Protecting & Transforming (Retreat for people in the 12 Step Programs)

This retreat offers the opportunity for people in 12 Step programs of all types to ‘keep coming back’ to Magnolia Grove to share our experience, strength, and hope with each other and to learn more about the practices of mindfulness and meditation. We will learn to \’breathe mindfully.\’ Every morning we will start our day with sitting meditation with the Brothers and Sisters of Magnolia Grove. Daily activities will include:

Sitting Meditation  Walking Meditation  Mindful Eating  Dharma Sharing
Dharma Talk      Noble Silence     Deep Relaxation  Working Meditation

Many people in recovery have found that meditation and mindfulness are a vital part of their recovery program. At the two previous 12 Step retreats at Magnolia Grove, many of us experienced a joyful awakening of a spirit of ‘brotherhood and sisterhood’ that is collectively stronger and more enriching than possible when we practice by ourselves.

Delicious vegetarian meals are included along with comfortable housing, unless you prefer to camp. As a courtesy to the monastics and others, we do ask that all participants refrain from smoking or taking intoxicants while on the retreat. Please do continue to take any prescription medications as prescribed.

No meditation experience is necessary and people of all spiritual backgrounds or even no religious background are welcome to attend. This retreat is not directly affiliated with any 12 Step program and will not be focused on study about the 12 Steps. Instead, it will be a chance to learn about meditation together with other people in recovery by sharing the practical experience of mindful living with the joyful monks and nuns in the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh.

The retreat is open to people with experience in 12 Step or other recovery programs, friends, family, and recovery workers. The “theme” this year will be “Protecting and Transforming” and we welcome anyone who is interested. We hope that as in years past, attendees will return home with renewed vigor for recovery and greater understanding of the basic tools for engaging mindfully with life one day at a time.

Together, we are one.

Please help us to share this special retreat with other friends by posting the retreat flyer (download here) at your meeting location,  local libraries, yoga studios, Whole Foods…

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Please click here to download the registration form.

If you wish to contribute for your stay by credit card payment, you are most welcome to send us the registration to our email address at office@magnoliagrovemonastery.org & we\’ll contact you for credit card payment.

Please mail the registration form if you would like to contribute by check.