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Practice A Simple Way of Being
If you’re reading this sentence on an internet-enabled device, you have a complicated life. It’s an unavoidable side effect of existing in the modern world.
But your mind doesn’t have to follow along and become so complicated that you don’t understand how or why it works.
During a retreat, we temporarily simplify our lives, which allows us to observe the resulting simplicity of mind. We make space for useful insights to arise, which guide us down the road.
Illuminate the Mind Through Silence
Mindfulness meditation is NOT about emptying the mind, it’s about finding a place of stillness where you can observe the true nature of the mind.
Our regular lives rarely allow us the time and space to clearly see what is happening within, but retreats give us a special opportunity to temporarily disconnect, in order to reconnect with our true selves.
Receive Guidance On Your Journey
Join experienced teachers Anna Schlegel and Kolin Purcell, as they guide you in English through 6 days of immersive silent meditation and movement practices based on the core techniques of vipassana (mindfulness).
Their teachings weave ancient wisdom with modern methods, always with the goal to give you practical and effective tools to take home.
Connect With The Natural World
Live in our new retreat center surrounded by lush rainforest and overlooking the ocean. With no neighbors visible in any direction, it’s the perfect place for silence and introspection. We will even give you specific time every day to appreciate nature.
Practice each day in our unique bamboo shala designed exactly for the purpose of silent retreats. Fully protected from the elements, but fully immersed in the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the natural world.
Included
Stay
Practice & Theory
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44 Meditation Sessions
Some guided, some silent, some seated, some walking. We'll explore it all.
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8 Guided Movement Sessions
Learn and practice light mindful movements to enhance your practice.
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4 Dharma Talks
Listen mindfully as the teachers share their experience and wisdom.
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1:1 Meetings with a Teacher
(Optional) Meet privately with a teacher for short periods to discuss challenges with your practice.
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Opening/Closing Ceremonies
Begin and later finish the retreat in a communal way with intention.
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Meditation & Movement Equipment
We will provide yoga mats and meditation cushions in case you don't bring your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
For visitors or tourists, the base price is: $840
We want to make this retreat accessible to everyone, including those located locally who may not have the means to pay full price. So please reach out to us to learn about our local discounts and scholarships.
In short, yes.
Silent retreats are designed to be immersive, and if you leave the space then re-enter it later, the awareness you’ve worked so hard to cultivate can disappear.
Also for the energy of the group as a whole, it’s important that we all live and practice together for the duration of the weekend.
No experience is required! Just an open mind and a willingness to commit to a challenging but rewarding process.
Every retreat is a wildly different journey, so it’s also great if you already have experience with meditation or silent retreats.
At the end of the retreat, you’ll be given many additional resources to help you continue the practice if you should choose to do so.
We will be primarily practicing mindfulness meditation (also know as Vipassana Meditation or Insight Meditation).
The purpose of this meditation is to cultivate a greater awareness of everything in your internal and external environment through careful observation of the present moment.
The meditations will be a mix of guided by the teachers, as well as silent on your own.
There will be several meditations of different types and lengths throughout the retreat. See the schedule for a full breakdown of every session.
We will be practicing a few different forms of light and mindful movement based in yoga, qi gong, and mobility training.
Yes.
Many people are most nervous about the silence during their first retreat, but most people report afterwards that it was actually one of the easiest parts.
The teachers will be speaking on a regular basis to guide you during meditation and movement practices, and keep you on schedule. But everyone else will remain silent.
Of course, in the case of an emergency you are always allowed to contact a teacher quietly.
After the retreat officially closes, we will have time for everyone to share with the group how their experience was.
Yes. We highly recommend that if you make the commitment to attend the retreat, you do so with the intention of sticking to the schedule.
There are two main reasons for this:
The first is that the experience is designed to be immersive and everything on the schedule is carefully planned to give you the best and most effective experience.
The second is that during a silent retreat, participants often become very sensitive to the energy around them, especially the energy of the rest of the group. If one participant is only choosing to attend certain sessions, it can make it difficult for the other participants to focus, and can erode the connection between the entire group.
Fortunately, no.
