CALM YOUR MIND
Weekend Getaway Retreat
Friday, February 19 to Sunday, February 21, 2027
on the shore of Lake Michigan
near Racine, Wisconsin
Boundless Peace & Purity: Weekend Getaway Retreat
Friday, February 19 to Sunday, February 21, 2027
registration closes Feb 5
Treat yourself to a deeply peaceful and meaningful weekend of guided meditation, relaxation, and spiritual community on the shores of Lake Michigan at Siena Retreat Center outside Racine, WI.
Unique Weekend
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Enjoy morning silence to enhance your meditation experience
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Immerse yourself in clear and joyful guided meditations
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Relax and feel supported by a friendly, welcoming community
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Explore the beautiful grounds, wooded trail, and natural prairie
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Nourish yourself with delicious and wholesome meals
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Find true restoration through rest and reflection
Meditation Emphasis
We will focus on the magical practice of breathing meditation. This deceptively simple practice has the power to transform the quality of our mind. When the turbulence of distraction subsides, we naturally dwell in the peacefulness and lucidity that is our mind’s true essence. Through focused practice, we will come to know for ourselves the deep inner peace and relaxation that is available to us.
Meaningful Results
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A restorative level of relaxation
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A connection with spiritual friends
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A pathway to deeper contentment and more meaningful relationships
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A foundation for lasting spiritual insight
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A vitalizing of our profound potential for mindful development
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A sustainable practice we can take home with us
This event is suitable for all levels, from complete beginner to seasoned practitioner. Whether you are interested in beginning a practice, recharging a practice, or taking a practice deeper, this retreat will support you.
The retreat will be led by Gen Kelsang Zamling, resident teacher in Chicago with more than 20 years of experience. His guidance is always clear, practical, and uplifting.
Due to the popularity of this annual retreat and the limitations of space, we recommend registering early to avoid disappointment.
LOCATION & GETTING THERE
Siena Retreat Center
5637 Erie Street, Racine, WI 53402
Established in the 1960s on the shore of Lake Michigan, Siena Retreat Center hosts thousands of people annually and offers ideal retreat conditions: a beautiful, modern building, clean and comfortable rooms, tranquil woodland grounds with gorgeous views of Lake Michigan.
Driving:
Detailed driving directions and map are available on Siena's website. Ample free parking is available on site.
Carpooling:
If you need a ride or have room in your car for someone else, please contact Dave (admin@meditateinchicago.org). He'll be happy to help facilitate.
SCHEDULE
Friday's Introduction will explain the retreat content and format, and provide helpful suggestions for getting the most from your retreat experience. Each of the sessions on Saturday and Sunday will include practical instruction and guided meditation, and there will be an informal question-and-answer period Saturday evening.
Everyone will be encouraged to observe silence in the mornings before lunch to enhance their retreat experience, and in general, students are invited to take time to reflect, relax, explore the beautiful grounds, and connect with fellow retreaters throughout the weekend.
Friday
February 19
5:30pm
Check-in begins
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Introduction
Please note: Dinner will not be provided on Friday night. Please arrange to eat before arriving, or bring food with you.
Saturday
February 20
7:30am - 8:30am
breakfast
9:00am - 10:15am
Session 1
11:00am - 12:00pm
Session 2
12:00pm - 12:30pm
lunch
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Session 3
5:30pm - 6:00pm
dinner
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 4 (includes Q&A)
Sunday
February 21
7:30am - 8:30am
breakfast
9:00am - 10:00am
Session 1
11:00am - 12:00pm
Session 2
FOOD & LODGING
Food:
The retreat includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. All meals will be vegetarian. If you have any special dietary restrictions such as gluten free or dairy free, please email Dave at admin@meditateinchicago.org
Please note that dinner will not be provided on Friday night. Please arrange to eat before arriving or bring food with you.
Accommodations:
All rooms are single, ensuite rooms which are clean, simple, quiet, and comfortable -- perfect for retreat.
