Self-Realization 'SIMPLICITY' Silent Retreat - With Christopher
What Is A Silent Retreat?
Silence is the quality of retreat that all participants dedicate themselves, because it’s in inner silence that our deepest realizations can spontaneously bloom.
Retreat is also a time of one-pointed inquiry, a commitment to questioning our most cherished ideas and beliefs. On retreat, it is encouraged that all participants fearlessly inquire down to the very root of self and the illusion of separation so that the light of awakening can penetrate throughout the whole of one’s being.
The Quality Of Retreat – The Silence
The silence of retreat is the vehicle for the mystery of ourselves to unfold. By setting aside a few days outside of our usual schedules and routines, we stop tending to other responsibilities, and give ourselves permission to connect more deeply to the core of our natures. In Retreat, all that’s needed is to listen deeply, and to meet with silence when the opportunity arises.
The Opportunity
We don’t often give ourselves the time to stop, let down our guard, and open in quiet to all that is inside. With the support of retreat and your sincere commitment to meet each moment as it is, the truth can come forward. The experiences may be subtle, intense, or profound. Difficult emotions or issues may rise to the surface, but joy and discovery are equally possible, and all is held in the wisdom and compassion of the retreat environment. This is a unique opportunity to contact and immerse ourselves in “the peace that lies beyond all understanding.”
Being Ready for Retreat
The structure and schedule of a silent retreat can be challenging both physically and psychologically. (See below for more about the schedule). We should prepare ourselves to be willing to meet whatever arises in our experience at retreat, knowing that we are in the company of others with the same intention.
Time for Speaking on Retreat
Most of the retreat will be spent in quietude, giving us the opportunity as stated above, but there will be times allocated for speaking. These times will be within the scheduled day sessions (see the schedule below), and at certain times of the day. If in the case of an emergency of some kind, then someone will be at hand for you to speak with.
What Is Satsang?
Satsang is a Sanskrit word that means “gathering together for the truth” or, more simply, “being with the truth.” Truth is what is real, what exists. So all there is, is Truth. Whenever something increases your experience of the Truth, it opens your Heart and quiets your mind. Conversely, whenever something such as a thought, fear, or judgment, limits or narrows your experience of the Truth, the Heart contracts and the mind gets busier. We are all equally endowed with this capacity to discriminate the Truth. Thus, the true teacher, or satguru, is within you, and satsang, or being with the Truth, is endless. You have always been here in the embrace of your true nature as aware, loving space. You have always been in satsang.
Join Christopher in Satsang, through the vehicle of silent retreat, on September 19th-22nd, to investigate the theme of ‘Effortless-Opening’, the way of recognizing and relaxing into the inherent bliss and freedom that’s already present within you, right now, as the true self.
If you feel called to join us for this rare silent retreat, then you can find out more below.
Being brought up in the martial arts, Christopher was a truth, empowerment and enlightenment seeker from as young as he could remember, until, at the age of 21, he had his first non-dual awakening. His background primarily lies in the martial arts, meditation and self-inquiry. (You can find out a little more about Christopher in the video below).
Secure Your Place
Secure your place with the £80 deposit (non refundable). Full payment required by September 1st.
Or pay in full – £290
This is a ‘ten person’ retreat, so limited space is available.
Use the button below to select your option.
How Our Weekend Will Be Structured
Nestled in a beautiful farmhouse location in Ashbourne, (Nether Burrows Farm, Derbyshire, DE6 4NG) this September 19th-22nd retreat is aimed at those who wish to effortlessly shift into immediate awakening within their present experience, via direct recognition, and not via intense effort-filled practices.
Each day will consist of two, 2hr sessions (See below for the full schedule).
First Session Of The Day
At the beginning of session 1, there will be an effortless guided meditation, followed by a gentle talk. Then the floor will be open for sharing of experiences, questions or clarifications.
Second Session Of The Day
The second session will begin with the powerful and effortless method of silent sitting (tuning into the inner stillness and presence at the core of our beings), followed by an invitation in to satsang (the meeting of truth), to explore and effortlessly open to our true natures in the present. Asking ourselves the core fundamental questions of our direct experience. Then leading into a subtle practice for the aim of removing any ‘seeming’ internal obstacles, and in order to directly experience deep self-realization in the present.
The floor will then be open for any questions, comments or clarifications.
Retreat Schedule
Arrival (Evening) (All times will be discussed and confirmed on arrival).
Dinner – 5:30 – 6:45pm
Introduction (Retreat Overview) – 7:00pm – 9:00pm (Please arrive before 6:30pm)
Day 1
Silent Breakfast & Lunch when seated, timing at your own discretion. Silent Reflection time
Day 1, Session 1 – Guided Meditation & Talk with Christopher
Day 1, Session 2 – Satsang with Christopher
Silent Dinner when seated
Day 2
Silent Breakfast & Lunch when seated, timing at your own discretion. Silent Reflection time
Day 2, Session 1 – Guided Meditation & Talk with Christopher
Day 2, Session 2 – Satsang with Christopher
Silent Dinner when seated
Final Meeting (evening) – 20:00pm – 21:00pm Talk with Christopher
Leaving (Morning)
10:00am – 11am finish
Food & Accommodation
Farmhouse sleeps 10 with 5 Bedrooms
- Two bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms
- Three additional bedrooms
- Separate bathroom
- En-suite shower rooms have underfloor heating and towel rails
- Separate bathroom
- Ground floor utility room & wc, open-plan kitchen/dining area with log burner
- Two separate lounges
- Two sets of stairs
- Private garden and parking
All bedrooms are twin rooms, so everyone will be sharing a room (men with men and women with women. If you have any concerns about this, then please contact us directly at christopherjaismith@gmail.com).
This retreat will be held in Ashbourne, Nether Burrows Farm, Derbyshire, DE6 4NG. (The full address and details will be sent to you via confirmation email).
Food
A mixture different breakfast, lunch and dinner foods will be provided for the full weekend (please let us know if you have any special preferences or allergies and we will do our best to accommodate. Contact us here at christopherjaismith@gmail.com). Meals will mainly be self-serving meals. So it will be everyone’s responsibility to prepare their own meals, or for a group. The retreat schedule is structured to leave plenty of time for food preparation. (There is no caterer for this specific retreat).
No alcohol or recreational drugs will be permitted on this retreat. Thank you.
Booking & Prices
Full Payment – £290
Secure Deposit – £80
Or secure your place with the £80 deposit (non refundable). The remainder balance of £210 will be required before September 1st.
This is a ‘ten person’ retreat, so limited space is available!
Once you have secured your place, you will receive a confirmation email with all of the necessary details and full address of the retreat location.
Use the button below to select your option.
Retreat Bonuses
For those that attend this retreat, we have some special discount bonuses for you:
Get 10% off of your next event (workshop or retreat)
Get 20% off of any book (Either ‘Secret Self’ Book)
Get 10% off of any supplement (From the Life Synergy Supplement Range)
Get 20% off of your first One To One ‘Retreat Integration Session’ with Christopher
Before any potential purchase, simply email us at christopherjaismith@gmail.com, and we will sort out your request with the additional discount. Thank you!