And we say fortunately because one of the most beautiful things about silent retreats is separating yourself from your normal life for a brief period to dive deep into an understanding of yourself.
The idea is to minimize the distractions that you might experience during your “normal” life, so we will ask that you refrain from using any types of devices or items (including books & journals) that have the potential to bring you away from the present moment.
We ask that everyone notifies all of their important contacts beforehand that they will be unreachable for the entire duration of the retreat.
No.
Mind altering substances have their uses, but a silent retreat is a chance to experience and observe our consciousness in it’s most raw form. And any substance that alters your mind (even slightly) can interfere with this process.
If you are a regular drinker or smoker, we recommend following a program to slowly reduce your intake prior to the retreat, so as to not experience any withdrawal symptoms during your time abstaining in silence.
You are responsible for your own transportation to the town of Ayampe, but we will offer a shuttle from town to the center before the retreat begins. See the schedule for more info on the shuttle.
No problem! All the meals will be healthy, delicious, and vegetarian. But if you have other dietary requirements, just let us know after you book by contacting us.
See the schedule.
If you are traveling from far away and would like to stay at The B.E.L.L. Center for additional nights, contact us to ask about availability.
We’d recommend bringing the following:
- Cash in USD for travel (there are no ATMs in Ayampe)
- Clothing for tropical weather
- One set of warm clothing (it can occasionally get cold)
- Light long sleeves and pants for bug protection
- Rain coat
- Mosquito spray
- Sunscreen
- (Optional) Meditation/yoga equipment
- We will have meditation cushions and yoga mats available for use
Please see that latest details on our cancellation policy here:
You be surprised how simple it is to get around Ecuador.
Modern, air conditioned bus routes allow you to access most of the country in an affordable and relatively easy way.
Follow the detailed instructions below to get to The BELL Center:
If coming from outside of Ecuador, fly into Guayaquil International Airport (GYE).
OPTION #1: BUS ($7)
From the GYE airport, walk or take a short taxi to the Terminal Terrestre, then find the Cooperativa Libertad Peninsular ticket office and purchase a ticket to Olon. These buses are comfortable and spacious, and run approximately every hour.
From Olon, you can take a taxi (for $15) or any bus heading north to the town of Ayampe (for less than $2). This takes around 30 minutes.
OPTION #2: TAXI ($100)
From the GYE airport, hire a private taxi to take you the entire way from Guayaquil to Ayampe.
When you reach Ayampe, give us a call and we’ll come pick you up!
If you’d like to find your way to the center yourself, simply navigate here using Google Maps.
Press the enrollment button below, then follow the instructions to check out and pay a $150 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
We will contact you regarding the remaining balance to be paid in cash or with your preferred methos prior to the start of the retreat.
Your Teachers
Kolin Purcell
Kolin first tried meditation 10 years ago while studying engineering at the University of Michigan, and was initially unimpressed. But as the struggles of an overly packed modern lifestyle continued to hammer on his psyche, he decided to give it another try…
8 years of daily practice later, his life passion has become helping others to navigate the path which has borne so much fruit for him and so many he’s encountered. His emphasis is on bringing the sometimes esoteric-feeling concepts of meditation to people in a relatable way.
This passion for teaching and learning has sent him crisscrossing the planet. Initially, as the founder of a global mindfulness based wellness program engaging hundreds of employees in the practice of meditation. And later, as a solo traveler on a journey around the world living in monasteries and attending retreats to better understand the ancient roots of meditation.
To learn more about Kolin, click here.
Kolin first tried meditation 10 years ago while studying engineering at the University of Michigan, and was initially unimpressed. But as the struggles of an overly packed modern lifestyle continued to hammer on his psyche, he decided to give it another try…
8 years of daily practice later, his life passion has become helping others to navigate the path which has borne so much fruit for him and so many he’s encountered. His emphasis is on bringing the sometimes esoteric-feeling concepts of meditation to people in a relatable way.
This passion for teaching and learning has sent him crisscrossing the planet. Initially, as the founder of a global mindfulness based wellness program engaging hundreds of employees in the practice of meditation. And later, as a solo traveler on a journey around the world living in monasteries and attending retreats to better understand the ancient roots of meditation.
To learn more about Kolin, click here.
