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Intro to Zen Sesshin: Weekend Retreat

Intro to Sesshin: The Freshness of Each Moment
Friday, April 18 – Sunday, April 20
This course is offered in-person & virtually
In this retreat, we set a couple days aside in order to turn our attention to our own self-discovery, planting seeds for long-term sustaining effects.
We’ll delve into the embodiment of beginner’s mind, whether we are a true beginner or a long-time practitioner. As Shana notes in the video below, “Zen mind is beginner’s mind, and that mind only lives here.” Through extended periods of silence and stillness, we come home again and again to this moment, discovering a freshness and a joy that can sustain us no matter the surrounding conditions – including in our response to whatever ills the world is facing right now.
Join us onsite or online to discover how silent retreat can enrich your practice and your life.
Register here
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What to expect
- Commute, attend online, or stay on campus to settle on our 20 acre land in the Santa Fe foothills
- Receive practice support through talks, Q&As, optional 1-1 with the Sanbo teacher
- Guided movement throughout to support your body during extended sitting
- Three nourishing, home-cooked, vegetarian meals a day
- Dedicated rest periods for you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of silence and stillness.
Sample Retreat Schedule (MT)
subject to change
Friday
- 6pm – 7:30pm: Group Dinner & Orientation
- 7:30 – 8:00: Zendo Orientation & Meditation
Saturday
- 7:00am — 8:00am: Movement & Meditation
- 8:00am – 9:30am: Breakfast & Work Practice
- 9:30am -12:00pm: Movement, Talk, Q&A & Meditation
- 12:00pm – 2:30pm: Lunch & Rest
- 2:30pm – 5:30pm: Movement, Meditation, 1 on 1 support
- 5:30 pm – 7:00pm: Dinner & Break
- 7:00pm – 8:30pm: Meditation Session
Sunday
- 7:00am — 8:00am: Movement & Meditation
- 8:00am – 9:30am: Breakfast & Work Practice
- 9:30am -12:00pm: Movement, Meditation & Closing
- 12:00pm: Lunch
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Stay with us
Immerse yourself fully in the experience by staying onsite at our rustic campus in the foothills. Revel in the tranquility and simplicity, escaping the everyday clutter of your life. Explore our trails, and bask in the expansive views of the Santa Fe Valley and the night sky. In-Person: $249 – Register now (25% and 50% Needs-Based scholarships available here).
Your Guide
Shana Smith is an Assistant Teacher of Sanbo Zen based in Florida. Shana provides online 1-1 practice support to our members, and provides workshops for our 30 Days of Zen Course and sesshins.
Shana discovered yoga in 1990 and began attending regular classes in several different styles of yoga. After several years of ardent practice and study, she began to teach at her local studio and Yoga Temple. Shana became interested in the sensations and insights she experienced in Savasana, which led her to begin a regular meditation practice and in 2007 took refuge in the Sanbo Zen Lineage, and recently become a Sanbo Zen Assistant teacher. Over the years, she has found a tremendous synergy between Yoga and Zen, and integrates the two in her daily, committed practice.

- Start
- April 18, 2025
- End
- April 20, 2025
- Event Categories
- Retreats, Sanbo Zen, Special Events, Women in Zen



