{"id":12242,"date":"2025-01-22T07:22:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-22T12:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/?page_id=12242"},"modified":"2026-03-12T13:40:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T17:40:35","slug":"silent-simplicity-retreat-summer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/silent-simplicity-retreat-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Silent Simplicity Retreat &#8211; Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Embrace the warmth of summer with mindful presence, deep reflection, and a journey toward inner peace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>July 26, 2026 &#8211; 9 &#8211; 11:30 a.m. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-registration is required<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our 2.5 hour mid-summer morning Silent Simplicity Mindfulness Retreat\u00a0will include: basic sitting meditation instruction (Six Points of Posture), quiet sitting &amp; walking, and noble silence.\u00a0Overlooking the inspirational <em>Sh\u00f4y\u00f4an Teien Zen Garden<\/em>, this special event will take place at the beautiful Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 343 Washington Terrace in Middletown, CT. This will be a perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BFF-Retreat-Zendo-3-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15312\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.7500048295180141;width:264px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BFF-Retreat-Zendo-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BFF-Retreat-Zendo-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BFF-Retreat-Zendo-3.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Silent Simplicity is a retreat for everyone<\/strong>, focusing purely on the human practice of mindfulness. It\u2019s not tied to any religion or &#8216;Buddhist&#8217; tradition, making it ideal for people of all backgrounds\u2014religious or not, first-timers or seasoned practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potential Outcomes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1) Enhanced Mental Clarity and Focus<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>2) Reduced Stress and Anxiety<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3) Emotional Healing and Well-being<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>4) Deeper Spiritual Connection<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you are seeking to deepen your mindfulness practice or simply craving a tranquil morning getaway, this Silent Simplicity retreat will offer a transformative experience that will leave you feeling refreshed, recentered, and reconnected to the present moment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In Summary &amp; Registration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our Silent Simplicity Retreat&nbsp;will take place at the beautiful&nbsp;<em>Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies<\/em> in Middletown, CT<em>.<\/em> &nbsp;Our 2.5-hour morning silent retreat includes: basic sitting meditation instruction, conscious breathing, sitting, walking, and noble silence. To learn about what is mindfulness (sati) and its benefits scroll below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Retreat Time:<\/strong> from 9 a.m. to&nbsp;11:30 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Arrival:<\/strong> &nbsp;8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Location:<\/strong> <em>Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies,<\/em> 343 Washington Terrace,&nbsp;Middletown, Connecticut<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No prerequisites:<\/strong> for first-timers, beginners to the most experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pre-registration is required<\/strong>. No walk-ins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contribution:<\/strong> <strong>$58<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Bird Discount&nbsp;<\/strong>of 15% until June 1, 2026&nbsp;<br><strong>Discount Code<\/strong>: <strong>ZENGARDEN<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Open to the general public<\/strong> including friends, non-buddhists, buddhists &amp; non-religious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What to wear?<\/strong> Loose, causal, &amp; non-distracting clothing and socks. Participants may bring a bottle of water. Zafus (cushions) and chairs are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Limited enrollment<\/strong>. The retreat space is limited. Sign up early to have the best chance of getting a spot at the event.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"774\" height=\"1226\" src=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14533\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6312927909786549;width:45px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut.jpg 774w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-189x300.jpg 189w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-646x1024.jpg 646w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Dharma-Teacher-Teacher-in-Connecticut-768x1216.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructor:<\/strong> Rev. G.R. Lewis, M.A., BFF of CT&#8217;s Guiding Dharma Teacher and Thien (Rinzai Zen) of 35+ years of experience will be the instructor for this retreat. For details, see bio in Our Teachers web page under the <a href=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/our-teachers-officers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>I&#8217;M NEW<\/strong><\/a> tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Be sure to read<\/strong> on the ticket the <em>Refund Policy<\/em> <em>Disclaimer of Responsibility, Code of Conduct, <\/em>&amp; <em>Image Release Agreement<\/em>. By registering to this event, you have confirmed and agreed to these policies, agreements, code of conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script src='https:\/\/donorbox.org\/widgets.js?language=en-us' type='module' async='async' defer='defer'><\/script><dbox-widget id='embed-widget' type='event' campaign='917698'><\/dbox-widget>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Is Mindfulness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/meditation.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"505\" height=\"234\" src=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/meditation.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8449\" style=\"width:291px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/meditation.jpg 505w, https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/meditation-300x139.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u201cMindfulness (sati) is the practice of becoming more fully aware of the present moment&#8211;non-judgmentally and completely&#8211;rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future. It generally involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli (really noticing your breathing, feeling the sensations of your body, etc.) and being &#8220;in the now.&#8221; While mindfulness has origins in Eastern philosophy and Buddhism, there is no necessary religious component to mindfulness &#8212; anyone, with any belief system, can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How is mindfulness attained? Mindfulness can be achieved through meditation, but one can also practice mindfulness through daily living. Simply focusing on the present moment and quieting your inner dialogue can help you attain mindfulness.\u201d&nbsp; &#8211; By Elizabeth Scott, M.S<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Embrace the warmth of summer with mindful presence, deep reflection, and a journey toward inner peace. July 26, 2026 &#8211; 9 &#8211; 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required. Our 2.5 hour mid-summer morning Silent Simplicity Mindfulness Retreat\u00a0will include: basic sitting meditation instruction (Six Points of Posture), quiet sitting &amp; walking, and noble silence.\u00a0Overlooking the inspirational Sh\u00f4y\u00f4an&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14316,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12242","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","ctfw-has-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12242"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15324,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12242\/revisions\/15324"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bffct.org\/bff\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}