Frequently Asked Questions
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Our silent retreats include all programming, lodging, and meals. We ask for a minimum donation to serve as your deposit to reserve your spot of:
• $795 for the Silent Treatment 3-day retreats
• $4995 for the 7-day retreats
*These are minimum, charitable, deductible donations. The Silent Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and graciously welcomes additional donations.
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Please arrive between 6pm-7pm the first evening for dinner and orientation. If you’re coming by plane, plan to fly into Denver International Airport by 4:30PM on the first day and fly out in the evening on the last day.
Programming ends with an integration circle around 6:30pm on the last day, followed by an optional dinner.
The Silent Foundation is located 1 hour northwest of the Denver International Airport. You can plan to take an Uber/Lyft for around $90 each way or a convenient RTD bus from DIA into downtown Boulder for $11 each way. (You can then Uber/Lyft to the Silent Foundation from there)
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Clear your schedule and let your contacts know that you will be unavailable during the retreat. We’ll provide a contact number for your family to call in case of an emergency. You’ll be asked to turn off all electronic devices while we are in silence (aside from things like electric toothbrushes or hairdryers).
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Noble Silence is from the tradition of Vipassana meditation. The intention of Noble Silence is to support you in going as deep as possible into meditation without having to interrupt your experience with casual conversation or because of conditioned behaviors that have us typically seeking external validation or a sense of safety from others.
During Noble Silence we ask that you refrain from talking and physical contact. Traditionally Noble Silence also restricts eye contact, reading and writing but we’ll leave that up to you.
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We ask everyone to offer seva, selfless service, in the form of choosing a role in helping to contribute to the beauty and reverence of the space, for example, by preparing or cleaning up a meal each day. If you have special skills in carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, please let us know.
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Clothing for sitting and easy yoga. Check the weather for 80302, before you pack. Temperatures can vary widely because we're in the mountains. Most sessions are held indoors with bare feet. Bring a few layers because temperatures can change 40 degrees in a single day.
● Warm Sweater or Shawl
● Sandals or Slippers to walk between buildings.
● Hiking Shoes for the rocky terrain.
● Swimsuit for hot tub and cold plunge in Boulder Creek.
● Water Bottle
● Personal Medications & Supplements -
● Eye Mask can make focusing in meditation easier.
● Robe for trips to the bathroom.
● Water Shoes or Sandals for the short walk to Boulder Creek.
● Work Clothes for optional gardening tasks.
● Sunscreen, Sun Hat and Sun Cover-up. We are at 6,320 feet above sea level so you get 25% more UV radiation. Sunburn is our most common injury.
● Moisturizing Skin Care, Lip Care & Hair Care. We are in a dry climate. Most skin types will need to moisturize with oil or lotion daily.
● Moon Cycle Supplies for women. Your cycle may be heavier while in meditation.
● If you have a meditation cushion or yoga mat, you are welcome to bring them. We have cushions & mats you can borrow as well.