Sunday Evening
After we introduce ourselves to one another, there will be an orientation session covering our schedule and the format of our group practice, etc.
Monday – Friday
5:45 Optional Meditation
In 2023 we added this twilight session to make the most of Star’s early morning peace and quiet.
6:45 – 8:00 Meditation
We begin our formal schedule of silent meditation together with a brief tea ceremony. Then there are two half-hour sitting sessions, with a walking meditation in between.
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast
Breakfast is available buffet-style in the dining hall. We remain silent during this period.
9:30 – 12:00 Meditation
This is our main formal time together, consisting entirely of silent meditation, alternating periods of sitting meditation and walking meditation, half-hour each.
12:30 – 1:30 Lunch
Our schedule becomes informal in the afternoon. At lunch, some of us may wish to chat peacefully, while others may wish to remain silent, but we’ll all try to eat mindfully and savor the flavors.
1:30 – 5:30 Nature Contemplation & Free Time
During this period, participants are encouraged to engage in some sort of personal spiritual practice. This is a splendid time to head out to the rocks or sit under a tree to contemplate nature. Or it could be a time for practicing yoga or tai chi. Our meditation hall is always available for continued sitting.
Once we are relaxed and peaceful from meditating all day, we will be primed for all of Star’s traditional enjoyments — like visiting the snack bar for a Lime Ricky, lounging in a rocking chair on the hotel porch, visiting the Marine Lab or the Art Barn. Toward the end of the day many of us opt to be social. Some will remain silent all day, while others will take some time to get to know each other. When breaking the silence, participants are advised to remain mindful and speak deliberately, careful not to go “hog wild”.
Afternoon Miscellaneous
There will be various other one-time activites in the afternoons. For example, early in the week, there will be a gathering for beginners to ask questions and seek advice. There are various walks led by the island’s Naturalist or Historian. And Rev. Dave will be available for one-to-one consultation and “process facilitation”.
5:30 – 6:30 Social Hour
Before dinner we have a social hour to nibble on crackers, and compare notes on our day’s experiences. (Again, those remaining silent might skip this.)
6:30 – 7:30 Dinner
Another chance to meditate on flavors and get to know each other better.
8:15 – 9:00 Chapel or Theme talk
Right after the usually-spectacular sunset, we will gather to consider a theme, or sometimes for a candlelight chapel service.