De-stressing & Embracing the Mind: a Mindfulness Meditation Retreat ​
July 6th to July 8th, 2018

Are you finding yourself going through the motions of the day?  Caught in the treadmill of life’s ongoing daily demands?  This retreat is an opportunity to take a proactive approach into your emotional and mental wellbeing.  This 3-day residential retreat, on Bowen Island, will explore the cultivation of inner resources that promote clarity, greater peace, ease, presence, compassion, and joy. 

De-stressing and Embracing the Mind Retreat is highly experiential and will involve the following:

• A variety of a guided mindfulness meditation practices (sitting, lying down, eating, walking, and loving-kindness practices).
• Gentle mindfulness movement and stretching.
• Extended periods of silence.
• Mindful communication techniques to enhance learning.
• Group discussions and activities.  

The retreat draws on key components of the well researched and evidence-based Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. The program was founded in the Centre for Mindfulness, in the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  MBSR was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 and has become a world-renowned program, which is highly respected in the Medical community.  The retreat will also explore both Eastern and Western wisdom teachings.  

No previous meditation experience is needed.  This retreat is open to everyone regardless if you are a beginner in mindfulness practices or an advanced practitioner. A supportive environment will be created to foster learning and nurture inner wisdom regardless of previous meditation experience.
 
Some of the topics covered may include the following:  

• Root causes of stress.
• How to develop and establish a mindfulness meditation practice.
• Eastern and Western wisdom teachings.
• How to integrate mindfulness into daily life.
• Learn the science behind mindfulness.
• Explore new perspectives on patterns of reactivity and “autopilot” thinking. 

When:
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• Starts: 7:00 PM on Friday, July 6th, 2018 (please see below for schedule including registration times and dinner)

• Ends: 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 8th, 2018. 

Schedule: ​

Date	Time	Description
Friday, July 6, 2018	4:00 PM to 6:00 PM	Registration and check-in
	6:00 PM to 7:00 PM	Dinner
	7:00 PM to 9:30 PM	Evening session
Saturday, July 7, 2018	7:15 AM to 8:00 AM	​Early morning session
	8:00 AM to 9:30 AM	Breakfast and free time
	9:30 AM to 12:30 PM	Morning session
	12:30 PM to 2:30 PM	Lunch and free time
	2:30 PM to 5:30 PM	Afternoon session
	5:30 PM to 7:30 PM	Dinner and free time
	7:30 PM to 9:30 PM	Evening session
Sunday, July 8, 2018	7:15 AM to 8:00 AM	Early morning session
	8:00 AM to 9:30 PM	Breakfast and free time
	9:30 AM to 12:30 PM	Morning session
	12:30 PM to 2:30 PM	Lunch and free time
	2:30 PM to 5:00 PM	Afternoon session

Please note:  the above schedule is subject to change.  
​

Where:

Xenia Centre
782 Smith Road
Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

Xenia is a 38-acre Nature Sanctuary, surrounded by parkland and nestled between two lakes. It is a 15 minute walk to the ocean, and has a 1,000 year old Douglas Fir Tree onsite, not to mention the horses!  Download Xenia brochure for more information.

Note:  Directions and helpful information for planning your trip will be sent you upon registration. 

Fee: 

​Presented by:  Centre for Mindfulness Canada
​

• Registration fee:  $595 total (All-inclusive)​
  • The registration includes tuition, meals, snacks, and accommodations.

 

• Commuter fee:  $495 total
  • The commuter fee includes tuition, meals, and snacks (no accommodations) 
  • Please note:  While a commuter rate is being offered, it is most beneficial to immerse oneself in the practices by staying in the residential housing on-site.  There is value in being away from ones typical environment and surroundings, which may provide you with some added experiences. 

Accommodations:

The accommodations for this retreat will consist of:

• ​Multiple shared rooms of either 2-3 people per room, a dorm for 5 people, and one single room. 
• Shared bathrooms and showers. 
• Assignment of the rooms and cottages will be done through a lottery system.
• If you have any limitations or specific accommodation requirements, such as mobility needs, please list them in the application.  We will do our best to ensure that we can meet your needs while taking into account the constraints of the space and the group's needs. 
• Linen/pillows/blankets will be provided, you will just need to bring your own towels. 
• Rooms are located in either a cottage, yurt, or, in the main building. 

​Payment method:

• INTERAC e-Transfer (preferred), cheque, money order, or cash.
• All the fees are payable to the Centre for Mindfulness Canada.  
• Instructions for payments will be sent to you after your application has been reviewed and accepted (please see below). 

Refund policy:

A refund can be issued for a cancellation made prior to June 22nd, less a $50 processing fee. Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided after, unless it is due to a medical emergency with supporting documentation.  

​Thank you for your understanding. ​

About the Facilitator:
​

Dr. Kasim Al-Mashat is a Registered Psychologist, public speaker, Hatha Yoga and Laughter Yoga teacher. He is also a Certified Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher through the University of Massachusetts Medical School's Centre for Mindfulness (CFM).   Kasim has founded the Centre for Mindfulness Canada.  He has also completed a six month retreat in Southeast Asia in silence, presented a TEDx talk on mindfulness, and appeared in various TV shows, publications, podcasts, and radio interviews.  

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How to Register: