Retreat Information and FAQ

    • The mindfulness practices offered on the retreat are meant to help us develop the ability to, "pay attention, in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally" (Kabat-Zinn 1994, 2013). This kind of awareness may lead to many benefits such as, increased mental focus, a sense of connection to something bigger than you, a feeling of peace and contentment and a reduction of stress and distress. However, we do not strive for any particular goal. Instead, we intend to cultivate a way of being in relation to ourselves, to others, and to the world that helps us to live more deeply into the fullness of our lives.  

    • Each person is encouraged to participate in all aspects of the retreat or to refrain from certain aspects according to their own comfort level. While doing the mindfulness practices and exercises is encouraged, all aspects of the retreat are optional according to the participant’s discretion. Any concerns may be discussed with the retreat director.   

    • People from many religions and no religion have found mindfulness meditation to be beneficial through the cultivation of human values leading to a life that is good for oneself and good for others. Because mindfulness does not require one to adhere to a particular belief system, it does not conflict with different religions and can enhance them.  

    • Our Mindfulness retreats invite you to initiate, develop, or deepen your meditation practice in a setting that is truly supportive, caring, and nurturing. Being able to practice with other people, who share the intention of cultivating greater mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion can be inspiring and healing, so we welcome the retreat as a communal experience as well as a personal one.  

    • Our retreats are structured to assist people at all levels of experience. Beginners in meditation and yoga as well as more experienced practitioners will find benefits here.    

    • We will maintain “Noble Silence” or “Grand Silence” from Friday night through Sunday morning. Noble Silence includes refraining from talking to other participants as well as refraining from the use of cell phones, computers, or electronic communication devices.  To help us quiet the mind it is also helpful to also refrain from or limit reading and writing.

    • Retreatants may speak with the retreat director whenever necessary and may approach the retreat manager with any problems related to food, accommodation, health, etc. But even these contacts should be kept to a minimum.  Silence is an important aspect of mindful awareness, so taking advantage of a retreat atmosphere that includes some extended silence is a wonderful way to cultivate increased mindfulness.

    • Silence can be intimidating, so know that there will be opportunities for some participants to meet individually (15-20 minute session) with the retreat director during this period to discuss any questions, reflections, discomfort, or any other aspect of your experience.   

    • Our private room and private bath include bed linens, towels, and soap. You only need to bring personal items.   

    • Although all meals, snacks, and beverages are provided, you are welcome to bring a limited amount of special food and/or drink preferences with you that may be kept in a small refrigerator in the dining hall (space is limited, and we ask you label anything with your name and the date).

    • There is a filtered water station available to you in the break room, so please bring a reusable water bottle that you may refill throughout the weekend. 

    • We will be sitting in silent meditation for somewhat extended periods. You may sit on the floor (encouraged), or in a chair (perfectly fine) during the sitting meditation. If you plan to sit on the floor (even just to try it), please bring a meditation cushion, and/or a blanket (wool is good), and/or a meditation bench/stool, and/or a simple firm pillow to make yourself comfortable. The general idea in making yourself comfortable when sitting on the floor is that you sit on something that will raise your hips higher than your knees. Taking time to bring some supportive lifts (pillows, cushions, blankets, etc.) can greatly enhance your experience of sitting on the floor. Chairs will always be available should that end up being your best option. 

    • We will also practice some lying down meditation and mindful yoga, so bring a yoga mat, or a blanket that you can lie down on. (You may NOT use the blankets or pillows from the retreat house bedrooms).   

    • We do provide a limited number of cushions, blankets, and yoga mats for you to borrow during the retreat.

    • Please NOTE: You are not permitted to bring pillows and/or blankets to the practice room from the bedrooms.     

    • More on what to bring from the Ignatius House retreat center HERE

    • We recommend that you bring comfortable clothes and walking shoes or sneakers. The facility sits on 20 heavily wooded acres overlooking the Chattahoochee River with numerous walking trails and quiet places to rest, reflect and just be.

    • We will take an extended mindful walk in the woods, so please be prepared with clothing that anticipates various weather possibilities. 

    • When we are in the main practice area you will be asked to remove your shoes, so having something that slides on and off your feet easily is an additional comfort. 

    • Clothing should be comfortable and allow for easy movement.  

    • Sometimes the common area can vary in temperature, so it is a good idea to bring layers of clothing (sweater or light jacket) that can be added and removed according to temperature fluctuations.  

    • Think: LAYERS. COMFORT. CASUAL.   

    • Out of respect for those with chemical sensitivities, please refrain from using personal scented products such as perfume, cologne, or strongly scented toiletries

    • No alcohol

    • No tobacco/tobacco products

    • No recreational drugs

    • No weapons

    • No burning of incense or candles in the guest bedrooms.

    • Consider leaving your computer and your books at home. On retreat we are practicing, “just being.”

  • Our Mindfulness Retreats are held on the beautiful grounds of the Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center. While this retreat house’s main work is to provide Christian retreats to individuals and groups, our mindfulness retreat is not a religiously based retreat, Christian or otherwise. Many people find that the cultivation of mindfulness can assist them in deepening a  particular spiritual pursuit and/or prayer life, and we are delighted if the mindfulness practice helps in that pursuit however, no religious affiliation or belief is necessary or required to practice mindfulness.   

    • Visit www.ignatiushouse.org/for more information about Ignatius House. 

    • Any questions about your upcoming retreat can be directed to Sue Chase at schase@ignatiushouse.org or (404) 255-0503.

    •  Any questions about an outstanding retreat payment can be directed to Carrie Armento at carmento@ignatiushouse.org or (404) 255-0503 x222.   

    • Any concerns/questions about the content of the retreat or schedule should be directed to Mark Dannenfelser at info@mindfulnesscenteratlanta.com

    • To read a bit on mindfulness before the retreat, try: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition

    • Wearing masks is optional for each participant. 

    • NOTE: While the mindfulness practices are very gentle, and allow for various options and levels of intensity, participants should consult their physician(s) prior to engaging in the mental, emotional, and physical practices (yoga), particularly if the participant is currently under a professional’s care for physical and/or psychological conditions. The mindfulness instructor is happy to consult with your physician or other health care provider(s). 

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