TEACHER
Gen Kelsang Zamling
Gen Zamling is an ordained Buddhist monk and the principal meditation teacher of KMC Chicago. A student of Kadampa Buddhism since 1998, he has engaged in ongoing teacher training and many short and longer personal meditation retreats. He has taught meditation classes throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, and has led many short and longer group retreats. Gen Zamling's retreats are well-loved, and his guidance is always very clear, supportive, and practical.
RETREAT MATERIALS & BOOKS
Seating:
We will provide chairs and a limited number of meditation cushions, but you are welcome to bring any meditation cushions, pillows, or supports you may need.
Clothing:
We recommend comfortable, loose-fitting clothing; if you run cold, you may wish to bring a light blanket or sweater.
Books:
Retreats offer a wonderful opportunity to go deeper within a particular meditation topic, and the meditations during this weekend will be drawn from portions of the books below. These books are not required reading but helpful guides during and after your retreat, which you can purchase at the retreat. Additional books and meditation items will also be available.
Joyful Path of Good Fortune
How to Transform Your Life
(e-book version available for free)
REGISTRATION
Retreat Cost: $400 per person
cost includes:
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the retreat itself
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single ensuite room
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3 meals on Saturday & 1 meal on Sunday
Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. Registration closes on Feb 5 at 5pm, or when space is filled.
Cancellation & Refund Policies
Please read the following information carefully.
Cancellation deadlines
- If you cancel before February 5, 25% of the total booking will be retained.
- Cancellations on or after February 5 are non-refundable
Refund exceptions
Exceptions are discretionary and may be made in cases such as bereavement or sickness, or other reasonably unforeseen circumstances. All such requests must be made in writing to admin@meditateinchicago.org
Donating fees
KMC Chicago supports the International Temples Project. You may choose to donate refundable cancellation fees to the ITP. If you wish to donate the refundable portion of your cancellation fee, please indicate this at the time of cancellation.
CONTACT US
Questions or concerns? You can check in the FAQ below, or reach out to us.
Dave (admin@meditateinchicago.org)
Phone (voice or text)
312-767-1898
FAQ
Q: I have little to no previous experience with meditation or Buddhism. Is this an appropriate event to attend?
A: Absolutely! Our retreats always include a wide range of experience, from absolute beginners to seasoned meditators. Although the meditations are drawn from the Buddhist tradition, they are appropriate and helpful for everyone, regardless of background or belief. No previous experience is necessary, and the retreat sessions will include valuable guidance especially suitable for newcomers.
Q: What can I expect during each of the retreat sessions?
A: Most of the sessions are an hour long, and the initial sessions will focus on providing the background understanding necessary to meditate effectively during the retreat. Later sessions will focus on improving our ability to focus and concentrate more deeply. Each session will include some brief preparatory practices, practical instruction, and guided meditation.
Q: Is there an opportunity to receive personal support or guidance?
A: Yes. Because our retreats are attended by many seasoned students, often the best support comes from our peers over a meal, a cup of tea, or a walk on the grounds. Also, you are encouraged to submit questions to our teacher, Gen Zamling, who will address as many as he can during sessions, especially during the Q&A Saturday evening.
Q: I have a really hard time concentrating; will this retreat help?
A: Distraction is a universal challenge in meditation (and daily life!), and we all need to learn how to overcome them gradually. Fortunately, retreat offers an ideal opportunity -- away from our normal daily busyness -- to work constructively with distraction in meditation. By improving our meditation skills in retreat, we will return home calm and refreshed, and better equipped to deal with distraction in our daily life.
Q: I read that part of the retreat will be silent, and I'm a bit nervous; should I be?
A: For many people it's rare to spend any period of time in silence, especially around others. Although for some it takes some time to adjust, the overwhelming feedback we've received is that people love it! And to clarify, we will observe silence only in the mornings until lunch; the afternoon and evening is a chance to connect, socialize, and learn from others if you wish. It's all up to you.
Q: I have additional questions; what should I do?
A: We'd love to hear from you! Please email our Administrative Director, Dave (admin@meditateinchicago.org) or feel free to call or text 312-767-1898.