Anna Schlegel
Anna’s first exposure to meditation was through the tradition of yoga, which she has been practicing and studying under various teachers, all over the world for 10 years. In 2016 she became certified as a yoga teacher with the Zuna Yoga school in Bali, Indonesia.
In search of a more practical and down to earth approach to meditation, she then encountered Vipassana in Israel. After practicing this form daily for over a year, she began to feel restricted by the rigid and antiquated style of Goenka meditation, and decided to look for a more accessible approach. This led her to the Asian continent where she attended (and later led) silent retreats based on a more modern form of mindfulness.
3 years later, she is spreading the teachings of mindfulness through her classes, workshops, retreats and (teacher) trainings across the globe. For others to experience what she experiences through this wonderful practice: presence, awareness and living life fully and happily.
To learn more about Anna, click here.
Anna’s first exposure to meditation was through the tradition of yoga, which she has been practicing and studying under various teachers, all over the world for 10 years. In 2016 she became certified as a yoga teacher with the Zuna Yoga school in Bali, Indonesia.
In search of a more practical and down to earth approach to meditation, she then encountered Vipassana in Israel. After practicing this form daily for over a year, she began to feel restricted by the rigid and antiquated style of Goenka meditation, and decided to look for a more accessible approach. This led her to the Asian continent where she attended (and later led) silent retreats based on a more modern form of mindfulness.
3 years later, she is spreading the teachings of mindfulness through her classes, workshops, retreats and (teacher) trainings across the globe. For others to experience what she experiences through this wonderful practice: presence, awareness and living life fully and happily.
To learn more about Anna, click here.
Accommodation
Ever dreamed of sleeping in a rainforest overlooking the ocean?
Well now you can! And in style too!
The BELL Center is located near the cozy coastal town of Ayampe, Ecuador and offers an exceptionally unique environment for a retreat.
Our brand new structure is designed to blend into the sights, sounds, and smells of nature all around, where you can wake up and be surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean and rainforest-covered mountains.
For this retreat, you’ll be sharing your living space with the other retreat participants. However, everyone will have their own bed, as well as space to store belongings.
Schedule
Day 1:
* It is VERY IMPORTANT you arrive to the shuttle on time (before 2:30pm) in order to be there for the Opening Ceremony, as essential information for the retreat will be shared.
|
2:30pm |
Shuttle departs from Ayampe bus station to The B.E.L.L. Center* |
|
3:00pm |
Opening Ceremony (with tour) |
|
4:30pm |
Guided Meditation |
|
5:30pm |
Nature Meditation |
|
6:00pm |
Light Dinner |
|
7:00pm |
Silent Meditation |
|
7:45pm |
Yin Yoga |
|
8:30pm |
Bedtime |
Days 2-5:
|
5:40am |
Wake Up Bell |
|
6:00am |
Silent Meditation |
|
7:00am |
Tea Time |
|
7:45am |
Mindful Movement |
|
9:00am |
Breakfast |
|
10:00am |
Guided Group Mixed Meditation |
|
11:30am |
Nature Meditation |
|
12:00pm |
Lunch & Rest |
|
2:30pm |
Walking Meditation |
|
3:00pm |
Silent Meditation / 1:1s |
|
4:00pm |
Tea Time |
|
4:30pm |
Guided Meditation |
|
5:15pm |
Dharma Talk or Nature Meditation |
|
6:00pm |
Light Dinner |
|
7:00pm |
Silent Meditation |
|
7:45pm |
Yin Yoga |
|
8:30pm |
Bedtime |
Day 6:
|
5:40am |
Wake Up Bell |
|
6:00am |
Silent Morning Meditation |
|
7:00am |
Tea Time |
|
7:45am |
Mindful Movement |
|
9:00am |
Breakfast |
|
10:00am |
Guided Group Mixed Meditation |
|
11:30am |
Closing Ceremony |
|
1:00pm |
Lunch & Celebration |
“...it was a turning point in my life as
they really helped me to deepen my
meditation practice, live in the
present moment, and start building
the life that I always dreamed of.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“Anna and Kolin do a
great job making their
teachings accessible to
people of all levels."
