Happiness is Here and Now – Retreat for families and individuals

What is happiness and how can we experience it right here and now – even in the midst of so much suffering all around the world?

Experiencing life through the lens of mindfulness reveals the many wonders of life happening in this moment. To feel our breath coming and going and savor it – that is a wonder.

Yes, there is indeed much suffering in the world. Yet, if we drown in suffering, we can not be of help to anyone. In fact, we can only offer what we have, be it happiness or suffering. However, we no longer need to run away from our suffering; we can now learn how to take care of it. Together in this retreat, we will learn and apply the ancient and effective practices of Mindfulness to tend to our suffering and to cultivate wellbeing.

At our Happiness is Here and Now retreat we will practice an assortment of meditations together: sitting meditation, walking meditation, working meditation, eating meditation… etc.

Collectively we will learn how to cultivate the healing seeds of joy, peace, love and understanding, to better take care of our suffering. While we tend to learn this art of tending to our own suffering and happiness on an individual level, we can also learn to master this art together as a family. In this retreat, the monastics from Magnolia Grove Monastery will offer practical teachings on how to touch happiness in the present moment for the entire family: parents, young adults, teens, and children.

While the adults attend the Dharma talks, Dharma sharing and presentations, we will also offer a teens’ program (ages from 13-17) and a children’s program (ages from 6-12, if the child is under the age of 5, we ask a parent to be present) where our youth can enjoy bite-sized mindfulness lessons on mindful breathing, taking care of strong emotions, play games, have informal sharings, and savor snack meditation.

The monastics are here for you. We will offer guidance in the essential practices of mindfulness, provide safe spaces of sharing where we listen deeply to each other, and have the opportunity to connect with others. This retreat is a time to grow, learn, heal, and let go of the past while learning to dwell happily and solidly in the present.

We hope to see you and your family soon!

—Magnolia Grove Monastery Monastics

COVID Safety Measures (updated: April 15, 2022)

To protect the community and for your own safety and peace of mind, we are taking the following measures during your visit at the monastery:

• We will observe the CDC guidelines and wear masks indoors.
• All retreatants are requested to wear N95 or KN 95 masks. We will wear masks when indoors on arrival day and for the next 2 days until it is clear no one is sick. Then we can remove masks.
• All retreatants must be fully vaccinated, including a booster shot, if due, at least 2 weeks before arrival. Please send proof of vaccination to office@magnoliagrovemonastery after registering.
• The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 50 to allow for social distancing in the dining hall.
• The numbers of people per room is limited to 1 or 2, unless you come with a group/family you are happy to share with.
• We can offer a limited number of single occupancy rooms at a premium on a first come first served basis. Please make a note of your request on the registration page.
• Retreatants who have the following symptoms are requested to go get COVID testing:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

• For those with a weakened immune system, please consider taking extra precautions and seek the recommendation of your medical doctor before booking a retreat.

• If you experience any symptoms of Covid before you arrive, please do not come to the monastery and we will arrange for another time for you to come.
• If you have symptoms and test positive for Covid-19 during your stay, we kindly ask you to return home to care for yourself.

Please let the office know if you have any special needs or concerns.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Please note : These safety measures are subject to change according to the current situation.

Pricing

We do not want the cost to block you from our retreats. If you cannot attend a retreat due to cost, we strongly encourage you to ask for a reduction.

This is a four night retreat. Prices include the cost of all activities, three meals per day and lodging.

• DORM/CABIN bed in a shared room $100 per night
• DORM/CABIN bed in a single room $150 per night
• TENT / RV/COMMUTER $60 per night.  

Discounts for students and seniors 20%, teens 30% and children 40%

* Do you need a ride or can offer a ride? Please click here to fill out the Google form.

This Retreat is full.   If you register for it, do NOT pay.   You will be put on a waiting list.

Register for retreat