Author Topic: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?  (Read 7431 times)

Future Lazy

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Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« on: August 23, 2017, 09:05:00 AM »
Hi Everyone,

My DH is looking for a little space away from all of life. He wants a "hard reset." At the suggestion of our therapist, he is considering a silent retreat. Of course, this leaves dollar signs in my eyes! Our therapist suggested there were donation based retreats he could stay at for free (or cheap as free), but I haven't been able to track one down. For reference, we live in Colorado, but DH has a good car that could carry him to any neighboring state.

Has anyone been to an inexpensive or free silent retreat before? Where did you go, for how many days? What was the total cost?

The other alternative is DH goes on an individual camping trip. However, we don't own any camping gear, so that would still be an expense of a few hundred dollars to get him started.

Thanks!
Kayla

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2017, 09:07:50 AM »
How far is he willing to travel?

CheapScholar

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2017, 09:19:26 AM »
You live in Colorado.  Invest in a nice tent.  However, I camp solo a lot and you should know that getting a camping space at any state or national park is usually anything BUT a silent retreat.  There will be people 20 yards from you cooking and talking most of the time.  If you want to be alone you need to get a permit and go back country.  I've done this solo.  If your husband doesn't already own camping gear he is NOT ready for this.  Especially in CO. 

You could send him to an old Fire Lookout for a few days.  No Mountain Lions up there and no risk of getting lost:

http://www.firelookout.org/lookout-rentals.html

me1

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2017, 09:29:42 AM »
I have always wanted to go to one of these. They are free, but if you feel like you have gotten anything out of it, you are encouraged to donate afterwards, so other people can attend.
https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index

I have no first hand experience to recommend it, other than I watched a documentary some years ago about these people's work with prisoners and meditation which I found interesting.
But its one of the first things I will do when I am retired and finally have free time.

Bracken_Joy

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2017, 09:35:50 AM »
CheapScholar beat me to it- I was going to recommend fire lookouts.

Alternately, I know at least in OR we have lots of AirBnB cabin rentals in very remote areas.

honeybbq

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2017, 11:17:33 AM »
I completely agree with the tent comment. He can go stay at the YMCA of the rockies, bring his own camp stove, and hike during the day and meditate at night and still even stay in a cabin for a reasonable price. Better yet to backpack into the wilderness.

Optimiser

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2017, 11:28:34 AM »
I agree with the fire lookout suggestions. I have stayed in one, and it was very remote, but also had everything you would need to survive, other than food. Beds, fireplace, stove, bathroom, etc.

I am curious about silent retreats though. I always assumed (maybe falsely) that silent retreats were a group activity that were facilitated by some sort of leader. Does going someplace where you can spend several days completely alone accomplish the same thing, or is that what people generally mean by silent retreat. If so, I'd be interested in doing one myself.

bognish

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2017, 12:46:15 PM »
You should be able to find a cheap rental and a quiet town anywhere in the mountains of colorado after the leaves come down and before the ski lifts start. From the end of October to the middle of November the ski towns will be empty except for a few hunters. The east side of Rocky Mountain Natl park will still be crowded with tourists through the rut, but Granby or Grand Lake will be empty once trail ridge closes.

Blonde Lawyer

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2017, 02:02:27 PM »
I haven't done a silent retreat but I have done meditation classes.  Meditating in a class is very different from meditating as a group.  I think being in a group but remaining silent may have benefits above and beyond just spending time alone somewhere silently. 

Future Lazy

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2017, 02:22:30 PM »
You live in Colorado.  Invest in a nice tent.  However, I camp solo a lot and you should know that getting a camping space at any state or national park is usually anything BUT a silent retreat.  There will be people 20 yards from you cooking and talking most of the time.  If you want to be alone you need to get a permit and go back country.  I've done this solo.  If your husband doesn't already own camping gear he is NOT ready for this.  Especially in CO. 

You could send him to an old Fire Lookout for a few days.  No Mountain Lions up there and no risk of getting lost:

http://www.firelookout.org/lookout-rentals.html

I agree with your assessment of his camping skills. He's not a novice, but even if he was a pro, he's certainly out of practice.

Thank you for the fire lookout suggestion! I will keep this in my back pocket. It looks like there are only 2 in Colorado, but DH may be willing or want to travel farther.

