The Meditation Retreat

A Weekend of Sahaj Samadhi Meditation

TWICE MONTHLY | Art of Living Faculty

From

$695 Fri–Sun

A Structured 3-Day/2-Night Retreat

The Meditation Retreat

Retreat Type

Art of Living

Meditation & Mindfulness

Must Be 18+

Retreat Goals

Calm & Clear Mind

Relieve Stress

Meditation Retreats Calm body and mind—effortlessly.

Do you wonder what prevents you from living each moment fully and with joy? Do you often feel that your mind is too busy, too tired or too overwhelmed by thoughts? Is that “monkey mind” causing insomnia, anger, depression, physical tension, or any of the other hosts of symptoms and diseases related to anxiety and chronic stress? You need a meditation retreat. The simple, powerful technique of meditation can effortlessly calm the mind, boost immunity, and decrease the physical and psychological stressors you’re experiencing.

Meditation Retreats Create Lifelong Habits

Anyone can learn to meditate. The key to success is a powerful technique, experienced guidance, and practice. Our signature Meditation Retreat offers all of this—and more. You’ll work with an experienced teacher to learn a technique you can easily use at home (or any where you may be, at any time), and receive individual guidance during those critical first few days of practice. You’ll learn to

Slow down, rest, and get centered
Recharge your energy and enthusiasm
Build resilience and use tools to deal with bad times
Tune in to your true self and life purpose.

Meditation Retreats Connect You to the Source

In Sanskrit, Sahaj means effortless. Samadhi is meditation—a natural state beyond waking, sleeping, and dreaming that is an unlimited reservoir of energy, intelligence and creative power and a place of infinite peace and tranquility. The practice of Sahaj Samadhi meditation brings these qualities of increased energy, clarity, joy, and deep inner peace into our daily experience.

Anyone can learn Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, and become fully proficient with just a few hours of training. The benefits are rapid, tangible, and cumulative, and the practice itself is relaxing and enjoyable.

Pre-requisite: 18 years of age or older

Play Video

Research

Sahaj Researchers from Western University Department of Psychiatry won the top award from 17th World Psychiatry Congress in Berlin. Learn more about this award and Sahaj Samadhi Meditation research.

Meditation Retreat Features

Increased Energy and Mental Focus

Meditation increases blood flow to the brain and better brain function helps your memory, attention, self-awareness, and self-control.

Meditation reduces blood pressure and heart rate, alleviating unnecessary pressure on your heart and arteries and increases neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to organize and adapt. It also increases the quality of your sleep by allowing you to let go of your day and rest your mind. There are thousands of studies proving better sleep quality can be life-changing.

Relieve Anxiety, Depression, and Stress

Practical ancient wisdom for dealing with conflict and triumphing over life's hurdles.

Meditation increases the production of serotonin and other chemicals in the system which play a huge role in controlling our moods. It also reduces cortisol production, Cortisol is a stress-induced hormone that suppresses the immune system and can make you feel anxious, nervous, and unsettled.

Boosted Immune System

When stress is reduced, well-being increases leading to boosted immunity and reduction of stress-related illnesses.

Stress has a physiological effect on many parts of the body—digestive issues, hypertension, immune functions. Reducing stress and learning ways to cope with the stressors of everyday life, not only lead to a healthier body, but can help eliminate the bad coping strategies (drugs, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc.) that many adopt to deal.

Increase Positive Emotions

Reducing the stress in your system returns you to a natural state of feeling calm, connected to yourself, and confident in meeting the challenges of life.

During meditation, the pre-frontal cortex is stimulated—part of the brain that is responsible for concentration, focus, and problem solving among. When you meditate regularly and reduce your stress levels, hormones balance out and you feel less reactive, less defensive, and effortlessly balanced more often.

Better Connections

Regular meditation rewires the brain and increases your ability to be able to consider the feelings and needs of others and how we could be of service.

