The Island within – mindfulness retreat with Hagit Harmon
23-26 May 2024
Mindfulness retreat in nature
The location of this retreat has been moved to Terra Felice practice center
near Vicenza, in northern Italyat Pardesa practice center in northern Italy
What is it that we take refuge in at each moment, and in stormy times? Finding a true home, our island within, is a deep wish as well as a practice that is available to all of us. In this retreat we will enjoy the practices offered by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and study together the Sutra on The Better Way To Live Alone. We will learn how to cultivate stillness and deep presence, wherever and however we may be. We’re grateful for the presence of our visiting teacher, Hagit Harmon, who will be bringing the depth of her experience including twelve years as a nun in Plum Village.
Together we’ll co-create a daily atmosphere of practice. We’ll share sitting and walking meditation outdoors, Dharma talks, mindful eating, sharing circles and time in nature.
No specific skills or experience are required. Retreatants are expected to participate fully in the community life of the practice center. This includes arriving on time for activities and respecting the practices of silence, meditation and sharing. All these elements enrich and are an integral part of our retreat experience.
The retreat will be conducted in English with Italian translation available.
Hagit Harmon
Hagit was a nun in Plum Village for 12 years and received the lamp transmission to become a Dharma Teacher from Thich Nhat Hanh. She has been teaching the practice to adults and children in Plum Village and internationally, and now resides and teaches in Israel, and practices with her local Sangha. Hagit was also trained as a Vijnana Yoga teacher. A translator of two of Thay’s books into Hebrew. Hagit is also an IFS therapy practitioner.
Daily schedule
The schedule may vary. As an example:
6:00 am Wake up
6:30 am Formal morning meditation
7:30 am Breakfast
8:45 am Service for the community
10:00 am Dharma talk
personal practice
12:00 pm Mindful lunch
3:00 pm Sharing or outdoor sitting meditation
3:45pm Walking meditation
6:30 pm Mindful dinner
8:00 pm formal evening meditation
noble silence
Practical information and retreat cost
The retreat will take place from Thursday 23 May (arrival at 5:00 pm) until Sunday 26 May (departure at 4:00 pm).
Late arrivals or early departures are not allowed, in order to care for the energy of the group and the retreat.
Retreat costs:
- Basic cost: €200, with a reduction of €30 for those under 30 years of age.
- Supporter: €250. Your support will help cover our teacher’s travel costs and support our practice center, thank you
- Registration closes: 8 May
The retreat cost includes the retreat content, organization and all meals. Lodging is available on-site, either camping (€5/night), dormitory (€15/night), or double room (€30/night) according to availability. The rooms are equipped with bunk beds. For those who are not yet members of the non-profit association “La Natura della Mente” that manages the retreat, the annual membership fee is €10.
Registration and more information
To register, fill out the online registration form
For more information: info@lanaturadellamente.it