Seven-Day Retreat at Mercy Center – 18 to 25 October 2024
Description
Retreats are a wonderful way to go more deeply into the non-dual understanding and deepen our connection to the community. Whether we are new to non-duality or have spent years exploring this understanding, our shared being shines when we come together.
On the first day, we begin with dinner followed by a welcome and the first meeting. On each full day, there are two meetings: a silent and guided meditation in the morning and a conversation with Rupert in the afternoon that focuses on attendees’ questions. On the final day, we finish with a morning meeting followed by lunch.
There is ample free time between meetings and meals to explore Mercy Center and the surrounding area and to enjoy the company of fellow attendees. While this is not a silent retreat, resting in quiet contemplation is always available for those who wish to.
About Mercy Center: Mercy Center is an internationally known conference and retreat center in the San Francisco Bay Area, set on thirty-nine acres of natural sanctuary replete with flower gardens, contemplative walking paths, expansive lawns, five-hundred-year-old oaks and a meditation labyrinth. In this peaceful, holistic, serene and beautiful setting, we nurture our personal, professional and spiritual lives. Learn more about Mercy Center here. Please do not contact the retreat center directly, kindly contact Francesca at francesca@rupertspira.com with any questions you may have.
COVID-19 safety protocols - as of 5.26.23: Mercy Center Burlingame will continue to be a place of calm, peace, and wellness. As of May 26, 2023, they will not require proof of vaccination. If, after arrival, someone becomes symptomatic and/or tests positive for COVID-19 they will be required to leave Mercy Center immediately as they do not allow guests to quarantine on their property to reduce exposure or possible exposure to other guests, the Sisters in residence, and staff. If, after arrival, someone determines they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 the following would apply: if asymptomatic and test negative, a KN95 mask would be mandatory for the duration of the visit. If symptoms develop, even if mild, the person will be asked to leave the facility in order to recover.
Francesca will post lots of helpful retreat information to all attendees on the discussion board as we get closer to our start date.
Accommodation
There are only single rooms available at Mercy Center, which includes three meals per day. Couples who wish to share a room can register as commuters and book a local hotel (see hotel list below) or request Mercy Center single rooms on the same floor next to each other.
You can also register as a commuter and stay at one of the hotels listed below or research AirBnB for local lodging.
List of Hotels:
The Dylan at SFO The Dylan Hotel offers a special rate to people attending an event at The Sisters of Mercy Center. Please tell them you are from the Rupert Spira group holding an event at The Sisters of Mercy. They suggest booking early as it is a smaller boutique hotel at 650-697-7373.
1.7 miles from Mercy Center, 6 minutes by car - www.dylansfo.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites
2 miles from Mercy Center, 7 minutes by car - www.marriott.co.uk
Marriott Hotel
2.7 miles from Mercy Center, 9 minutes by car - www.marriott.com
Transport
By train: Take BART or CalTrain to the Millbrae station and catch the North Burlingame free shuttle direct to the front entrance of Mercy Center. Shuttle arrives at Mercy Center 6:30 – 9:40 am, and departs in the afternoon, 3:10 – 6:10 pm, Monday through Friday.
By car: From Highway 101 take Millbrae Avenue exit, west. Turn left (south) onto El Camino Real. Go past Peninsula Hospital, two stoplights to Adeline. Turn right on Adeline and go eight blocks to the Mercy Center gates, where Hoover meets Adeline.
From Highway 280 take Trousdale exit, east. Follow Trousdale all the way down the hill (approx. 1.5 miles). Turn right onto El Camino Real. Continue south to Adeline (two stoplights past Peninsula Hospital). Turn right onto Adeline, continue approximately eight blocks. Mercy Center gates are located where Hoover meets Adeline.
By plane: The nearest airport is San Francisco International Airport which is only 10 minutes from the retreat center.
By taxi: There are several options for taxi and shuttle services in the area:
Taxi Cab Service SFO - 650.766.8822
Blacklane - www.blacklane.com
Airport Taxi Cab Services - 650.593.1234
Please note Uber and Lyft are available in the area and reasonably priced.
For further directions and transport information click here.
Meals & Refreshments
Vegetarian meals are prepared three times daily and served in the main dining room.
Residential guests who require special food preparation can use the small kitchenettes on each floor, equipped with a microwave and a small, shared refrigerator. There is also a health food store about one mile from Mercy Center.
Schedule
| Date | Details | Time |
| Friday | Arrive | 1:00pm onwards |
| Dinner | 6:00pm - 7:00pm | |
| Welcome & Guided Meditation | 7:30pm - 9:00pm | |
| Saturday to Thursday | Guided Meditation | 7:30am - 8:30am |
| Breakfast | 8:30am - 10:00am | |
| Guided Meditation | 11:00am - 12:00pm | |
| Lunch | 12:30pm - 2:00pm | |
| Meeting | 4:30pm - 6:30pm | |
| Dinner | 6:30pm - 8:00pm | |
| Friday | Breakfast | 8:00am - 9:30am |
| Guided Meditation & Dialogue | 10:00am - 12:00pm | |
| Lunch | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | |
| Depart | 1:00pm |
Discussion Board
Everyone who books onto this event will get access to the discussion board, with the ability to:
- Post comments
- Contact other attendees to exchange information or for social purposes
Registration
To register a $300* non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required to reserve a space at the retreat. The final balance will be due on 10 January 2024. Please book using the "Add to Basket" buttons below.
Costs:
Single (shared bathroom) – $2,670
Commute with Lunch & Dinner – $2,195
Commute with Lunch only – $2,050
Commute without meals – $1,975
If your ticket preference is sold out, please use the 'Add to Waitlist' button, and you will be notified of any spaces that come available. Booking is strictly through the website, please contact Francesca with any questions. Please do not contact the venue to try to book into the retreat.
*Should the retreat be cancelled for any reason related to Covid-19, the deposit payments made will be automatically transferred to a replacement Retreat at Home.
PLEASE NOTE: BOOKING CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT PACIFIC TIME, 9th March 2024
Scholarships
A limited number of partial scholarships are available for this retreat. Please complete the scholarship form here to apply for a place.
Please be sure you only book a ticket once your application has been approved unless you would like to come even if the scholarship application isn't successful.
Important ticket information
A non-refundable deposit is payable immediately for each ticket.
The final balance will be due on Saturday 20 July 2024
The final balance will be due on 20 July 2024
50% of balance refundable if cancelled before 19 August 2024
No refund if cancelled after the 19 August 2024
If you experience any problems with checkout please use the Payment FAQ page.