I have always wanted to go to one of these. They are free, but if you feel like you have gotten anything out of it, you are encouraged to donate afterwards, so other people can attend.
https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index

I have no first hand experience to recommend it, other than I watched a documentary some years ago about these people's work with prisoners and meditation which I found interesting.
But its one of the first things I will do when I am retired and finally have free time.

Thank you for this!! This looks to be much closer to what our therapist was talking about than those I was able to find via Google.

I agree with the fire lookout suggestions. I have stayed in one, and it was very remote, but also had everything you would need to survive, other than food. Beds, fireplace, stove, bathroom, etc.

I am curious about silent retreats though. I always assumed (maybe falsely) that silent retreats were a group activity that were facilitated by some sort of leader. Does going someplace where you can spend several days completely alone accomplish the same thing, or is that what people generally mean by silent retreat. If so, I'd be interested in doing one myself.

This is a great question. Perhaps? For example, if you read the rules on the website/application me1 posted, you'll see the expectations for silent retreat not only include no speaking, but also no communication of any kind via gestures etc, no sexual activity, no killing of living things, some fasting, etc.. So, if you set up silent retreat rules for yourself and follow them, I don't see why you can't stage your own silent retreat. I agree with Blonde Lawyer, though. There is a different feeling from guided meditation to individual meditation, and there is a different feeling when you are meditating with a group who is dedicated to the same standards and practice you are.

Thanks everyone for your responses/suggestions!

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #10 on: August 24, 2017, 12:18:55 AM »
How much does a silent retreat cost out of curiosity?

For the right amount of money I can drive an RV up to your driveway and your husband can sit in there as long as he wants while I ignore him. I'm good at being a rude jerk (see this post for example). 

Dicey

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #11 on: August 24, 2017, 12:38:43 AM »
This might do it. Look at the MLR option under Retreats. I've been there as a visitor and found it quite interesting. It's near Chico, CA.

https://www.newclairvaux.org/visit

CanuckExpat

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #12 on: August 24, 2017, 12:45:12 AM »
This might do it. Look at the MLR option under Retreats. I've been there as a visitor and found it quite interesting. It's near Chico, CA.

https://www.newclairvaux.org/visit

Despite my snarky response earlier, I think that's actually really interesting and useful to know about. Thanks for sharing

Dicey

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #13 on: August 24, 2017, 12:47:42 AM »
This might do it. Look at the MLR option under Retreats. I've been there as a visitor and found it quite interesting. It's near Chico, CA.

https://www.newclairvaux.org/visit

Despite my snarky response earlier, I think that's actually really interesting and useful to know about. Thanks for sharing
No worries, I speak snark too.

Playing with Fire UK

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #14 on: August 24, 2017, 12:48:26 AM »
I agree with the fire lookout suggestions. I have stayed in one, and it was very remote, but also had everything you would need to survive, other than food. Beds, fireplace, stove, bathroom, etc.

I am curious about silent retreats though. I always assumed (maybe falsely) that silent retreats were a group activity that were facilitated by some sort of leader. Does going someplace where you can spend several days completely alone accomplish the same thing, or is that what people generally mean by silent retreat. If so, I'd be interested in doing one myself.

This is a great question. Perhaps? For example, if you read the rules on the website/application me1 posted, you'll see the expectations for silent retreat not only include no speaking, but also no communication of any kind via gestures etc, no sexual activity, no killing of living things, some fasting, etc.. So, if you set up silent retreat rules for yourself and follow them, I don't see why you can't stage your own silent retreat. I agree with Blonde Lawyer, though. There is a different feeling from guided meditation to individual meditation, and there is a different feeling when you are meditating with a group who is dedicated to the same standards and practice you are.

Thanks everyone for your responses/suggestions!

I read about one, there seemed to be an evening session where you could ask guidance from the leaders, and it seemed an important part of the programme. Maybe not needed if you are experienced at meditation.

You could drop a line to arebelspy either through PM or the website. They started one so may have some insight.

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #15 on: August 24, 2017, 04:12:52 AM »
Look up Catholic monasteries and convents in your area as well. My parents used to go to a convent nearby that offered rooms for silent retreats. You don't need to be Catholic.

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #16 on: August 24, 2017, 04:26:41 AM »
My DH did something similar a few years ago. He wanted to go hiking in the mountains by himself for a longer time, 4 weeks. He is an experienced hiker. He ended up dividing it in 2 parts, so that he could get more food after 2 weeks. During that time he actively met people he knew. He thought it was quite a special experience being so alone with noone to talk with.

