Apr 17 2025 - Apr 24 2025
Whether you are in need of some space to think and reflect or are looking to nurture yourself in a spiritual and peaceful environment, this silent retreat provides the setting to return to yourself.
Celebrate the renewal of spring by absorbing the gentle sounds of nature that will surround you. Time in silence helps you to feel revitalized by taking a break from the stress of daily life.
In the stillness of silence you can reconnect with your inner wisdom and sort out the mental chatter of daily life, contemplate questions you may be avoiding or gain clarity of thought.
Taking a break from communication is a gift we give each other on retreat. No need for small talk or wondering what to say. The silence isn’t heavy and punishing, it’s welcome and light.
You will have the opportunity to meet other retreat participants at the beginning of the retreat and we will begin silence after dinner on the first day. There is plenty of time to ask questions or clarify any concerns you may have before we’re silent.
Ways to communicate, if necessary, will be explained with the initial orientation session after arrival. Materials for writing notes are available and of course you can use any electronics you need as long as it’s out of earshot of others. It’s up to you whether you have time free of electronics or not.
Do you wonder what the heck you do on a silent retreat – isn’t it boring? Isn’t it difficult to be quiet? Yes, and no.
With the silence comes clarity of thought, concentration and insights into motivation and attention. Without distractions of communication, you can focus on your own thoughts, become more self-aware and grow a little more, developing equanimity with all the background noise of the environment, other people, and become more mindful of physical sensations.
We will spend time with the following activities:
– Meditate – sitting, walking, eating & working are all forms of meditation
– Personal practice of movement such as yoga or tai chi; done in silence and without instruction
– Read spiritually uplifting books
– Enjoy natural beauty – walk from the Centre through forest trails
– Connect with others in a deeper way – through shared experience without talking about it
– Be nurtured by friendly staff and supportive teacher
– Rest, recuperate and have time for reflection & napping
– Enjoy delicious, organic vegetarian meals to nourish your body
The 5 or 7 night options satisfy the MBSR facilitator training requirement for attending a silent retreat. We also offer our Silent Meditation Retreat in July, September and November. Links to our those dates are below:
What are the benefits of being in silence?
– Revitalize with fresh energy and deeply rest
– Connect deeply with your spiritual self, deepen/start your own practice
– Access your inner voice – gain insights and more clarity on life’s decisions, situations
– Spend time in nature and reconnect to the natural world which you’re part of
– Clear blocks and open yourself up to greater creativity and inspiration.
The initial orientation session will provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to explore various ways to sit comfortably using a chair, cushion etc.
Work meditation is a daily period of shared work to take care of the daily stuff of life: washing dishes, preparing food, sweeping the floor, cleaning the washrooms, weeding the gardens. As we take responsibility for a task. we have another opportunity to become more aware of our inner dialogue.
There is no religious focus on this retreat. People from all paths and all walks of life come on retreat and benefit from the shared practice. You could be Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, Agnostic or anything in between! In silence we can recognize our similarities as beings of love, desiring peace. Private meetings are available with Liz during the retreat. You will have a sign up sheet available to book a time that suits you. The meetings generally last from 20 to 30 minutes, and there are no formalities. You may bring a question you would like to share, or you may come just to be together in silence and see what comes up.
Liz Frost MA Ed, RP, is a certified yoga teacher, mindfulness coach and psychotherapist. She was introduced to meditation in the early 90’s and found yoga as a form of meditation. With a foundation in meditation and somatic based psychotherapy, she incorporates mindfulness into yoga practice. She is the owner of Sugar Ridge and devotes her time and energy to making the world a more peaceful place.
Liz Frost, M.A. Ed, RP
This retreat allows for flexibility to suit your schedule over the long weekend of Easter, and includes all meals, classes, and the accommodation you choose. Rates are per person.
Semi-private accommodation is 2 people sharing a room, private accommodation is a room all to yourself. Please note, some cabins have 2 rooms.
3 Night Stay
Thursday, April 17 – Sunday, April 20
$795 + HST – shared
$925 + HST emi-private only for the 3 night stay
5 Night Stay
Thursday, April 17 – Tuesday, April 22
$1,630 + HST – semi-private;
$1,995 + HST – private
7 Night Stay
Thursday, April 17 – Thursday, April 24
$1,995 + HST – semi-private;
$2,395 + HST – private
*(some cabins have 2 rooms)
Have questions? Need help to register? We’d love to help you – please call 866-609-1793 or email [email protected]
Shared - Cabin will be shared with up to 3 other guests of the same gender. If you are booking for just yourself, depending on the retreat, we will match you with other guests of the same gender.
Semi-private - Cabin will be shared with the 1 other person you are registering with. If booking alone, we will try to match you with someone of the same gender.
Private - Cabin for one person, not sharing with others.
Welcome to Sugar Ridge! It is our mission to provide a space for you to be nourished in body, mind and soul. From completely silent to dip your toe, testing mindfulness, we have what you’re looking for!
Our Accomodation Types