Awake in Our Lives: A Silent Meditation Retreat
With Celeste Young
May 17 - 22, 2026
Please note: This is a dãna-based retreat (see below for details). The registration fee is included in package pricing and does not include teacher compensation.
During this silent meditation retreat, we will focus on practices that calm the mind and awaken the heart to support the deepening of insight and inner freedom here and now, in our lives just as they are.
A silent meditation retreat offers us the unique conditions to allow the mind and heart to settle more deeply, facilitating a renewed sense of connection with our own bodies, hearts, and minds.
The structure of this Insight Meditation retreat includes two guided meditations a day in a beautiful and tranquil setting as well as silent sitting and walking meditation practice and time in nature.
In the mornings we’ll practice with the four foundations of mindfulness and in the afternoons, there will be a guided meditation focused on awakening the boundless heart and restoring a sense of calm and tranquility. Throughout our days together we’ll deepen continuity of mindfulness in community as we move between silent sitting meditation periods and walking meditation or mindful movement.
Each day there will be a Dharma talk to support our embodied understanding as well as small group meetings with the teacher for personalized instruction and support, with time for rest and enjoying nature and all that Hollyhock has to offer. Our daily schedule will also support those who may wish to attend the optional yoga or tai chi classes at Hollyhock.
“I enjoyed the combination of teachings, guided meditations, and solo time. The retreat was also structured so well, with each day building on the next, strengthening our mindfulness muscle.” – Past participant
A Note on Dãna
Dãna is an ancient Pali word meaning “giving” or “gift.” Dãna is at the heart of the 2,500 year old Buddhist tradition.
The registration fee you pay to attend this retreat covers the basic retreat costs; none of your registration fee is payment to the teacher leading the retreats. Teachers offer the teachings with a spirit of generosity and trust that their lives and work will be supported by those who are receiving the life-giving teachings. This is a real expression of the truth of interdependence.
You may offer dãna to your teacher directly before, during or after the retreat.
Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.
Presenter
Celeste Young is a Theravada Buddhist mindfulness and Dharma teacher. She has been practicing meditation and sitting retreats since 2002. She was one of the first teachers to be empowered at InsightLA, a nonprofit Buddhist and secular mindfulness organization based in Los Angeles. Since 2011, Celeste has worked with thousands…
Learn more about Celeste Young