- Zach R
USA
“They live what they preach.”
- Daniel B
Switzerland
“If you sign up...you can expect to
meet amazing people, feel deep
connection with nature, and water
the seeds of mindfulness that are
already within you.”
- Nate M
USA
“I’ve sat with a lot of meditation
teachers over the last decade, and
Kolin was one of the few who really
got what it meant to be a meditator
in the modern world.”
- Jackson B
USA
“Mindfulness is definitely
worth practicing,
especially with these
beautiful teachers.”
- Angelika P
Austria
“...without a doubt, it was one of the
most revolutionary workshops I have
attended, and I've done mindfulness
retreats with Buddhist monks and
even Jon Kabat-Zinn himself.”
- Billy L
USA
“The entire session was flawless and
flowed beautifully, evoking a truly
blissful state.”
- Tom B
Australia
“It was a transformative experience,
and I will definitely be back to
attend the next retreats at the
BELL Center!”
- Zach R
USA
“I couldn't have been more lucky in
crossing paths with them during this
special journey that we call life.”
- Enzo M
Italy
“Kolin and Anna always go above
and beyond what is expected to
make sure you have the best
possible experience.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“I implore any curious people to go
and meet them, take a class, and
feel something good for a change!”
- Franz B
USA
“...was definitely a turning point in
how I started to think about the
practice in a more relevant and
helpful way in my life.”
- Leo S
USA
“I learnt how to recognize, separate
and appreciate subtle feelings from
stronger ones.”
- Rohan S
India
“I only knew one person prior to
attending the retreat, however I left
with 10 lifelong connections along
with memories that will last a
lifetime.”
- Michael D
USA
“I was a bit skeptical of some
wellness trends, but one breathwork
session with them shows that it’s for
real.”
- Craig S
Germany
“...was super professional and made
me feel both safe & free to explore
my mind at the same time.”
- Alexia T
Argentina
“Very good guidance and
explanation, a modern approach
that is accessible to everyone.”
- Lien U
Belgium
“...it was a turning point in my life as they really helped me to deepen
my meditation practice, live in the present moment, and start building
the life that I always dreamed of.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“Anna and Kolin do a great job making their teachings accessible
to people of all levels."
- Zach R
USA
“They live what they preach.”
- Daniel B
Switzerland
“If you sign up for one of their events, you can expect to
meet amazing people, feel deep connection with nature, and
water the seeds of mindfulness that are already within you.”
- Nate M
USA
“I’ve sat with a lot of meditation teachers over the last decade,
and Kolin was one of the few who really got what it meant
to be a meditator in the modern world.”
- Jackson B
USA
“Mindfulness is definitely worth practicing,
especially with these beautiful teachers.”
- Angelika P
Austria
“...without a doubt, it was one of the most revolutionary workshops
I have ever attended, and I have done mindfulness retreats with
Buddhist monks and even Jon Kabat-Zinn himself.”
- Billy L
USA
“The entire session was flawless and flowed beautifully,
evoking a truly blissful state.”
- Tom B
Australia
“It was a transformative experience, and I will definitely
be back to attend the next retreats at the BELL Center!”
- Zach R
USA
“I couldn't have been more lucky in crossing paths with them during
this special journey that we call life.”
- Enzo M
Italy
“Kolin and Anna always go above and beyond what is expected to
make sure you have the best possible experience.”
- Amelie L
Canada
“I implore any curious people to go and meet them, take a class,
and feel something good for a change!”
- Franz B
USA
“...was definitely a turning point in how I started to think about
the practice in a more relevant and helpful way in my life.”
- Leo S
USA
“I learnt how to recognize, separate and appreciate
subtle feelings from stronger ones.”
- Rohan S
India
“I only knew one person prior to attending the retreat, however I left with
10 lifelong connections along with memories that will last a lifetime.”
- Michael D
USA
“I was a bit skeptical of some wellness trends, but
one breathwork session with them shows that it’s for real.”
- Craig S
Germany
“...was super professional and made me feel both
safe & free to explore my mind at the same time.”
- Alexia T
Argentina
“Very good guidance and explanation, a modern approach
that is accessible to everyone.”
- Lien U
Belgium
