Silent meditation retreat Spain
23-27 November 2023 - 3-11 January 2024
Taking time to be still and calm the being is a healing in itself.
Being in silence allows a powerful experience of connecting deeply with oneself and life.
Relax in nature.
Step away from the hustle and bustle of the world and retreat into the silence of the Spanish countryside! Surrounded by olive groves, pines, and orange trees, the environment invites you to slow down and enjoy. By abstaining from speaking for a few days, you can connect with yourself on a deeper level.
Experience the power of silence.
Silent meditation retreat Spain offers a gentle program that includes yoga, meditation, walking, resting, and living in nature. During these days you don’t have to do anything. There is room to simply be present in the moment. Ellen leads the meditations and lectures to guide you into silence. During meditation we are aware of the experience of the here and now, knowing that we do not need to judge or strive for anything. We observe how sensations, thoughts, emotions, and moods are constantly changing. Deep insight into yourself and life brings peace, harmony, and joy.
Retreat program
We start the day at 8am with yoga, followed by a healthy breakfast. In the mornings, there are silent and a guided meditations on the following themes: body and breath, senses, the four elements, feelings and thoughts, and metta (loving-kindness). In the afternoon, Ellen gives an inspiring lecture to support you in your process of silence. The rest of the day, we meditate in silence in one of four positions: sitting, standing, walking, and lying down. We do this inside the meditation yurt or outside in nature.
Silent walking & meditative dance.
On the third day, we will go on a yatra, a silent walk through the beautiful nature. Walking in silence brings deep connection with your inner landscape and the landscape around you. The rhythm of walking calmly soothes body and mind. One evening, we will dance to meditative music and on the last day, we will break the silence by singing mantras and holding a sharing circle.
Testimonials
For who is this retreat?
The silent meditation retreat is open to both experienced and beginner practitioners of yoga and meditation. The only requirement is that you are motivated to spend the days in complete silence, want to meditate a lot, and are willing to delve into your own process. The retreat is guided in English.
Silent retreat in a stunning location
The retreat is organized on the land of Kausay Community, located in a beautiful green valley in the province of Valencia. Kausay is a small-scale off-grid eco-community. We live close to nature and want you to experience the power of living in simplicity. As far as you can see, there is greenery. There is no traffic, no internet, no street lighting. You can see the stars, smell the wild thyme and depending on when you come, you can pick an orange, fig or pomegranate from the trees. Kausay has a large organic vegetable garden whose produce is used in the delicious freshly prepared vegetarian meals.
Sleep in a Mongolian yurt!
Come and experience life in a traditional Mongolian yurt! Kausay’s yurts are cozy and comfortable. It’s beautiful to live in a circular space where everyone is equal in the circle. For the retreat, we will use three large yurts, two of which will serve as sleeping accomodations with comfortable beds and a cozy sofa. These yurts will be shared by a maximum of seven participants. The third yurt is the space where we come together for yoga and meditations, and it’s equipped with yoga mats, foldable mattresses, and meditation cushions. On colder days, all yurts will be heated by a wood stove, making it cozy and comfortable. Showers with hot water and ecological compost toilets are located near the yurts. There is a beautiful lounge, hammocks, and nature as far as the eye can see. It’s delightful to spend time outside and fully enjoy the sunny Spanish climate.
Guidance
The retreat is led by Ellen van Iersel. “Meditation has been an important base in my life for 20 years. I have done many vipassana retreats often in the sangha of Christopher Titmuss, one of my most inspiring teachers. In 2014, I completed the training to become a mindfulness trainer (MBSR mindfulness-based stress reduction) at the Center for Mindfulness.
I am also affiliated with the VMBN professional association for Mindfulness trainers. Sharing this training has given me an even deeper understanding of how the mind works and the challenges of our fast pace, goal-oriented society.
It also deepened my love for silence, nature, and Buddhism. Over the years, I have shared this love in silent meditation retreats, silent walking retreats, and spiritual journeys to India. In 2018, I moved to Spain and founded Kausay Community with others. It’s wonderful to be able to share what I love here in nature; retreats in Silence & Nature.”
Practical information
Silent retreat Spain
“The retreat begins at 2:00 PM on the first day with a group lunch. There is time to get to know each other and settle in. Around 4:00 PM, we gather in the meditation yurt for an explanation of the retreat. Once everyone understands everything clearly, we begin silence with the first meditation. On the last evening, we break the silence with a sharing circle. The retreat ends after breakfast on the final day. It is usually possible to stay an extra night before and/or after the retreat.”
Dates
November 23-27, 2023
January 3-7, 2024
January 7-11, 2024
March 7-11, 2024
April 1-5, 2024
May 15-19, 2024
June 24-28, 2024
Costs
The cost of participating in this retreat is €450 for the 5-day retreat, including program, delicious healthy meals, accommodation, and pick up from Xativa train station.
Travel info
We provide a free pick-up service from Xativa train station on the first day at 1:00 PM. The nearest airports are Valencia and Alicante. From there, you can travel to the city of Xativa using public transportation, which takes about 2 hours from Valencia and 3 hours from Alicante. After registering, you will receive a clear travel description. If you are arriving by car, we can send you driving directions. For an additional fee, we can arrange a taxi service from the airport for you.
