Insight Mini Retreat: A Day of Practice

The Insight Mini Retreat: A Day of Practice is a silent meditation retreat held in a single day at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California. It is rooted in Insight Meditation, within the Theravada Buddhist tradition, and is led by Dharma teacher Erin Selover, MS. People newer to retreat and those with years of practice are both welcome.

What to Expect

The day is held in noble silence and moves between sitting and walking meditation. Between periods of practice, Erin Selover offers teachings on equanimity (upekkhā), the capacity to stand in the center of things with a calm, wise, and clear heart.

The retreat runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm Pacific Time. Practice begins in the morning, with a break around noon for lunch, and the program closes at 4:00pm. The structure is simple and meant to be accessible: a full day to settle, to practice alongside others, and to reconnect with the quiet that longer retreats offer, without an overnight commitment. Teachings are offered in English and Spanish.

Spirit Rock recognizes that it sits on Huukuiko Coast Miwok lands. Because the day falls on the weekend of Thanksgiving, participants are invited to make a voluntary contribution to Huukuiko, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit supporting the Indigenous spiritual practices, traditions, wisdom teachings, and culture of the Coast Miwok Tribal Council of Marin, the land's original caretakers.

About Erin Selover, MS

Erin Selover is a Dharma teacher with more than 20 years of Buddhist training, and she serves as a residential retreat teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. She also works with individuals as a Spiritual Strategist and is a Somatic-Based Marriage and Family Therapist. Since 2018, her passion has been distributive governance and needs-based gift economics.

The Setting

This is an on-land program, held at Spirit Rock in the Great Hall of the Community Meditation Center in Woodacre. It takes place on the land only, with no online option. It is not a residential retreat, and overnight accommodation is not provided.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome. No prior retreat experience is needed, and the day suits both the curious beginner and the experienced practitioner who wants to return to sustained practice.

Lunch is not provided, so bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. The program includes the full day of guided sitting and walking meditation, the Dharma teachings, and access to the Community Meditation Center and grounds.

Pricing is on a sliding scale that helps fund teacher support and scholarships. Participants are asked to pay at the highest rate they can comfortably afford. Scholarship rates are available (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, and Young Adult), as is a no-fee option. Registration closes on the morning of the retreat, and a waiting list is created if the program fills early.

Refunds are not offered. If you cancel two or more business days before the program, you receive an open credit or may convert your payment to a donation to Spirit Rock. Cancelling with less notice does not earn a credit.