Mind & Meditation

 

Is meditation meant for me? Can I calm my busy mind and experience stillness? Can I make time for meditation? Have these questions come up for you?

Often, we feel there is too much going on in our lives and it’s hard for our minds to slow down. Truthfully, anyone can meditate. All we need is the right technique and the right guidance to kick-start our practice. Just like our bodies need rest after a full work day; our minds experience the same fatigue, making it important to stop and re-energize our minds. 

Effortless Personal Practice

The Art of Meditation retreat trains your conscious mind to turn inwards and experience the silent depths of your own nature. The Retreat offers a personalized practice called Sahaj Samadhi.

Sahaj means effortless. Samadhi means deep meditation – a state beyond waking, dreaming and sleeping that is an unlimited reservoir of energy, intelligence and creative power. A place of infinite peace and tranquility.

The Retreat is led by instructors with years of experience. You will receive the training you need to launch yourself confidently into a personal practice for life.

Pre-requisites: None

Easy to Learn

You will start the Retreat by receiving personal instruction and then being guided into meditation. The Retreat covers timeless wisdom about the nature of the mind, thoughts and the finer layers of consciousness. It incorporates time to meditate on your own and ask questions, as well as time to unwind, relax and reflect. Instructors are available for support during and after the retreat.

During this time, our Ayurveda Centre is available for optional treatments

How is ‘Sahaj Samadhi’ Different from Mindfulness, Concentration or Guided Meditation?

Unlike guided meditation, Sahaj Samadhi does not require accessories nor any guidance once learned. And, generally, it takes you to a much quieter and deeper place as well.

Sahaj Samadhi means “effortless meditation.” It does not require controlling the mind like concentration meditations, nor does it require vigilant observation of thoughts and emotion like mindfulness meditation. Thus, it has been found to be easier and quicker to learn than mindfulness or concentration which require mental effort and take a longer time to master.

Nestled in Nature

A place of silence and celebration.

There couldn’t be a more idyllic setting than the Retreat Centre nestled in the serene Mauricie region of Quebec, regardless of which season you choose to visit. The Centre has been a place of meditation and peace to thousands for almost 30 years, and as you start to drive into the arms of the pristine forest and lakes of the Centre, the breath becomes deeper, the mind naturally starts to quieten and a sense of lightness and tranquility takes over. It is a true feeling of “coming home” to yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely!  The retreat is meant for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.  If you have any questions during the retreat, our experienced senior instructors are very accessible and available to help and guide you.
You will receive a detailed list in your Welcome email once you register.  A general guide depending on the season is warm clothing, layers, rain gear, swimming gear, hiking/walking footwear, bug repellent, sunscreen, flashlight.
The Centre is a place of health and wellness.  Alcohol, meat (including fish and eggs) and tobacco/recreational drugs are not permitted on the campus.
Special diets include vegan, nut-free and gluten-friendly meals.  Please check the appropriate box at the time of registration.  If you have any severe diet restrictions or allergies, please write to the centre in advance at artdevivre@artofliving.org to make sure we will be able to accommodate your needs.