Nurturing Silent Retreat | 3 days - 2 nights in Santa Barbara, CA

A Silent Stay meditation retreat gives you the opportunity to slow down and unplug from the noise and demands of everyday life. With guidance into heart-centered presence, surrounded by nature, your whole nervous system can rest.

These non-denominational silent retreats allow each person to feel and listen to what is naturally sacred within. Guided by the intention of receiving the gifts of quiet, we find a deep commonality and community in the Heart.

Our gentle program includes

• daily meditation
• heart-centered teachings
• spacious silence
• restorative yoga

Return home deeply resourced with a calm mind, open heart and a renewed self-compassion.

We offer 3 group meditation sessions daily along with silent sitting, silent meals, non-doing periods, and optional guided relaxation and gentle yoga. Set on 35 acres, take time for a silent walk along meandering paths and rest amidst the expansive gardens with views of the ocean and Santa Ynez mountains.

Your retreat is led by life-long retreat leaders Bruce Davis, Ruth Davis and Nicole Becker, and include teachings on heart-centered silence and slow living. We have been leading contemplative silent retreats worldwide since 1983 and are teachers of the world philosophies.

In between group sessions practice the art of non-doing. Restful awareness, reflection, walking meditation, laying on the lawn, staying in present moment awareness, contemplation, journaling, sitting meditating, take a guilt free nap, being with nature, listening to silence, being present without the need for entertainment, being gentle with yourself... these periods are a time of non-judgement and bathing in the softness of your heart and the retreat experience.

Your Silent Stay takes place at the Pacifica Graduate Institute Retreat Center in Montecito (Santa Barbara, CA). It was originally built for Jesuit monks that took 30 night silent retreats. This historic property lies at the foot of the Ynez Mountains. Here you can immerse yourself in contemplative silence and stillness. The exclusive 35 acre property is filled with beautiful meditation gardens, enchanting paths, and sprawling views of mountains and ocean.

On retreat we share practices and tools to:

• free your busy mind
• deepen your connection to your innermost being
• nurture the magical child within
• live a life of non-judgment and self-compassion
• connect to effortless being in everyday life

‍We look forward to joining you in the peaceful renewal of silence.

All rooms are private with shared batrhrooms and there are several cozy common lounges to enjoy.

• Full-sized bedroom/shared dorm-style bathrooms
• Queen-sized bedroom/bathroom shared with one other room
• more photos here
• Rooms are located on the second floor, accessible by stairs only (no elevator).
• Ground floor ADA accessible rooms are availble if you book directly through us. Please email

Delicious and healthy buffet-style meals are provided by a professional caterer and all dietary retrictions can be accommodated. Please indicate your preference(s) while registering.

Retreat price includes:

• dinner on first day,
• 3 meals each full day
• breakfast and lunch last day
• healthy snacks, tea/coffee available all day

In order to provide a deeper retreat for everyone, there are no smart watches, cell phones or computers in the facility or in your room. Please leave them in your car.

You will be greeted verbally. You can speak to admin or kitchen staff for personal needs (or pass them a note). Otherwise, we are holding verbal silence throughout the retreat period, on the grounds and in your room. There will be an opportunity to speak with the teachers during sessions, or when question and answer periods arise, and at the end of the retreat.

• We reserve the right to adjust the program and retreat leader as necessary for the successful operation of the retreat.
• We reserve the right to ask you to leave if you are causing a disturbance.

After you register through eventbrite we will follow up with you personally with a registration confirmation and welcome packet that includes information on what to bring, arrival/departure info, and how to get the most out of your retreat. You are always welcome to contact us with questions.

All funds paid are non-refundable but are transferable to another retreat with us if cancelled at least six weeks before the start of the retreat. You have one year to use transfered funds. Please be aware that a price increase may be incurred if you transfer your funds to a new retreat.

If cancelled within 6 weeks of the start of the retreat all funds are non-refundable and non-transferable. Since we cannot refund any amount within six weeks of the start of your retreat we suggest obtaining travel insurance to cover the entire retreat cost in the event you cannot attend.

Info: Take advantage of arriving early to enjoy the grounds! The Pacifica Campus opens at 8:30am. Feel free to bring a picnic.

Info: Reception desk opens at 3 pm. This is where you will receive your room key and guest folder.

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Host or Publisher Ruth & Bruce Davis