The Quiet Refuge of Daily Lives: Stillness in Motion Retreat
February 28 @ 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Quiet Refuge of Daily Lives: Stillness in Motion Retreat is a daylong immersion into mindful presence, gentle ritual, and the sacredness woven through ordinary moments. Held at the serene Deer Thicket Sanctuary, this retreat invites participants to slow down, soften their pace, and rediscover stillness not as something separate from daily life, but as a refuge available within it.
Co-taught by Michael Ward and Meilian Justice, the retreat is grounded in Buddhist-based mindfulness practices that explore ceremony in the mundane, refuge in stillness, and the quiet wisdom found in everyday routines and simple acts of care. The day opens with a soundbath meditation and Reiki offering led by Shane Jarriel alongside the co-teachers, creating a spacious and supportive container for the work ahead.
Following an opening teaching from Michael, participants will engage in traditional meditation retreat forms, including sitting meditation, walking meditation, and a return to seated practice. A nourishing communal lunch of fresh salad and white bean and kale soup offers time for rest and integration. In the afternoon, Meilian will share a teaching on embodied presence, followed by a yin restorative yoga practice designed to support deep listening and ease within the body.
The retreat concludes with a loving-kindness meditation and soundbath offered by Michael and Shane, a traditional tea ceremony guided by Meilian, and a closing dedication of merit and blessing cord ceremony. Together, these practices offer a gentle yet profound invitation to carry stillness into motion—and to return home with tools for meeting daily life as a living refuge.
**Pricing & Scholarships**
Early bird special:
Early bird seat- $155 (price available until Feb. 1,2026)
Early bird seat- $155 (price available until Feb. 1,2026)
Two pricing options are available:
Standard seat – $165
Supporter seat – $200 (helps offset the cost of scholarships)
Standard seat – $165
Supporter seat – $200 (helps offset the cost of scholarships)
Two scholarship seats are available at 50% off ($82).
To be considered, please email us with a short note about your interest and how this retreat may support your path.
To be considered, please email us with a short note about your interest and how this retreat may support your path.
We look forward to holding space with you.