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Retreat Description
Opening to This Moment
Cultivating the Conditions for Practice to Unfold
As winter gives way to spring, we are reminded that growth cannot be forced. Just as a bud opens in response to warmth, light, and the right conditions, our meditation practice unfolds through patient attention and gentle care.
This daylong retreat offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and deepen the foundations of mindfulness. Through periods of sitting and walking meditation, a dharma reflection, silent lunch, and shared practice, we will explore how simple awareness can nurture qualities of steadiness, kindness, and wisdom in our everyday lives.
Suitable for both new and experienced meditators, this retreat invites us to let go of striving and discover what becomes possible when we simply open to this moment.
Offered by the Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community
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Retreat Details
When: Saturday, March 20, 2027
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Saskatoon Unitarians
Cost: This retreat is offered through mutual generosity. When you register, there will be an opportunity to pay a registration fee to help SIMC cover our rental and administration costs. During the retreat, we will provide information for those who are able to offer financial support to our teachers.
Teacher dana/donation: The registration fee does not include teacher support - there will be an opportunity to offer dana to our teachers. Click here to read more about the practice of dana on the SIMC website.
Noble silence:
The retreat will be held in noble silence except for discussions with the teacher.
You are encouraged to take care of all errands and personal matters before Saturday so that you can create a quiet mind which will support your retreat.
To support the retreat experience for you and other participants, cell phones should be turned off or left at home.
What to bring:
Straight backed chairs will be available. All other sitting materials must be brought with you. You will likely want to bring a cushion and mat, or blanket, especially if you plan to sit on the floor. Warm, comfortable, loose fitting clothing is best for indoor wear and a blanket or shawl, for extra warmth, as well as outdoor clothing that is appropriate for the weather.
Bring a simple lunch - there is a fridge and microwave on-site. We will have hot water and tea; bring a mug.
Please bring a mat for lying down meditation.
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Scent and Fragrance Free
In an effort to be inclusive and practice compassion, we request that all participants refrain from wearing scented or fragranced products, including essential oils. We respectfully ask that you wear clothing that has been washed and dried with products free of fragrance, and that you avoid using essential oils and/or scented hairspray, shampoos, soaps, deodorants or after-shaves. Our past experience has been that some participants who are highly sensitive to fragrances have had to leave the retreat because other participants have used fragranced products. We therefore truly appreciate the kindness, understanding, and respect that non-use of these items shows toward our fellow-participants.
An increasing number of people have allergies, asthma, or other chemical sensitivity to a variety of common chemicals and fragrances. These individuals often find themselves faced with the choice to stay in a fragrance-rich environment and get sick, or leave and be excluded.
For more information about fragrance free, please see this page from Spirit Rock:
https://www.spiritrock.org/articles/fragrance-free
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Administration fee
The administration fee for this daylong is offered on a sliding scale, with a recommendation of $30, which helps cover the facility rental and other costs that the Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community incurs. We understand that finances can sometimes be a barrier. Please know that everyone is welcome, regardless of ability to pay. You are warmly invited to offer what feels appropriate and sustainable for you.
$40 - benefactor rate
$30 - suggested rate
$25 - supported rate
In the spirit of generosity, you will have the opportunity to provide dana to the teacher during or after the session.
Please offer what you can afford. Your generosity above the suggested rate will allow those who are less able to contribute to be able to attend. We welcome all to practice, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
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Enter administration fee amount: *
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This is an administrative fee to support SIMC. There will be an opportunity to offer dana for the teacher during the retreat.
Enter 0 if you are unable to offer support at this time.
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How will you pay? *
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Payment by cheque info
Please send a cheque in Canadian funds payable to Saskatoon Insight Meditation Community to
SIMC
c/o Andrea Grzesina
906 5th Ave N
Saskatoon, SK S7K 2S1
In the memo field of the cheque, please include your name and "Jan 2027 daylong" - this will ensure we can match your payment with your registration.
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Payment by e-transfer info
Payment by e-transfer from Canadian banks can be sent to treasurer@saskatooninsight.com.
In the message section of the e-transfer, please include your name and "Jan 2027 daylong" - this will ensure we can match your payment with your registration.
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Payment by credit card info
We will provide a separate link to submit payment by credit card.
Our credit card processing service, charges us approximately 3%, and we request you add an amount to cover this fee.
Suggested amounts:
for $40, use $1.50
for $30, use $1.25
for $25, use $1.00
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Add amount for credit card fee.
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No payment required.
Thank you for registering. We look forward to practicing with you.
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Your background
Please let us know your background to help the teacher and organizers understand who will be attending this retreat.
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Tell us about your retreat experience. (Check all that apply) *
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How did you learn about this event? (Check all that apply)
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The Practice of Dana
In keeping with the tradition of our practice, this retreat is offered through mutual generosity.
For more information about this practice, please see the dana page on the SIMC website.
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Volunteer opportunities
This retreat is organized and run by volunteers. We can use your help! Let us know if you'd be willing to assist with any of the following tasks.
Select one or more - and we'll be in touch closer to the event to confirm how the tasks will be distributed.
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Helpers needed for:
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Ride Share
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To contact SIMC
Please email contact@saskatooninsight.com
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After you have a successful registration, you will see a window that says Success! and then receive a confirmation email.
Your registration is not complete until you reach the "Success" page. If you do not get a confirmation email, first check your junk email folder. If you still can't find the confirmation email, please contact us at contact@saskatooninsight.com or text/call Andrea G at 306-202-6608.
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