Preparing for Retreat

Retreat is a sacred time of rest, reflection, listening and learning. To ensure rest, optimal learning and comfort we follow a simple schedule of meditation, yoga, group meetings and rest. Each retreat is built around a theme, such as profound self-acceptance, living in the present moment and cultivating happiness.

During the twice daily group meetings we explore aspects of the retreat theme. All of the themes point toward the sacred nature of life. During retreat we also teach skills for emotional resilience, neuroscience as it pertains to healing and transformation and practices that encourage inner guidance.

Nothing is needed to prepare, your desire to be in retreat and willingness to participate in ways that feel right for you is all that is needed. At the very least, time away from your routine allows you to rest and rejuvenate. There is also the possibility that time in retreat is profoundly healing and revealing.

Mindfulness Practice

We meditate, consciously breathe, move our bodies with gentle yoga and practice mindful walking and eating. Mindfulness practice teaches us to witness our thoughts (rather than be ensnared by them), become increasingly aware of inner stillness (rather than it being drowned out by thoughts), and increases our awareness of present moment experience (rather than being distracted by thoughts) by focusing on breathing in and out, walking, eating, and doing simple yoga movements.

Self Inquiry

Here we look into the personality, the person we generally consider ourselves to be. We examine both the patterns that decrease our ability to tune into the inner essence (True Self) and the stories that comprise our self-identity (False Self), who we usually think that we are. Examining stories of identity frees us from the grips of early conditioning that mold our experience of ourselves and the world around us. The practice of inquiry is done through teachings, journaling and group discussions during the meetings.

Silence

This retreat will be held in social silence, with the exception of visiting time after lunch each day. We are holding the intention to create sacred space as a group.

The retreat seeks to be a place of refuge, reflection, and peace. We ask that participants be respectful of the contemplative atmosphere and be mindful of cell phone use and the potential for disturbing others.

Accommodations

St. Crispin's Retreat Center is located on 400 acres in the rolling, oak-covered hills of Seminole County within easy driving distance of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. There are quiet hiking trails and two lakes that convey a felt sense of peacefulness, stillness and serenity.

The retreat center lodge overlooks a tranquil lake surrounded by native oak-covered hills. The facility is a modern conference center with hotel style rooms. Each room has two twin beds and a private bathroom.

What To Bring

• An afghan, shawl or light blanket to wrap up in during periods of prayer, meditation or contemplation.
• Walking shoes, so that you can enjoy the beautiful property.
• A notebook and ink pen for journal writing.
• A meditation cushion or bench if you have one.
• For the gentle yoga, bring your yoga mat, yoga props, block and strap−if you have them. There will be a few extra yoga mats and props available.

What Not to Bring

Please leave books, computer, music, business, things to do, alcohol, recreational drugs, etc. at home so that you can truly rest and go inward. Please do not bring candles or incense to burn or scented products. If you travel with a cell phone, we encourage you to refrain from using it while at retreat.

Pets are not allowed at St. Crispin's Retreat Center.

Retreat Schedule

The retreat begins with registration on Thursday from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.

The schedule for the retreat program:

• Thursday, 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
• Friday & Saturday, 6:30 am to 8:30 pm.
• Sunday, 6:30 am to 1 pm.

To support the collective energy of mindfulness, a vital part of the retreat container, we ask that all attendees arrive on time and plan to stay through the end of the retreat.

The retreat ends at 1 pm on Sunday, and lunch is included on that day.

Dress

To make your retreat most enjoyable, please bring comfortable casual clothing to wear. Yoga clothes, shorts and tee shirts are fine. Plan to dress in layers and bring a sweater or sweatshirt so that your body temperature is just right for you. Be sure to bring clothes that are appropriate for walking or hiking so you can enjoy the trails and property.

Fragrance

For the sake of those who are highly sensitive to fragrance, please do not use any perfume or cologne, and please use only unscented, fragrance-free personal hygiene products. Note that many products labeled “natural” or “organic” do not contain fragrance.

Food

If you have special dietary needs, we encourage you to bring any supplemental items you may need. There is a refrigerator and a full kitchen available for guest use.

There are water, tea and coffee stations in the lounge; available 24 hours a day. Drinks may be brought to bedrooms, but cups and glasses should be returned to the service kitchen after use.

No food is permitted in the meeting rooms, and only drinks with lids are allowed.

Food Sensitivity

Many meals have dairy, wheat and/or gluten. The retreat center is set up to provide meals to groups, not to individuals. Menus are based on what is in season and in the market. Because of this, they are not able to accommodate individual needs. But, because there are many people with food restrictions, they try to offer a simple substitute for the meals.

If a retreatant has a severe allergy, please let our staff know before the retreat so the kitchen can make plans. Also, make sure to bring your EpiPen or an equivalent medicine. The kitchen asks us to let anyone with allergies know that they cannot guarantee that certain foods have not been contaminated before arriving on site.

Smoking

There are designated smoking areas outside the buildings. No smoking is permitted in the buildings or anywhere outside other than in the designated area.

Scholarship

At times, patrons provide full scholarships for our retreats. Additionally, we offer a limited number of partial scholarships for those who need financial assistance. Please contact us to apply for a retreat.

Cancellation Policy

Our contract with St. Crispin’s Retreat Center requires us to guarantee the number of lodging rooms we will use 30 days before the retreat begins. If you need to cancel within this 30-day window, please consider contacting us to donate your retreat reservation to someone else.

For individuals canceling their attendance for an upcoming retreat the cancellation fees are as follows:

Prior to 90 days before the retreat: $45 fee.
90-31 days prior to the retreat: $65 fee.
Less than 31 days prior to the retreat: no refund.

 

 

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