Revealing the Roots of Clinging

Revealing the Roots of Clinging is a four-day silent meditation retreat in Port Colborne, Ontario, held at Jericho House and led by Heather Fenton and Julie (Jaya) Boyse. It follows a classical Vipassana structure, held in noble silence, and explores how the patterns, beliefs, expectations and stories we hold on to become the source of so much suffering. It is open to newcomers and experienced meditators alike, for up to sixteen participants.

What to Expect

The retreat begins with check-in at 5pm on the first evening and ends at 2pm on the last day. Everyone stays on site for the full length, because remaining within the "container" of the retreat supports each person and the group as a whole.

Letting go, as the teachers frame it, is not a matter of deciding to release something. It is a gradual process of noticing what binds us, understanding how we take part in our own suffering, and discovering the freedom that opens when we no longer need to hold on. Through mindfulness, silent meditation and gentle inquiry, the retreat invites you to step out of habitual striving and resistance and to build the clarity, steadiness and trust that let release happen naturally.

The days move through alternating periods of seated and walking meditation, mindful eating and rest. The form is slightly modified to include daily yoga asana and yoga nidra as support for the body. Teaching draws on both the Mahayana and Theravada traditions. Individual or group interviews with the teacher are available during the retreat.

About Heather Fenton

Heather Finlayson Fenton is a meditation teacher, former Buddhist nun, and co-founder of Stream Yoga + Meditation in Port Colborne. Her teaching grows from 25 years of contemplative practice, including training in both the Mahayana and Theravada traditions, and a lifelong interest in mental and physical well-being. She teaches from the heart, with warmth, compassion and humour, and encourages people of any background or belief to build a daily, or daily-ish, practice of stillness and reflection. She leads silent insight meditation retreats, weekly series and introductory sessions in person and online, and created the practice-based program 100 Days of Care: Cultivating Curiosity & Kindness.

About Julie (Jaya) Boyse

Jaya is a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic practitioner and lifelong student of yogic philosophy. After two decades in the corporate world, burnout led her to rediscover yoga as a path of healing and balance, and she has trained in both Canada and India. Her offerings include yoga asana, yoga nidra, mantra and meditation, often alongside song and kirtan. On this retreat she teaches the daily yoga sessions and serves as retreat manager, looking after the practical needs of the group. She is the founder of Journey to Balance.

The Setting

The retreat is hosted by Jericho House in the Port Colborne and Wainfleet area of Ontario's Niagara region. Each participant has a private single room with an attached bathroom. All meals are vegetarian, and other dietary needs and preferences can be accommodated, with a meal surcharge for preferences. This is arranged after you complete the intake form.

Before You Go

No previous retreat experience is required, and the teachers welcome questions from anyone unsure whether the retreat is right for them. The retreat is offered in English. Participants complete a confidential intake form beforehand, which only the teaching team reads, to help create a safe and supportive environment.

Registration is on a sliding scale and covers the costs of holding the retreat: administration, food and accommodation. The teachers receive no compensation, in keeping with the tradition of offering the Buddhadharma freely, so there is an opportunity to give dana for the teacher and retreat manager at or after the retreat. Travel to Jericho House is not included.