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #17 on: August 24, 2017, 05:03:12 AM »
Look up Catholic monasteries and convents in your area as well. My parents used to go to a convent nearby that offered rooms for silent retreats. You don't need to be Catholic.
http://www.5280.com/2016/03/cloister-yourself-retreat-to-a-colorado-monastery/

I find it better than nature as you can really relax and reflect instead of having to think about food and things like that.

Alternatively you could rent a bike and go from place to place.

Drifterrider

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #18 on: August 24, 2017, 05:25:42 AM »
Save money: send him to his room.


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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #19 on: August 24, 2017, 07:02:37 AM »
It's a bit of a drive, but not ridiculous from Colorado.

http://prairiewoods.org/rates/

Their Hermitage retreats may serve the purpose he is looking for.

(It looks like they have group silent retreats too. I don't see one coming up soon. The November one doesn't sound totally silent like the June/July ones did)
« Last Edit: August 24, 2017, 07:04:25 AM by iowajes »

Future Lazy

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #20 on: August 24, 2017, 08:01:21 AM »
Save money: send him to his room.
How much does a silent retreat cost out of curiosity?

For the right amount of money I can drive an RV up to your driveway and your husband can sit in there as long as he wants while I ignore him. I'm good at being a rude jerk (see this post for example).

All joking aside, the appeal of the silent retreat is to get the fuuuuuuuuck away from the house and not have to be around anyone you know/have emotional ties to. We have been struggling through a marital separation, where DH still feels he isn't getting enough space, despite having his own bedroom, and the house entirely to himself all weekend while I work. Frankly, I could use the space/quiet/cleanliness for 5-10 days myself.

So, if you bring your RV, how much extra does it cost for you to drive around the block a bunch of times? You know, to establish a sense of adventure.

This might do it. Look at the MLR option under Retreats. I've been there as a visitor and found it quite interesting. It's near Chico, CA.

https://www.newclairvaux.org/visit

This looks a lot like the catholic version of our local(ish) Shambala Mountain. This looks really cool/well organized. It's about 17 hours from us, by car, though.

https://www.shambhalamountain.org/program/getaway-2017/?form=1#

Look up Catholic monasteries and convents in your area as well. My parents used to go to a convent nearby that offered rooms for silent retreats. You don't need to be Catholic.
http://www.5280.com/2016/03/cloister-yourself-retreat-to-a-colorado-monastery/

I find it better than nature as you can really relax and reflect instead of having to think about food and things like that.

Alternatively you could rent a bike and go from place to place.
It's a bit of a drive, but not ridiculous from Colorado.

http://prairiewoods.org/rates/

Their Hermitage retreats may serve the purpose he is looking for.

(It looks like they have group silent retreats too. I don't see one coming up soon. The November one doesn't sound totally silent like the June/July ones did)

Thanks for both of these!

I wish it was as simple as biking from place to place. Honestly, IMHO, DH is extremely terrible at working in any mindfulness time into his day. He lives 100% in the moment when he is interacting with the world, begins to feel overwhelmed, and then hides/disassociates by burying himself in his phone, or a video game, etc. He just doesn't seem to realize these forms of dissociation aren't relaxing for him, they don't allow his brain to get the rest it needs to recover and then be present for the next work day or the next family interaction.

I think a silent retreat would be a bandaid of sorts, that will fall off as soon as he returns to his not-silent life. In the long run, it would be better/healthier to take up or return to some unplugged hobby - biking, running, guitar, painting, meditation, etc. But, if going on a retreat steps him closer to that realization, woohoo!

Blonde Lawyer

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #21 on: August 24, 2017, 08:12:16 AM »


Thanks for both of these!

I wish it was as simple as biking from place to place. Honestly, IMHO, DH is extremely terrible at working in any mindfulness time into his day. He lives 100% in the moment when he is interacting with the world, begins to feel overwhelmed, and then hides/disassociates by burying himself in his phone, or a video game, etc. He just doesn't seem to realize these forms of dissociation aren't relaxing for him, they don't allow his brain to get the rest it needs to recover and then be present for the next work day or the next family interaction.

