RETREAT OVERVIEW UCLA Mindful Awareness Weekend retreat June 28-30, 2013

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1 RETREAT OVERVIEW UCLA Mindful Awareness Weekend retreat June 28-30, 2013 Join us for a weekend to practice mindfulness meditation in a beautiful natural setting near Santa Barbara. We will spend the weekend in sitting and walking meditation, with ongoing guidance, lecture and instruction from the teachers. We will also have an opportunity to practice cultivating positive emotions, mindful speaking and listening, mindful eating, and experience the depth of solitude and stillness that can come through an extended period of practice. Mindfulness is the art of paying attention to present moment experiences with openness and curiosity. This approach has scientific support as a means to reduce stress, improve attention, boost the immune system, reduce emotional reactivity, and promote a general sense of health and well-being. The retreat will begin at 6pm on Friday evening and concludes after lunch on Sunday. Meals include supper on Friday; breakfast, lunch and supper on Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Please bring a meditation cushion or bench if you have one available. A limited supply will be available at the retreat. This retreat will be suitable for beginning or experienced students. Dates: Friday June 28- Sunday June 30, 2013 Venue: La Casa de Maria, Santa Barbara, California Instructors: Diana Winston and Marvin G. Belzer Cost: $580 (single room), $440 (double room), $280 (commuter) General Retreat Information Can I arrive at La Casa de Maria early on the day of the retreat? You are welcome to arrive early, however the retreat staff will not be ready to check you in until about 3 pm. We encourage people to arrive early in order to avoid the traffic rush on Friday afternoon. Is there a number where I can be reached in case of emergency during the retreat? Cell phone service is available in the most of the retreat areas. The 24-hour phone number for La Casa is (805) Residential Retreat Registration Can you save me a spot in a retreat? We cannot hold a spot in a retreat without application forms and payment. 1

2 Retreat Format What is a typical retreat day like? The day usually will start at 6 AM with a morning meditation before breakfast. After breakfast and throughout the rest of the day, there will be alternating periods of sitting and walking meditations, possibly interspersed with some guided movement. Instructions will be given for sitting, walking and eating meditations. Meals are eaten in meditative silence. One of the teachers will give a talk in the evening. There are small group meetings with the teachers periodically. The day usually ends between 9:30 and 10 pm; however, the meditation hall is always open for those who would like to continue their practice. Unless it's specified otherwise, all retreats are in silence. What are the small group meetings like? The small groups are a chance to check in with a teacher and discuss your practice and ask any questions you may have. Group interviews are with people of like experience to the extent possible. Accommodations/Food What are the accommodations like at La Casa de Maria? La Casa de Maria offers housing for meditators, teachers and the staff who support our retreats. No camping is allowed on the retreat site. It is possible to attend the retreat as a commuter (staying off site). Sleeping accommodations are housed in two-story residence halls. These simple, comfortable buildings have rooms that can be reserved as single or double occupancy. Each room has its own bathroom. Since the retreat is mostly in silence we ask that romantic couples or close friends not room together in order to offer the best possible retreat experience for both partners. All rooms have their own bathrooms. Bedding and towels are provided in all rooms. Can I have a single room? There are very few single rooms available, to be distributed at a higher cost, to those who register for them first. What are the meals like? A range of diverse and nourishing menus is offered, with enough variety to suit your needs. The meals are healthy, wholesome and a treat to the eye as well as the palate. The generous buffet from fresh ingredients will nurture your body and the warm hospitality of the staff will make you feel at home. 2

3 Vegetarian and vegan diets will be available. Salads and fresh fruits are always available in generous quantities. A healthy choice of beverages includes a selection of herbal teas, milk, rice and soy drinks. What do I do if I need a special food from home? You can bring your special food from home. Please note there is a minimum heating/serving charge for this service. Will there be snacks available? Snack and soda machines are located opposite the dining room next to Casa Regina. Will coffee/tea be available during the retreat? Coffee and tea will be served during meal times. What to Bring What should I bring to a retreat? The climate is changeable, so bring a variety of loose, comfortable, casual, layered clothing. Bring outdoor walking shoes as well as slip-on shoes. Bring hat and sunscreen in the spring/summer and/or rain gear in the fall/winter for outdoor walking. A flashlight is a good idea. In respect of some people's allergies and sensitivities, please leave behind any scented cosmetics (including natural scents). You may also want to bring a shawl. It s a good idea to bring ear plugs if you re sensitive to noise. Do I need to bring my own bedding? Beddings and towels are provided in all rooms. Do I need to bring my own meditation cushion? There are some meditations cushions provided, but there are not enough for everyone. So, if you have your own cushion, please bring it. Financial Aid Is financial aid available? There is limited financial support available. Financial support applicants must pay a refundable deposit of $50. Please click HERE to apply. Rooms will be either double or triple occupancy. All financial support applicants will be notified by June 21 st, 2013 Do I still need to pay a deposit for a retreat if I'm applying for Financial Support? Yes, you need to pay a $50 deposit to apply for Financial Support. If you cannot attend because you did not receive the Financial Support you needed, the $50 fee 3

4 will be completely refunded. If you do attend, the $50 will go towards the cost of the retreat. Retreat Cost/Payment $580- single room $440- *double room $280-commuter *Double room- you will be paired with a roommate. Roommates are same gender only. Men and women do not share a room. When do I need to pay my balance for the retreat? Deposits are only for people who are applying for scholarships. Once you are awarded your scholarships, please pay the scholarship rate 3 weeks prior to the retreat. What's included in the price of the retreat? The price of the retreat includes accommodations, all food, administrative support, and teacher support. Can I pay by credit card? Yes. This option will be provided when you register for the event. Cancellations There is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $25 for all refunds. Full Refund: up to 3 weeks prior to the retreat (last date:5pm, June 7, 2013) 50% Refund: 3-1 week prior to the retreat (last date: 5pm, June 21, 2013) No refund: no refunds after June 21, 2013 Send an to [email protected] or call: if you need to cancel. Please let us know as soon as possible so others may participate in the retreat. Getting To and From the Retreat How do I get to La Casa de Maria? Please click HERE for directions. Is it possible to get a ride to the retreat? If you need a ride to a retreat, please fill the carpool section of the application form. Our Retreat Manager will be in touch with you about your needs. 4

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