Resource: A One Day Retreat at Home for Meditators
A Little Time Apart
A One-Day Retreat at Home for Meditators
Recovering our sense of wonder in everyday life
A message from Rosie Dell, National Coordinator – NZCCM
From time to time, we all need to step back.
Even with a faithful daily meditation practice, the demands of life can take a toll. A one-day retreat creates space to slow down, re-centre, and return to what is essential.
We are delighted to share a generous gift from NZCCM community member, Jane Hole — a beautifully crafted resource for a one-day retreat at home.
It is simple. Wise. Deeply rooted in our tradition. And accessible — whether you are an experienced meditator or just beginning.
You may choose to make the retreat alone.
You may invite a fellow meditator.
You might even share it with someone new to meditation.
May this resource be a blessing to you, as you take a little time apart to meditate, reflect, and receive.
Why make a retreat?
John Main reminds us:
“We undertake this journey in faith. We travel in faith and we arrive in faith. Our faith is in the Spirit who dwells in our hearts and who, in silence, is loving to all.”
A retreat is a time of being more by doing less.
A time to remember. To simplify.
To just be.
Silence allows what is essential to surface. We may discover something new, or gently release what we no longer need. Though physically in solitude, you are never alone. Whenever you meditate you are journeying with unseen companions in our meditation community across Aotearoa, New Zealand and around the world.
Why retreat at home?
Going away on retreat can be deeply nourishing — but it is not always possible. Cost, travel, family commitments or health may make it difficult.
A retreat at home allows you to enter silence within your ordinary surroundings. It offers vital time apart — without leaving your life behind.
It creates an opportunity for retreat that is:
Doable
Economical
Gently transformative
Birdsong at the window. Light shifting across a room. The steady rhythm of breath.
The ordinary becomes a doorway into presence.
Right where you are.
When should I do it?
You can undertake this retreat at any time you feel called to — and as often as you like. There is no official date. It is a resource offered freely for your own rhythm and season.
Throughout the year, others in our community will also be setting a day aside to do a one-day retreat. In the “eternal now” of contemplative practice, we are united in our retreat practice — not by synchronising our calendars, but by turning towards the indwelling Spirit who is ever-present.
What This Retreat Offers
Jane’s resource includes:
A simple, flexible timetable
Morning, Midday and Afternoon Prayer
Three meditation periods
Reflections on recovering wonder — through seeing, listening and creative attention
Journaling prompts
Walking meditation and body awareness exercises
Suggested readings and further resources
At the heart of the day is meditation — silence, stillness and simplicity — grounded in the faithful repetition of the mantra.
The structure is firm enough to hold you, and gentle enough to adapt to your circumstances.
Access the Retreat Materials
You can download the documents here:
We encourage you not to read everything in advance. Let the day unfold as a gift.
Blessings as you take a little time apart.