I think a silent retreat would be a bandaid of sorts, that will fall off as soon as he returns to his not-silent life. In the long run, it would be better/healthier to take up or return to some unplugged hobby - biking, running, guitar, painting, meditation, etc. But, if going on a retreat steps him closer to that realization, woohoo!
[/quote]

This is really interesting.  I think I'm a lot like your DH and that's why my therapist way back when suggested I didn't need therapy, I needed to meditate.  I've also done hypnosis and self-hypnosis.  I haven't had marital problems (yet) but I will heed the warning.  Also, rather than taking twitter breaks at work, I might try taking a sit on the floor with my eyes closed (and the door shut) for 5 minutes break.  I tried that on my couch once and it ended up turning into a nap at work LOL.  Hence the floor idea.  I have a formal meditation corner set up in my house but it has been far too long since I've actually used it.  Just seeing it there relaxes me but I'm sure I'd get a lot more benefit if I used it.

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #22 on: August 24, 2017, 10:21:53 AM »
following

spokey doke

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #23 on: August 24, 2017, 11:02:48 AM »
From what I have found, the kind of silent retreats (aside from going into the wilderness), that I think you are looking for, typically come in 2 main forms (both grounded in Buddhism).  The first are those put on by places that do pretty much nothing but that for paying clients.  The Insight Meditation Society has a few locations...Spirit Rock is another one on the west coast, but there are others, esp. in CA.  CO has Shambhala Mountain, as mentioned, among others.  These tend to be pretty pricey, although they often offer sliding scales for those with lesser means, or cheaper rates for those willing to work while they are there.  These retreats feature well know teachers of mindfulness practices, and the resources are geared toward enhancing the client experiences.

The other type is monastery based visitor programs (like the Abhayagiri Monastery in CA (although they just put in a bunch of visitor facilities recently, so I'm not sure whether they are moving toward the above model???)).  These are working monasteries, with some guest quarters, and often require that you work for part of each day, and suggest a donation.  The daily schedules are a lot like the retreat center schedules, but are focused on the workings of the monastery and the life and practices of the monks.  Guests follow along, with less resources going just to them and their experience.

Having made this distinction, I will also questions it, as there are places that straddle the two categories in many ways...but that gives you a framework to work with...(bascically, but imperfectly: monasteries vs. retreat centers).

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #24 on: August 25, 2017, 09:38:48 AM »
I did the Vipassana 10 day silent meditation retreat that was already mentioned (dharma.org). It is donation based, as already said.  I did overhear, after someone else pressed them, that it cost roughly $300 per person (at my particular center) to take care of us - so don't assume the donation has to be huge.  The whole point is giving people the opportunity to do this without worrying about paying for it.

It was very worth it for me.  Hard, and often unpleasant, but worth it.  Feel free to PM me if you have questions.  I did talk about it some in my journal (which is long, but I probably wrote about it at the end of January, beginning of February).

I am considering doing another one in 2018. 

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #25 on: August 25, 2017, 11:32:49 AM »
Since your husband wants to do this retreat, has he spent any time looking for them?

I understand the anxiety the money aspect can cause you, it is something I struggle with when discussing purchase items with my more spendy husband, but it sounds like that is not the issue here. 

In my experience when someone is looking for "more space" it is usually not physical space, but rather emotional/mental space.  For the people around them that means letting go of control. 

For you it might mean letting go of suggesting closer or cheaper places.   If your husband wants to go on a silent retreat then let him look for it, plan it, pay for it, and go on it.   If paying for it comes out of a joint account, then simply agree to a certain dollar amount you both can live with and let the rest go. 

Dicey

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #26 on: August 26, 2017, 11:58:30 PM »
From what I have found, the kind of silent retreats (aside from going into the wilderness), that I think you are looking for, typically come in 2 main forms (both grounded in Buddhism).  The first are those put on by places that do pretty much nothing but that for paying clients.  The Insight Meditation Society has a few locations...Spirit Rock is another one on the west coast, but there are others, esp. in CA.  CO has Shambhala Mountain, as mentioned, among others.  These tend to be pretty pricey, although they often offer sliding scales for those with lesser means, or cheaper rates for those willing to work while they are there.  These retreats feature well know teachers of mindfulness practices, and the resources are geared toward enhancing the client experiences.

