Journey Within Silent Retreat
With Anne Sussman and Diana Schlobohm
April 11 - 14, 2026
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
Words have energy—and the power to stir something deep within us. So does the profound peace that comes from wordless silence. This retreat will explore the yin/yang of both, combining “spiritual listening” with Noble Silence. There will be meditations and journaling, woods walks and mindful eating, and daily explorations of the weight of the written word, all within the embrace of silence.
“The concept of a silent retreat invited real fear—confirmation that I needed to take the leap. I will be forever thankful that I did. Anne weaved this beautiful tapestry of wisdom throughout the retreat, referencing neuroscience, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, the Beatles (!), poetry, and personal anecdotes. She is the real deal. This retreat has ignited a change in me that no zen newsletter, meditation app, or therapy session could. I wish the same for you.”
DUAL PROGRAM: Pair with Anne’s program, Changing Aging for Women 50ish and Beyond, April 9-11, and save 15% off both programs if you register by January 31. REGISTER HERE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
What inspires you? What are your daily spiritual practices? How do those practices move you closer to who you want to be? For Anne Sussman, the answer has been a combination of meditation, silence and reading poetry and prayers.
Beginning in the 12th century, Lectio Divina became a central practice of monastic life, a practice followed by monks who also observed silence. We will use it as a organizing principle for this retreat, a way to access a place of “spiritual listening”, a means of connecting with the deepest part of who you are—and with something greater.
Twice a day we will gather to explore poems and non denominational spiritual writings, using the framework: Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest.
You will have the opportunity to go deeply inward, to connect to the inner knowing and discover the eternal nature of who you really are, a spiritual being with a physical experience.
Find the peace and stillness that you may be searching for outside yourself and realize it is and always has been within!
RETREAT CENTER HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Shamatha and guided meditations
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna
OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Saturday, April 11
| 3:00 PM | Check in begins |
| 5:30 PM | Welcome and Introduction |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner With Conversation |
| 7:15-9:15 PM | Discussion prior to entering Noble Silence |
| Silence Begins | |
| Guided Meditation | |
| Gentle and Restorative Yoga |
Sunday, April 12 -Monday, April 13
| 7:30-8:00 AM | Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional |
| 8:00-8:45 AM | Breakfast, Eating Meditation |
| 9:00-10:30 AM | Morning Learning and Meditation |
| 10:30 AM-12:00 PM | Personal Reflection Time |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30-3:00 PM | Afternoon Learning and Meditation |
| 3:30-4:45 PM | Gentle and Restorative Yoga |
| 4:45-6:00 PM | Personal Reflection |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-8:30PM | Evening Learning and Meditation |
Tuesday, April 14
| 7:30-8:00 AM | Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional |
| 8:00-8:45 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00-10:30 AM | Silence Ends, Sharing Circle |
| 10:30-11:00 AM | Yoga |
| 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | Q&A |
| Closing Circle | |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch with conversation |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teachers
Anne Sussman is a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor. She helps her students create a fluency in mindfulness, empowers individuals to be compassionate listeners, and shares techniques for living in high vitality. Anne has been practicing meditation since 2009 and has seen first-hand the transformative qualities of mindfulness. She is the founder of the Mindfulness Meeting Place, a virtual studio that meets students wherever they are, helping them develop a calm mind, focused attention and greater well-being. A 2015 graduate of the McLean Meditation Institute, and a certified trainer of the MMI-Mindful program, Anne offers instruction to individuals, small groups,…
Learn more about Anne Sussman
As an experienced restorative yoga teacher, I believe in the profound healing power of stillness. My approach is rooted in the understanding that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for physical, emotional, and spiritual well being. Before graduating from my 200-hour yoga teacher training, I taught pilates for 10 years. I create spaces that are quiet, peaceful, and nurturing, where everyone is welcomed just as they are. Using props, gentle cues, and breath awareness, I support my students in surrendering effort and releasing tension held deep within the nervous system. Restorative yoga is not about achieving a pose, but…
Learn more about Diana Schlobohm