Meditation also helps you become more aware of who you are. When you begin to experience a quieter, calmer, and more dynamic sense of self, relationships become deeper and more meaningful. When you’re happier and healthier, you can more easily notice and appreciate the good things in life.

Find Your Purpose

The more you meditate, the more you become aware of what you are passionate about and what you aren’t.

Regular meditation gives rise to clarity about what is important in life and a sense of confidence to make choices that enliven your passions and cease distractions. Life has greater meaning and you feel a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Meditation Retreat Schedule

Please note, because we want to ensure you get the full experience, attending all of these sessions is important, so make your travel plans accordingly.

Program Schedule

Subject to change.

Day 1
Session 1 7:30–9:00 pm

Day 2
Session 2 7:30–8:30 am Morning Yoga
Session 3 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Session 4 5:15–6:00 pm Session

Day 3

Session 5 7:30–8:30 am Morning Yoga
Session 6 10:30 am–12:30 pm

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Guided nature walks, Ayurveda cooking demos, pottery classes, and other on-campus activities can be booked at Reception upon arrival.

Mealtimes

7:30–9:30 am Breakfast
12:00–2:00 pm Lunch (included on your departure day)
6:00–7:30 pm Dinner

Travel Information

Charlotte (CLT) is the closest airport to fly into.
From CLT to Boone is a 2-hour ride; book your travel accordingly.
Check-in is 4:00 pm on the day your program starts; dinner is included on this day.
The program ends at 1:00 pm on the last day. Lunch is included on your final day. Book your return flight anytime from 5:00 pm onward, keeping the commute and course sessions in mind.

Options for Transportation between CLT and AOLRC

Name	Phone No.	Website
Hickory Hop Shuttle Service	828.327.2340	hickoryhop.com
High Country Limo	828.898.9595	highcountrylimo.com
High Country Black Car	828.387.1977	highcountryblackcarservice.com
Oscar’s Car Service	704.965.5800
Edwardo’s Car Service	704.949.6775
Blue Bird Transportation	828.989.7286	Blue Bird of Boone
Abby Cab	828.475.2988	abbycab.com
Uber or Lyft	Book on the app on arrival.

On-Campus Program FAQs

What is your cancellation policy?

For room reservations, Ayurveda Wellness Retreats, and Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) signature retreats, we have the following cancellation policy:

Refunds are available (less a $50 per person processing fee) up to 15 days before your program or stay.
Nonrefundable credit toward a future AOLRC program or stay (less a $50 per person processing fee) is available if you give notice between 14 and one day(s) before your program or stay. Credit may be applied to any AOLRC program or stay for one year following date of issue.
No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

AOLRC reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If AOLRC cancels a program, you will receive a full refund. Some programs may have special cancellation policies; see individual workshop descriptions. For all other retreats, please be sure to check the registration page specific to that retreat.

Are there any age restrictions?

Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are open to participants 18 years of age and older.

I understand that your property is meat-, alcohol-, and smoke–free, can you please elaborate?

To encourage a healthy environment we ask that guests not consume alcohol or meat in our public spaces, however, guests may enjoy these items in their rooms.

Our property is always smoke-free.

I have food allergies, can I still eat there?

Yes, we ask that guests with food allergies simply inform us so we can communicate those needs to our chef. Typically, we label potential allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts.

Is your property ADA-compliant?

We do have lodging and event venues that are ADA-compliant. Due to the topography of our mountain campus, some are easier to access than others, so please speak to Guest Services (800.392.6870) prior to registering to ensure we can best accommodate your needs. We also have shuttles that run frequently throughout the campus.

How safe is the property?

We are committed to the safety of our guests and staff. Our mountaintop location and the surrounding areas are spacious, remote, safe, and secure.

It is safe to leave your windows open—and necessary for proper airflow!
Nature surrounds our campus, and it’s common to see rabbits, deer, gophers, wild turkeys, and other small animals. Please give them space, and they’ll do the same for you. We’ve never had a safety incident with animals on campus.

