Retreats

Day-long Meditation Retreat

When:  Saturday,  October 31st, 2026

Time:  11:00 AM - 4:15 PM

Where:  National Avenue Christian Church
1515 S National Ave, Springfield, MO 65804
We will utilize both the Parlor, where ODC normally meets, and the Gallery. 

Registration:  Required in advance.  Register here.

Cost:  We joyfully offer this retreat at no cost. Donations are graciously accepted and appreciated.

Schedule: 

• 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Weekly ODC sit and dharma talk.
  You are invited to attend but it is not required.

• 10:30 AM - 10:55 AM:  Retreat arrival window
  Set up your seat in the parlor, place your sack lunch in the kitchen and get settled. Please be on time.

• 11:00 AM: Welcome
  We'll go over the schedule, guidelines and sitting posture tips. We'll chant and begin silence.

• 11:20 AM - 12:55 PM: Sitting and walking practice.
  Sit 30 minutes, walk/break 30 minutes, sit 40 minutes, walk/break 30 minutes.

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM:  Lunch break. Optional half-day retreat end.
  Enjoy your sack lunch in the gallery or outside. A fridge and water fountain are available.

• 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM:  Optional qigong in the gallery.
  We'll do gentle movements to ease tension in the body.

• 2:00 PM - 3:50 PM:  Sitting and walking practice
  Sit 40 minutes, walk/break 30 minutes, sit for 40 minutes.

• 3:50 PM - 4:15 PM: Closing circle
  We'll close and gather in small groups to share our experience.
  
  

We invite you to deepen your meditation practice in this silent, structured retreat. Held in an urban setting, it’s an opportunity to settle into a retreat container and explore mindfulness meditation amidst the activity of city life. 

If this is your first experience of a day-long silent retreat - welcome! This will be a gentle and friendly introduction to longer 40-minute sits and 30-minute walking periods. We will go over the guidelines so you know how the day will flow. There are two options: a  full-day retreat (ends at 4:15pm) or a half-day retreat (ends at 1pm). 

Participants should have some experience with meditation and may practice however they wish within the day's schedule. Some practice instruction will be offered but if you’re new to meditation or would like a refresher, check out our learn to meditate resources.

The retreat is suitable for all levels of practitioners of Buddhism or any spiritual tradition, including secular and non-Buddhist. We will chant in Pali at the start of the retreat--paying homage to the Buddha, taking the refuges and the precepts. Participating in this is not required. 

We recommend bringing your personal meditation setup to maximize your comfort for the day. We also provide cushions, mats, chairs, and blankets to use. 

Depending on attendance, we will sit in the Parlor and use the Gallery for walking, eating, and taking breaks. The church grounds and the neighboring Water Wise Garden are available for walking, outdoor sits and breaks.

Bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. There is a water fountain, refrigerator, but no microwave. Feel free to bring something to share if you want. 

Email questions to hello@ozarksdharma.org. We look forward to a day of retreat with you!

Participants had this to say about previous ODC retreats: 

Register Here