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To practice living in the present moment, join us for a nourishing retreat and time of renewal in which to cultivate Beginner’s Mind.
Discover for yourself that each moment is a new beginning.
To see the richness of the present moment, we need to cultivate what has been called ‘Beginner’s Mind,’ a mind that is willing to see everything as if for the first time. — Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
Stepping Out of Complexity Into Stillness and Deeper Wisdom
To help participants discover a sense of stillness and deepen awareness in the present moment, noble silence will be maintained throughout the retreat except during question/answer periods and interviews with our teachers. Daily guided sitting meditations, mindful movement sessions, walking meditation, and mindful eating will be offered.
Who Is This Retreat For?
- Anyone with a daily mindfulness meditation practice wishing to deepen their experiential understanding of mindfulness as taught in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program pioneered by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
- MBSR Teachers
- MBSR Teachers-in-Training on the MBSR Pathway to Certification
A silent retreat is like an immersion course. It creates an environment which enables us to see the ways we create difficulties in our lives and to discover a freedom of heart. The spirit and practice of loving kindness will be woven throughout the retreat experience.
This retreat is modeled on the MBSR principles developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness in the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Silent teacher-led retreats strengthen understanding of what it means to be a fully prepared and qualified MBSR teacher.
Deepening experiential understanding of the wisdom of mindfulness in the retreat experience supports a developing MBSR teacher and a student of mindfulness in a more nuanced comprehension of the program and its transformational potential.
“I personally consider the periodic sitting of relatively long teacher-led retreats to be an absolute necessity in the developing of one’s own meditation practice, understanding, and effectiveness as a teacher. In terms of the ‘curriculum’ of mindfulness training, to become an MBSR teacher, it is a laboratory requirement.”— Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn
Dates
NEXT OFFERED: Dates to be determined.
About Our Teachers
Valerie York-Zimmerman, founder of Miami Mindfulness, has been a teacher and tireless advocate for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in South Florida since 1998 and 2002, respectively. She is the founder of Miami Mindfulness and Mindful Kids Miami. She received her professional training from the Center for Mindfulness where MBSR was pioneered by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. She is certified to teach MBSR by the Oasis Institute at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Ms. York-Zimmerman is also a trainer and mentor affiliated with the prestigious Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute (MBPTI) in the Center for Mindfulness at the University of California San Diego.
Sharon M. Theroux is a licensed psychologist and board certified neuropsychologist, working in private practice since 1995. She is founder of the South Florida Center for Mindfulness and International Seminars Group, with their missions of educating the South Florida Community on mindfulness-based interventions. She is certified to teach MBSR by the Oasis Institute at the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
The Duncan Conference Center
15820 Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 (Map link)
What attendees have said about the 2017 retreat
“I am deeply appreciative of this quiet launch to a new and more mindful chapter.” ~ Margot, writer
“The retreat was very refreshing, perfect for a new beginning.” ~ Adriana, Human Resources
“A balm for our tired souls, for our tired, busy minds. A poignant reminder that loving kindness can and does change the world, one gesture at a time.” ~ Cristina, Professional Fundraiser
“It has brought a stillness of mind, body and spirit which has allowed me to witness internal peace and love that I will undoubtedly share with others.” ~ Olga, LMHC, Professor, Teacher
“What an awesome privilege to be able to spend a few days in blessed silence at the serene and welcoming Duncan Center in Delray Beach, Fla.” ~ Angela, Miami, Retired
“I came wanting more peace in my heart and mind. I felt guided, safe and comforted. I leave with more peace and a few more steps along my journey.” ~ Jean, Special Ed Teacher
“My experience was wonderful. I am taking away tools that I can use in my everyday minute-to-minute, ongoing life. What a gift to give myself and my family.” ~ Lisa, Fundraising-Development-Membership Associate, Miami Book Fair
“This retreat was exactly what I needed to deepen my meditation practice and renew my energy and spirit. Valerie and Sharon are precious gifts and I am endlessly grateful.” ~ Cina, LCSW
