in Leyden, MA, on the eastern edge of the Berkshires, 2 hours west of Boston and 4 hours north of NYC.

October 15 - 22:  Convergence, a 7-Day, Teacher-Led, Silent Retreat in Rhinebeck, NY

Omega Institute, in conjunction with the CFM, hosts this retreat.

November 3-10:  Mindfulness Meditation Retreat: A 7-Day, Teacher-Led, Silent Retreat in CO

Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, CO.

November 16 - 21, 2017: Foundations of Mindfulness: A Silent Retreat

This retreat at Spirit Fire Retreat Center is open to anyone who wishes to experience the rigors and enjoyments of a silent retreat. Located in pastoral Leyden, MA, on the edge of the Berkshires, 2 hours west of Boston and 4 hours north of NYC.

May 18 – 23, 2018: Waking Up in Every Moment, A 5-Day Silent Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

A 5-day silent retreat led by Melissa Blacker and David Rynick at Casa da Torre, Soutelo, Vila Verde, Braga, Portugal.

Inquiry into the nature of mind, emotions, and reality is an essential skill for MBSR teachers. This skill is reinforced by a deep and extensive grounding in mindfulness meditation practice, as it is expressed within both traditional as well as more mainstream contexts. Engagement in a personal, daily mindfulness meditation practice, as well as silent, teacher-led retreats will strengthen your understanding of what it means to be a fully prepared and qualified MBSR teacher. Your own personal commitment to learning, growing and healing – and dedication to the well-being of others – will contribute to your integrity and effectiveness as a teacher.

Other Silent Retreat Centers:

• Insight Meditation Society, Barre, MA, USA
• Spirit Rock, Woodacre, CA, USA
• Insight Meditation Community of Washington, Cabin John, MD, USA
• Southern Dharma, Hot Springs, NC, USA
• Vipassana Meditation Centers (U.S. and Canada)
• Boundless Way Zen, Worcester, MA, USA
• San Francisco Zen Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
• Zen Center of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
• Zen Community of Oregon, Clatskanie, OR, USA
• Karme Choling, Barnet, VT, USA
• Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, USA
• Gaia House, Devon, England
• Vipassana Meditation Centers (worldwide)
• Dharma Retreat, Toronto, Canada
• Cloud Mountain Retreat Center, Castle Rock, WA
• True North Insight, Ottawa & Montreal, Ontario & Quebec, Canada