Join Carolyn Anne Budgell for a 4 day, 3 night retreat into silence, space and rest with a like-minded community.
Amidst the towering old growth and 38 acres of meadows, trees, a lush garden and walking labyrinth on Bowen Island, BC, Xenia Retreat Centre offers a secluded space to step away from daily noise and reconnect with stillness. This retreat is designed for those seeking a pause, a greater appreciation for life’s simple moments and time to just be.
Our home:
A retreat like this requires a special space - one that is immersed into nature, with the simplest of dwellings and untouched natural surroundings. Welcome to the Xenia Centre. Just a 20 minute ferry from West Vancouver, BC on Bowen Island, Xenia is surrounded by parkland and nestled between two lakes, with abundant trails with giant ferns, and a short walk to the ocean. Xenia offers the work of Sanctuary (of the moment) inclusive of all traditions, spiritual studies and cultures. It is an eclectic, non-dogmatic environment, offering a doorway through which one can know one’s true nature as a direct experience. Containing numerous cottage dwellings and an astounding Gathering Space, it’s the perfect backdrop for easing into silence.
Walk the labyrinth, sit with OPA our ancient Douglas fir or visit the horses in the meadow. OPA, the horses, Khodo and Summer, Tofino the donkey and Mars the miniature horse along with Gracie our labradoodle and Charlie the pig are very good at offering Sanctuary to all those who spend time with them. Read more about Xenia’s Guidelines and Values here.
Daily Schedule:
The retreat begins with an afternoon gathering and a ‘getting to know you dinner’ before we transition into silence, allowing you to settle into the experience with intention and connection to others. Over the next couple days, guided meditation sessions, dharma talks, silence, guided gentle yoga, self led walking meditations and opportunities for reflection provide the structure to deepen your practice. Though silence is maintained, there will be designated times for questions and one-on-one guidance.
Accommodations:
Xenia offers a variety of simple, yet comfortable accommodation options including self-contained cabins in a forested refuge, yurts with washrooms nearby, and dorm spots (for females only). More room details can be found here. If you’re not booking the female only dorm cottage, please book with your friend or roommate as we cannot guarantee coordinating roommates.
Cuisine by Marika Richoz:
Three nourishing meals are provided daily. With Marika's care, you will find yourself fully satiated with vegetarian dishes that will become part of the meditation practice. Mindfully eating and appreciating every last bit.
This retreat is for those with prior meditation experience or who have attended a meditation retreat.
Please complete the sign up form after completing your purchase.
A detailed welcome email with all the retreat info will land in your inbox within 48 hours of purchase.
Prices are in CAD.