Cultivating the Joy of Silence

A Four-Night Silent Retreat at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa

In a world filled with urgency, noise, distraction, and endless stimulation, silence becomes a radical act of returning.

Cultivating the Joy of Silence is a four-night immersive retreat rooted in the philosophy of Cultivating JOY: that suffering is part of the human experience, and that presence, connection, mindfulness, creativity, and compassion can help us remember the beauty of being alive.

This retreat offers a gentle and supportive container for deep rest, reflection, and renewal through silence, nature, meditation, poetry, sound, and creative expression. While grounded in the traditions of Vipassana and mindfulness practice, this is not a rigid monastic retreat. Instead, it is a living exploration of silence as nourishment, silence as healing, silence as creativity, and silence as joy.

Participants will engage in guided sitting, walking, standing, and lying-down meditations, alongside contemplative practices that include poetry, creative writing, sound, art-making, and mindful presence in nature. Meals will be held in silence, and noble silence will be maintained throughout the retreat except during designated guided practices and experiential offerings.

Together, we will slow down enough to hear the subtle movements of the heart. We will practice listening beneath language. We will explore what emerges when we stop performing, stop fixing, stop explaining, and simply allow ourselves to be fully present with life as it is.

Limited to 16 participants, this intimate retreat is designed for individuals seeking renewal, spaciousness, creativity, contemplative practice, and a deeper connection to themselves and the living world around them.

Whether you are new to silence or an experienced meditator, you are welcome.

Retreat Details:

• July 31 – August 4 Thursday 4 pm – Tuesday Lunch
• Four nights at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa
• Tuition: $800 plus housing
• Limited to 16 participants

Come sit beside the mountains.
Come listen to the wind in the trees.
Come remember that silence is not empty.
It is alive.

Schedule:

Friday. July 31

• 3 – 6 pm Arrival & Check-in
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 9:15 Opening Session – Silence Begins

Saturday, August 1
Silent Day

• 7:15 – 8 am Early Morning Sit
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Meditations
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 2:30 pm Afternoon Break, Free time for Relaxation, Spa & Rest
• 2:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 8:30 pm Evening Program

Sunday, August 2
Silent Day

• 7:15 – 8 am Early Morning Sit
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Meditations
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 2:30 pm Afternoon Break, Free time for Relaxation, Spa & Rest
• 2:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 8:30 pm Evening Program

Monday, August 3
Silent Day

• 7:15 – 8 am Early Morning Sit
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am – 12 pm Morning Meditations
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 2:30 pm Afternoon Break, Free time for Relaxation, Spa & Rest
• 2:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Program
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 – 8:30 pm Evening Program

Tuesday, August 4

• 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
• 7 – 8 am Morning Meditation & Yoga – Silent
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast – Silent
• 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Closing Morning Program – Silence Broken
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change.