Spirit Rock Meditation Center

Why Practice Mindfulness? by Charlotte Bell

Last July, I had the good fortune to sit an 18-day meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Marin County, California. Often as I prepare to embark on retreat, friends will comment that sitting in silence for several weeks sounds relaxing. As anyone who has endured multiple days of uninterrupted sitting and walking meditation practice knows, it’s not a trip to the beach.  

Mindful Eating: A Habit to Savor by Charlotte Bell

On every silent Insight Meditation retreat I’ve attended—at The Last Resort in Southern Utah, or at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California—meals have always been always been the most reliable source of daily pleasure. This is partially due to the expertise and caring of the people who plan and prepare the meals, which are always wholesome, flavorful and prepared with love.