To start and end my day with intention, cultivation, community, and reflection allowed me to deepen my awareness in the midst of my busy, daily life. I cannot recommend this experience enough.
- January retreat participant
This Daily Life Retreat combines at-home and in-person practice intended to support the deepening of awareness and wisdom in your daily life. With early morning and evening sessions, it is designed to be accessible to all whose work and family life make attending a residential retreat challenging. Both new and experienced meditators are welcome.
Please note: In-person attendance is highly encouraged and will offer the greatest benefit; however, an alternative “remote attendance” option is also available for those who wish to sign up and listen to the retreat live via Zoom. (Note: capacity is limited; see details below.)
What will the Daily Life Retreat look like?
Over the six days of the retreat, Open Door co-founders Alexis Santos and Susa Talan will support participants as they deepen and grow their practice both on the cushion and in their daily lives. The retreat schedule includes six evening in-person sessions, five early morning online sits with instructions for the day, and two potlucks at the opening and closing of the retreat. A Zoom link will be provided for all online sessions.
Sunday, May 18
4:00-8:00 pm: Afternoon in-person opening session; break for potluck dinner
Monday, May 19 - Friday, May 23
7:00-8:00 am: Morning online instructions
6:00-8:00 pm: Evening in-person sit, dharma talk, Q+A
5:30-7:30 pm on Wednesday evening: ODMC sangha joins for the first hour
Final Friday evening closing potluck
Who should participate?
No prior retreat experience is necessary–everyone is welcome!
What if I can’t make the in-person sessions?
For those whose physical distance makes it difficult to attend the required in-person evenings, a limited number of spots are available for fully online participation. Apply HERE for this option.
Please note: For your benefit and the integrity of the retreat, participants – whether registering to attend in person or opting to attend remotely – must commit to attending all morning and evening sessions.
What does it cost?
There is no registration fee for this retreat. In keeping with the Buddhist tradition of dana, the retreat will be supported entirely by the practice of generosity. Please note that the teachers will be supported only by dana, with the same being true for rental costs for the Open Door space. Participants’ generosity will be vital to the continuation of such remarkable offerings. Information about how to contribute will be provided at the end of the retreat.
Questions? Please email Julia.
Alexis Santos started his meditation and mindfulness practice in 2001. His primary teacher is Sayadaw U Tejaniya, from the Burmese Theravada tradition, with whom he ordained as a Buddhist monk from 2003 - 2005. He is a 2016 graduate of the Spirit Rock/IMS four-year teacher training program and co-founded Open Door Meditation Community in Portland, ME with Susa Talan. Alexis leads meditation retreats across North America and around the world.
Susa Talan cofounded Open Door Meditation Community with Alexis Santos. She has studied and practiced Insight Meditation since 2006 and is a long-time student of Sayadaw U Tejaniya with whom she temporarily ordained in 2010. Susa graduated from a two-year Community Dharma Mentoring program with Narayan Helen Liebenson through Cambridge Insight Meditation Community. Learn more about Susa and her availability here.