A Vipassanā Retreat, Resting in Equinimity

Language: English

This retreat fulfills the retreat requirements for MBSR, MSC and MMTCP teachers and trainees.

In times of change, uncertainty, and an increasingly fast pace of life, it is easy to lose touch with the stillness within us. The mind becomes caught in worry, planning, and reactivity, and many long for a place where they can rest more deeply — beyond the noise and demands of everyday life.

This week in silence at Moulin de Chaves Moulin de Chaves offers an opportunity to pause, listen inwardly, and reconnect with what sustains and supports us amidst the changing conditions of life. Through Vipassana and Insight meditation, mindful yoga, present-moment awareness, and time in nature, we will explore how to cultivate equanimity — a balanced and open heart that can meet life with greater clarity, compassion, and wisdom.

In the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Moulin de Chaves, body, heart, and mind are given the opportunity to soften, restore, and find new grounding. The retreat supports continuity of mindfulness, deepening insight, and a gentle returning to the living moment — just as it is.

Resting in Equinimity

Welcome to this very special silent Insight meditation retreat at the beautiful Moulin de Chaves in France. During the retreat, we will explore practices that help us quiet the mind, open the heart, and deepen our capacity to find balance and stability amid change and uncertainty. By bringing mindful attention to our moment-to-moment experience, we can cultivate greater resilience in times of change and grow in awareness and love. We will focus on practices that calm the mind and open the heart, supporting continuity of mindfulness and the gradual unfolding of insight.

The structure of the retreat weaves together sitting and walking meditation, mindful yoga, rest, mindful eating, and Dharma talks with guidance and instruction. Each day also includes one hour of “working meditation,” which both supports personal practice and contributes to the care and upkeep of Moulin de Chaves. There will also be opportunities for short individual meetings with the teachers for personalised support in practice.

We will care for heart and mind through compassionate mindfulness, strengthening our connection with ourselves and with each other, while also allowing time to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Moulin de Chaves, deep rest, and practice in this peaceful, nature-filled environment.

Silence and Presence

This retreat is held in “noble silence” – noble silence. This means that we do not speak for most of the week, with the exception of short individual meetings with the teachers, as well as any instructions and guidance related to the practice.

The silence also includes refraining from using phones, computers, books, and other media, allowing the mind to settle more deeply into stillness and presence.

Through this outer silence, we are supported in meeting our inner world with greater clarity, kindness, and awareness. It creates space for the mind to gradually settle and the heart to soften.

During the retreat, we care for heart and mind through compassionate presence, deepening our connection with ourselves and life as it is. There is also ample time for rest, meditation, and quiet immersion in the beautiful natural surroundings of Moulin de Chaves.

Retreat Structure

During the retreat, we alternate between periods of sitting meditation and walking meditation in the beautiful surroundings of Moulin de Chaves. We also integrate gentle yoga and body scans to support embodied presence and deepen stillness.

Each day includes Dharma talks, teachings, and guidance in support of the practice. In addition, one hour of “working meditation” is offered, which both supports personal practice and contributes to the care and upkeep of Moulin de Chaves, as well as short individual meetings with the teachers.

Twice during the retreat, small group meetings are also held for support and reflection within the framework of the silent retreat. The structure is carefully designed to create a safe and balanced rhythm between stillness, movement, and rest.

Price (teaching & administration)

Price for teaching, guidance, administration, and organisation of the retreat:

1000 EUR per person

Registration fee

To secure your place, a registration fee of:

500 EUR

The remaining balance is due no later than 60 days before the start of the retreat.

We ask that you first book and pay for any teaching fees with the retreat organiser.

ACCOMMODATION:

Once you have reserved your place with the event organizer, you will receive a link enabling you to book and pay for your accommodation at Le Moulin.