The other type is monastery based visitor programs (like the Abhayagiri Monastery in CA (although they just put in a bunch of visitor facilities recently, so I'm not sure whether they are moving toward the above model???)).  These are working monasteries, with some guest quarters, and often require that you work for part of each day, and suggest a donation.  The daily schedules are a lot like the retreat center schedules, but are focused on the workings of the monastery and the life and practices of the monks.  Guests follow along, with less resources going just to them and their experience.

Having made this distinction, I will also questions it, as there are places that straddle the two categories in many ways...but that gives you a framework to work with...(bascically, but imperfectly: monasteries vs. retreat centers).
New Clairveaux is definitely in the latter category. Of course, I haven't been up there in about 15 years, but I doubt it's changed much.

SimpleCycle

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #27 on: August 27, 2017, 03:13:07 AM »
Since your husband wants to do this retreat, has he spent any time looking for them?

I understand the anxiety the money aspect can cause you, it is something I struggle with when discussing purchase items with my more spendy husband, but it sounds like that is not the issue here. 

In my experience when someone is looking for "more space" it is usually not physical space, but rather emotional/mental space.  For the people around them that means letting go of control. 

For you it might mean letting go of suggesting closer or cheaper places.   If your husband wants to go on a silent retreat then let him look for it, plan it, pay for it, and go on it.   If paying for it comes out of a joint account, then simply agree to a certain dollar amount you both can live with and let the rest go.

This is excellent advice.  I think I'd let him own this one, rather than finding a place for him.

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #28 on: August 28, 2017, 11:40:48 AM »
This might do it. Look at the MLR option under Retreats. I've been there as a visitor and found it quite interesting. It's near Chico, CA.

https://www.newclairvaux.org/visit

I was actually going to post that pastoral sabbaticals are often / traditionally in quiet, remote settings for low cost.  If you have any religious affiliation at all, you could ask at the bishops office for suggestions.

Kwill

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #29 on: August 28, 2017, 11:56:44 AM »
My father (Presbyterian minister) goes on a silent retreat at a Jesuit place about once a year. He does the non-guided one since he's not Catholic, but there is an option to have spiritual direction during these. I'm sure he pays something, but I get the impression that it's a modest fee given that a room and all meals are included. He's mentioned going swimming and running there; there's a lot of nature around. I don't know which one he goes to specifically, but you'd need something closer in any case.

Google turned up this database of Catholic retreat centres in the US (link to Colorado results): http://www.stillmountainretreatguide.com/directory/19?province=Colorado&type_1=All

Future Lazy

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #30 on: August 28, 2017, 09:46:56 PM »
Thank you again to everyone who has made suggestions!

DH and I are not particularly religious. DH has had a rough past with his family and Christianity in general, so I am not sure a catholic retreat is even on his radar. However, he does continue to pray etc, so he might actually get a lot out of this kind of retreat. Who knows!

Since your husband wants to do this retreat, has he spent any time looking for them?

I understand the anxiety the money aspect can cause you, it is something I struggle with when discussing purchase items with my more spendy husband, but it sounds like that is not the issue here. 

In my experience when someone is looking for "more space" it is usually not physical space, but rather emotional/mental space.  For the people around them that means letting go of control. 

For you it might mean letting go of suggesting closer or cheaper places.   If your husband wants to go on a silent retreat then let him look for it, plan it, pay for it, and go on it.   If paying for it comes out of a joint account, then simply agree to a certain dollar amount you both can live with and let the rest go.

I certainly have no intention to do the footwork on this for DH. If he wants to go, it's up to him to decide when/where/for how long, etc, and make the plans. In fact, self sufficiency and personal independence are the main focus of our marital counseling right now. I simply wanted to do my own research to better understand what a formal silent retreat is, what contexts it can take place in, and understand it's potential cost. This way, if DH does decide this is something he wants to pursue, I can have educated input on the things that do affect us as a unit, such as the cost.

You're right in that money is not really the primary concern for me. DH works for a good company and has plenty of paid vacation, and sparing a few hundred dollars for emotional well-being is not beyond our means.

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Re: Mustachian Priced Silent Retreat?
« Reply #31 on: August 29, 2017, 02:10:39 PM »
Does your DH go to the gym?  I meditate daily at the gym, doing yoga, working out, cardio, swimming, etc.  After a hard workout session at the gym it clears my head space and I never feel like I need a retreat or spa.  Excercising is truly one of life's finer pleasures...too bad it's so hard for most people.