You can help!

If you come across an animal on campus or a trail, give it space, and please do not attempt to pet or feed it.
There’s no need to bring valuables to the retreat center; leaving them at home is best.

Presenters

Art of Living Faculty

Art of Living faculty are teachers from all over the world who integrate their passion for teaching with a dedication to service of others. …

Art of Living FacultyRead More »

Rooms & Pricing for On-Campus Events

Private Hotel Room

$885 Weds–Fri | $985 Fri-Sun

per person + tax

All options include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. (Rates below are per person.)

King bed or two full beds
Flat screen TV
Refrigerator
Private bath
Hair dryer
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Daily delicious vegetarian meals
Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
Daily yoga & meditation classes
Access to fitness & steam rooms

Shared Hotel Room (2 People)

$745 Weds–Fri | $845 Fri-Sun

per person + tax

Twin beds
Flat screen TV
Refrigerator
Private bath
Hair dryer
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Daily delicious vegetarian meals
Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
Daily yoga & meditation classes
Access to fitness & steam rooms

Retreat room with two twin beds and desk

Private Retreat Room

$745 Weds–Fri | $846 Fri-Sun

per person + tax

Twin beds
Private Bath
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Daily delicious vegetarian meals
Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
Daily yoga & meditation classes
Access to fitness & steam rooms

Shared Retreat Room (2 People)

$665 Weds-Fri | $765 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

Twin beds
Private Bath
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Daily delicious vegetarian meals
Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
Daily yoga & meditation classes
Access to fitness & steam rooms

Shared Retreat Room (3 People)

per person + tax

$595 Weds–Fri | $695 Fri–Sun

Twin beds
Private Bath
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Daily delicious vegetarian meals
Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
Daily yoga & meditation classes
Access to fitness & steam rooms

Premium 1-Bedroom Apartment

$1,195 Weds–Friday | $1,195 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

Fully Furnished 665 sq. ft. apartment
(Max: 2 persons)
1 Queen Bed
Kitchenette
Balcony
Washer & Dryer
Hair Dryer
Iron & Ironing Board
A Desk, chairs, and nightstand
Flat-screen TV with Cable
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Refrigerator | Stove Range | Microwave

Note furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

Premium 1-Bedroom Apartment w/Loft

$1,335 Weds-Fri | $1,335 Fri–Sun

per person + tax

Fully Furnished 995 sq. ft. apartment
(Max: 4 persons)
1 king bed and 2 twin beds or 1 Full Bed
Kitchenette
Balcony
Washer & Dryer
Hair Dryer
Iron & Ironing Board
A Desk, chairs, and nightstand
Flat-screen TV with Cable
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Refrigerator | Stove Range | Microwave

Note furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

Reviews

This has been a very emotional and life-changing experience for me. As a veteran of combat and seeing a lot of death, it has given me happiness and a hope for long-term happiness.

Very clear that the faculty is passionate about what they are doing and helping people.

This was my introduction to meditation. It was very easy to understand and practice. The teachers were compassionate and instructive without showing any judgment.

Both instructors and the program were highly effective for me and I am inspired to make this change in my life

I learned a lot from this program. Our instructor was knowledgible and program length was good for a weekend retreat.

The faculty were extremely knowledgeable in the practice and expert at presenting the material. Very relaxing and enjoyable.

Program was very peaceful and helpful, especially since I had no experience meditating. It was better than expected for a beginner.

Experienced a heart felt program that gently guided me in going deeper into my meditation practice. Thank you!

This program was life-changing!

This has taught me how to breathe and deal with the stress of life. I can't wait to apply the techniques I learned.

Location

639 Whispering Hills Road
Boone, NC 28607
800.392.6870

Discover deep rest and rejuvenation on our tranquil mountaintop campus set amidst 380 acres of pristine forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina.