Workshop Details

Meditating in noble silence offers a special opportunity to focus inward, and to deeply connect with oneself, create intentions, and reflect on life goals. New Year's Eve, with its connection to the winter solstice and new beginnings, is the perfect time to silently journey inward. This will be Esalen's first silent New Year’s meditation retreat. Participants will set intentions and explore, through seated and moving meditation, themes of self-kindness, self-care, and nurturing. This retreat offers a quiet, reflective New Year’s celebration with the opportunity to discover a deep, centered place within.
“We will begin Friday evening with time to introduce ourselves and receive an orientation about the sitting practice, and then we’ll enter noble silence,” writes Mark Abramson. “On Saturday I will guide you through a series of practices of both stillness and movement, which will build the momentum of concentration and awareness. We will practice mindfulness meditation utilizing the rich, sensual experience of Esalen, with the sounds of the ocean, the feeling of the air, and the beauty of seeing the colors and textures as well as the rich experience of our own bodies and minds. The midday meal will be held in silence as part of Saturday’s practice. There will be an afternoon movement practice and discussion. After bathing in the nurturing bath of your own awareness, you may have Saturday evening free to enjoy New Year's Eve at Esalen (not in silence), or if there is interest, we can sit together in meditation to bring in 2012. We will finish on Sunday morning with a meditation and time to connect with the group and share insights and intentions for the new year.”