Quiet Minds, Open Hearts
Retreat House located in a redwood forest near Guerneville, CA
A Weekend Mindfulness Retreat By the River and Among the Redwoods
🌸 An Invitation
You are warmly invited to Quiet Minds, Open Hearts, a small and intimate retreat that will take places from Friday, Oct 17 to Sunday, Oct 19 near the historic town of Guerneville, CA. During this retreat, we will care for our bodies, thoughts, emotions, and love—the Four Elements of Mindful Circles—together.
Whatever is present for you—whatever season of life you are in—you are welcome just as you are.
This retreat is open to both newcomers and longtime mindfulness practitioners.
A retreat is a rare gift: a chance to step out of the rush of daily life and fully arrive in the present moment. It’s a place where love, clarity, and growth can bloom. Over the course of three days, we will slow down, set aside the constant “doing” and allow ourselves to be nourished by silence, by the forest, and by the presence of each other.
Together, we will take refuge in the rhythm of meditation and mindful awareness, letting it hold and steady us as we lean into what is here. Quiet Minds, Open Hearts is not about striving to become something different — it is about meeting each moment as it is, softening, awakening, and rediscovering the natural ease that has always been within us.
🌱 The Retreat Includes
Guided and silent meditation
Walking meditation
Gentle body movement exercises
Practice talks
Optional hiking
30-minute one-on-one session
Prioritizing self-care is at the heart of this retreat. Resting, journaling, or simply enjoying quiet moments during the retreat are always welcome.
🗓 Schedule
Room check-in begins late Friday afternoon. You are welcome to arrive earlier to explore Guerneville (a short 10 minute drive away), enjoy nearby hiking trails, or simply settle in.
Friday – Arrival, light practice, group connection, shared dinner
Saturday – Morning meditation and movement, walking meditation, mindful meals, sharing circle, personal time, one-on-one sessions, optional hiking
Sunday – Closing practice, reflection, and farewell lunch (retreat ends around 2 pm)
🏡 Setting
Our retreat takes place in a warm, welcoming home tucked among redwood trees near the Russian River. The house offers:
1 Main bedroom with a King Bed (ideal for two friends or a couple)
1 Smaller bedroom with Twin beds (two single beds)
Spacious common areas for practice and shared meals
Meals will be simple, fresh, and nourishing, which will all be lovingly prepared together as a group. You are welcome to bring food that suits your needs or share your favorite recipes.
💛 Contribution
Special Rate: $400 per person
Includes:
Two nights lodging
Guided sessions and one-on-one time
Practice talks
Shared meals
🌟 Limited, Intimate Space
To keep this retreat personal and supportive, participation is limited to just 4 people (with an option to add 1–2 more). This small group setting allows everyone to feel seen, heard, and deeply cared for.
📩 Questions or RSVP:📧 suwen@mindfulcircles.me | 📱 510-356-7923(Please respond soon so we can hold your space!)
This weekend will be a nourishing time to slow down, reconnect, and support one another in presence and trust.