Pre-Arrival Packet for Silent Retreats

We are very excited at the Samadhi Retreat & Meditation Center that you have chosen to spend a weekend here for SILENCE and meditation.  We have made every effort to ensure your stay here is as beautiful and transformational as possible.  If you have any questions before your arrival please feel free to CONTACT US or text us: 903-948-9461.

To honor the space and the people that will be attending and take full advantage of your silent retreat please review the following:

1. ARRIVAL: Dinner is at 6:00 pm on Friday. Early arrival is encouraged, please let us know your expected arrival time in advance so we can make plans.
2. FOOD: Please CONTACT US if you have any food sensitivities or allergies before your arrival.
3. DO NOT BRING: Since our focus is on obtaining the deepest state of meditation we request that you do not bring mood-altering/mind-altering substances to the retreat, these include recreational drugs, hallucinogens, alcohol, coffee, and caffeine/energy drinks.
4. What is SILENCE? In this context, we will practice QUIETING THE MIND by not speaking to each other, nor reading, nor writing, nor listening to popular music. We will be chanting, toning, and listening to foreign mantras and listening to discourses with the goal of QUIETING THE MIND from the constant chattering. Communication is suspended for the weekend. ---When the mind becomes still, the illusion vanishes---
5. Therefore...no cell phones, computers, tablets, watches, music, books, cameras, journaling, or pets once we have begun SILENCE.
6. EMERGENCY CONTACT: Please let your loved ones know that you are attending a Silent Retreat and you will not have access to your phone until Sunday afternoon. You can provide the following number for your loved ones to leave a message for you in case of an Emergency: David Browning cell phone 903-948-9461.
7. DIRECTIONS: Your cell phone service may not work in this area!!! Please print out and use the attached map for directions. In addition to the map you can use Google Maps GPS directions, if you try another GPS service you will end up in Palestine, which is incorrect...use Samadhi Retreat & Meditation Center link>>. We are 17 miles from Palestine, do not expect to find us in Palestine! See photo below for street view, continue 1/2 mile down the dirt road and stay left after the gate. DO NOT TURN DOWN ANY DIRT ROADS UNTIL YOU SEE THE SAMADHI SIGN. If you need additional help finding the retreat please call 903-948-9461.
8. Once you reach Athens or Palestine, please follow our written directions below that lead you on Hwy 19 to Bradford. If you do not follow these directions it will take you out of the way and it will take longer to arrive. 
9. Please plan to arrive well before 6:00 pm during the dark months because the Samadhi Retreat is hard to find in the dark the first time here.
10. If you are "directionally challenged" please make sure we have your phone number in advance.
11. CLOTHES: Bring loose comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation sessions.
12. TEA: Bring a box or two of any kind of herbal tea to share (if you are a tea drinker).
13. BRING: Bring a personal pillow and blanket and all the cushions you want for your comfort and warmth; you may also consider bringing your personal yoga mat, stadium chair, bug spray, hiking shoes, (swimsuit, and sunscreen as weather allows). We have plenty of towels (you will be reusing your towel all three days.)
14. SHEETS: If you have a private or semi-private room reserved, you DO NOT need to bring sheets. If you are sleeping in the Great Room "indoor camping", please bring either sheets or a sleeping bag.
15. SHOWERS: Because we are on limited resources for bathrooms during the retreat please shampoo and condition hair beforehand, as we will only be allowed 5-10 minute showers during the weekend.
16. CO-REGISTRANTS: To get the most out of your Silent Retreat, you will want an opportunity to allow the mind to settle completely including no talking, gesturing, or physical contact with friends or significant others. If your co-registrant is your significant other or a close friend, we recommend that you do not share a private room because it will be very tempting to communicate with each other both verbally and non-verbally. However, you are free to room together if that is your wish.
17. Please read our FAQ page, for more information.
18. For more information, and a preview of discourse conversation, please see these Enlightenment Questions.
19. This is a unique opportunity to discover Your Own God-Awareness in a fun-filled loving atmosphere. Be prepared to set your expectations and preconceived ideas aside. Your ideas of reality may be challenged and your buttons may get pushed in the process. Consider this an opportunity for expanded spiritual growth.

We are looking so forward to seeing you here for this incredible event, and want your stay with us to be as comfortable as possible, please let us know if you have any questions or if you just want to talk about what you can expect.  Please also see the Frequently Asked Questions and Reviews that previous participants have posted about Samadhi Retreats.
Sincerely;

Lalla Dawn Breeze
and David Browning
Samadhi Retreat & Meditation Center

Print & Use Map:

Tyler Driving Directions:

1. Take Hwy 155 South past Frankston 2 miles to FM 837.
2. Turn right (West) on FM 837 and travel on FM 837 for 18.1 miles to ACR 404. This turn is about 9 miles past CR 315 and 2 miles before Hwy 19. Look for the yellow intersection sign just prior to the turn. (Watch for the small blue house on the right with a white "Cut & Curl" sign out front at the intersection of ACR 404).
3. Go right (North) on ACR 404 for 2.4 miles. You'll be looking for a brown 2-story house on the left side with a tin roof #17693. DO NOT TURN DOWN ANY DIRT ROADS UNTIL YOU SEE THE SAMADHI SIGN.
4. Turn left at the Samadhi sign onto the dirt road and travel 1/2 mile, through the gate and stay left to reach the Samadhi Retreat at 17695.

Dallas Driving Directions:

1. Bring Hwy 175 SE from Dallas into Athens.
2. Take Loop 7 (right) around Athens.
3. Turn right (South) on Hwy 19. Go 15 miles from Athens to Bradford on Hwy 19.
4. Go left (East) on FM 837 at Dickens Agri-Service in Bradford for 2 miles, (watch for the small blue house on the left with a white "Cut & Curl" sign out front at the intersection of ACR 404).
5. Go left (North) on ACR 404 for 2.4 miles. You'll be looking for a brown 2-story house on the left side with a tin roof #17693. DO NOT TURN DOWN ANY DIRT ROADS UNTIL YOU SEE THE SAMADHI SIGN.
6. Turn left at the Samadhi sign onto the dirt road and travel 1/2 mile, through the gate and stay left to reach the Samadhi Retreat at 17695.

Austin Driving Directions:

1. Bring Hwy 79 North from Hutto to Palestine.
2. Take Loop 256 (left) around Palestine.
3. Exit Hwy 19 North, go 17 miles on Hwy 19 to Bradford.
4. Go right (East) on FM 837 at Dickens Agri-Service in Bradford for 2 miles, (watch for the small blue house on the left with a white "Cut & Curl" sign out front at the intersection of ACR 404).
5. Go left (North) on ACR 404 for 2.4 miles. You'll be looking for a brown 2-story house on the left side with a tin roof #17693. DO NOT TURN DOWN ANY DIRT ROADS UNTIL YOU SEE THE SAMADHI SIGN.
6. Turn left at the Samadhi sign onto the dirt road and travel 1/2 mile, through the gate and stay left to reach the Samadhi Retreat at 17695.