Meditation Party

Meditation Party is a three-day meditation retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York, led by Dan Harris, Sebene Selassie, and Jeff Warren. It is part of Omega's Mindfulness initiative and is open to complete beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Many people meditate alone, and this weekend offers the benefits of practicing in a group. It is a "do-nothing" party with a lot of meditating, and it is definitely not a silent retreat.

What to Expect

The three teachers describe themselves as meditation nerds, and they teach from very different perspectives. Together they offer a sampling of techniques, some for formal practice on the cushion and some for what they call free-range living, meaning the practice carried into everything else you do. The weekend leaves room to connect with other people, move your body, and even nap.

The schedule has a gentle shape. On Friday, check-in runs from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (rooms are available after 5:00), and the first workshop session meets from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday has two sessions, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m., followed by an optional dance party from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. On Sunday the final session runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and check-out is at 1:00 p.m. The faculty may adjust the schedule.

Omega expects more than 300 participants, which makes it one of the center's most popular workshops. That makes it a rare chance to sit with a large group.

About the Teachers

Dan Harris is a former co-anchor of Good Morning America weekend edition and the author of 10% Happier.

Sebene Selassie is a meditation teacher on the Ten Percent Happier app and the author of You Belong.

Jeff Warren is a meditation teacher and journalist, and coauthor of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics.

The Setting

The retreat takes place on the Omega Institute campus in Rhinebeck, New York. Guests who stay on campus book lodging separately from tuition. Lodging includes meals and use of campus facilities, such as optional classes, recreation, walking trails, and parking. The options are:

- Single and double cabin rooms with heat, ceiling fan, air conditioning, and linens. The double is available only when registering with a companion.
- A single cabin room with a bath shared with the adjoining room.
- A dorm single with a twin bed and a hall bath shared by five to ten guests. Dorms are generally single gender but may be coed.
- Single and double tent cabins with wooden walls, screened windows, a canvas roof, and a nearby bathhouse, but no heat or air conditioning.
- A pre-assigned campsite with a nearby bathhouse, in limited supply.

Anyone who lives nearby or prefers to stay off campus can register as a commuter. Commuter registration includes all meals and use of the same facilities.

Before You Go

No experience is required. The weekend is taught in English and is designed for all levels. Tuition covers the scheduled sessions with the faculty, and Omega members receive a reduced rate. Travel to Rhinebeck is not included.

Dorm rooms and tent cabins require your own sheets and towels, and tent cabins also call for a sleeping bag. All of these can be rented from Omega for a small fee. Campers bring their own tent and gear, and stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus. Accessible rooms are available through Omega's registration team. Because the workshop is so popular, registering early helps secure both a seat and housing.