Where are Mosaic Retreats held?
Why do you hold the retreats in your home?
How many retreat participants can be expected?
What should I bring to a retreat?
What if I have registered but can no longer attend my retreat?
What if I have to cancel?
How do I pay?
What if I live out of town and would like to attend a retreat?
What about lunch?
Can all people meditate?
How do you meditate from 9 - 4?
Do I need to know anything about Buddhism or Meditation to join a retreat?
Do you have to be Buddhist to meditate?
Can I register for a Buddhist retreat even if I'm not Buddhist?
What if I don't dream on the night of the retreat? 
What if I don't dream very much at all?

Where are Mosaic Retreats held?
Mosaic Retreats is not a retreat centre. We offer retreats in our home at 1395 Hastings Dr. London, Ontario.

Why do you hold the retreats in your home?

We are often asked why we hold the retreats/workshops in our home. In addition to creating a space that is hospitable, in a way that only a home can be, it does help to keep the costs very reasonable. Also, our home can only accommodate a small number of participants and we have found this allows for a more casual and supportive gathering. We're fortunate as well, to have a park close by.

How many retreat participants can be expected?

All retreats/programs at our home, have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 participants.

What should I bring to a retreat?

Please bring your journal, a cushion or bench for meditation (we have extras), suitable clothing for comfort and going outside for a walk, and food if you have specific dietary requirements.

What if I have registered but can no longer attend my retreat?

If you are unable to join us for your retreat day we request that you let us know as soon as possible. A minimum of 48 hours notice is appreciated. Email: tlbryant@uwo.ca or jschmeis@uwo.ca or phone 519.672.2754

What if I have to cancel?

There are two reasons we may have to cancel a retreat. First, if less than 5 participants register we will cancel the retreat. In this case you will be notified by email no less than 3 days prior to the start date of your retreat. In the case of unforeseen circumstances such as a family emergency, we will do our best to contact you. Please ensure you have provided us with a phone number.

How do I pay?

We take care of registration fees at the beginning of each retreat. Please pay by cash or cheque. Cheques can be made out to Teresa Bryant or James Schmeiser.

What if I live out of town and would like to attend a retreat?

If you live out of town, or simply wish to extend your retreat experience, you may wish to stay at a reasonably priced guesthouse nearby, www.guesthouseonthemount.ca, (519-641-8100)

What about lunch?

Lunches are simple, healthy and vegetarian. We take turns cooking and by no means consider ourselves chefs! We cook as an act of hospitality and to help keep costs down. We appreciate that there may be food sensitivities and that participants may need to bring food in order to supplement or replace what is being provided. (Unfortunately, we do not have the expertise to make the kind of adaptations that food sensitivities require.) A typical lunch may include: vegetarian soup, cheese and crackers/buns, pickles, sweets, coffee and tea.

Can all people meditate?

Retreats offer gentle guidance and support. There are many ways to meditate and with help anyone can meditate in a traditional or non-traditional way. Meditation is called a practice because it is something that develops over time.  Patience is necessary.

How do you meditate from 9 - 4?

Even though meditation is the focus of the retreat, there are periods of meditation, a dharma talk,  breaks and time for reflection.

Do I need to know anything about Buddhism or Meditation to join a retreat?
 
The retreats are about learning, increasing or refreshing your understanding of meditation or Buddhist spirituality.  If these are of interest to you then this is a wonderful place to begin.  If you are returning to or are continuing your practice, you will enjoy these retreats.

Do you have to be Buddhist to meditate?

Meditation is a practice of calming, awareness and connection to self and others. This practice is available to anyone of any belief.  Meditation is an important practice for Buddhists because a calm mind/heart is necessary in gaining wisdom and being of service. 

Can I register for a Buddhist retreat even if I'm not Buddhist?
 
Yes, please.  We welcome everyone and encourage you to integrate the teachings into your own life or faith practice in ways that seems right for you. Dharma teachings are about loving kindness, mindfulness, patience, love, peace, and service to name a few; essential qualities for all human beings.

What if I don't dream on the night of the retreat?

It doesn't matter whether we consider a dream from the previous night or a dream from the past. There are certain dreams that we remember because they touched us at a deeper level. It is always valuable to look at these dreams.

What if I don't dream very much at all?

Everyone dreams approximately four times every night. This retreat will help you to remember your dreams. Once we approach our dreams with respect and a willingness to listen, our dream recall will increase significantly.