The Elemental Nature of All Things

The Rhythm of Refinement

This retreat is suitable for anyone wanting to deepen their mindfulness practice and will be especially of interest to those teaching or aspiring to teach mindfulness in healthcare, psychology, education, science, government, or in business and corporate sectors.

This retreat also fulfils prerequisites for mindfulness-based teacher training.

The limit date for registration is the 15th February 2026. After this date we won’t accept any further registrations.  

The number of places is limited, so we advise you register as soon as possible.

To register in the retreat:

1. Make the payment of the value of the retreat using the payment options below 
2. Complete the form in the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEBZu92sNIOJUYI535_NFOyh5v18V38fuJnprgXVImpVNNOQ/viewform?usp=dialog

The Elemental Nature of All Things

Payment for accomodation and meals - we will confirm as soon as possible how this will be processed. 

After the reception of your email we will send you a reply confirming your place in the retreat and with information relating to the retreat. If you don't receive our reply please contact us.

If your retreat is canceled until the 15th of February 2026  you will receive a full reimbursement of the retreat minus an administration fee of 50 euros plus fee for the international bank transference. After this date we won’t make any reimbursements.

If the event is canceled due to an unexpected reason, Ser Integral: Centro Português de Mindfulness, will provide a reimbursement of 100% of the value paid for the retreat, but we won’t be responsible for any other costs (i.e., travelling and accommodation) associated with your participation in the retreat

• The retreat will occur with a minimum and maximum number of participants (limited places available). In the eventuality of the retreat not having the minimum registrations established Se Integral: Portuguese Center for Mindfulness will have to cancel the event.
• Please bring confortable clothing, a meditation cushion, yoga mat and blankets for your own comfort in the practice room. Also bring confortable walking shoes to use on the gardens/forest and you might also be interested in bringing a mosquito repellent.
• The program is subject to minor changes according to the needs met during the retreat.
• The room has bed sheets, towels, blankets, but you should bring all the toiletries that you usually need (e.g., shampoo, soap, etc) 
• Individual rooms are limited and they will be offered on first registration basis. The cost of a private room per person is the same as a double room per person.

How to get here?

Ser Integral will organize a shuttle (with extra cost) to transport participants from Lisbon airpor to Terra Raiz. 

At what time should I arrive? When will we finish?

Arrival is on the first day between 4.30pm and 6.30pm so that we can process your arrival and registration. You will then be assigned to your room and we will meet  at 6.30pm for dinner. In the last day of the retreat we will have lunch at the retreat center and after this we will all leave the retreat center.

Is there wireless and mobile phone connection?

Yes, but usage of mobile phones and internet is not allowed during the 5 days of the retreat.

Is it possible to arrive earlier or stay after the retreat ends?

No. You can find accommodation nearby.

What do I need to bring?

It is advised to bring confortable clothing, a meditation cushion, a yoga mat and blankets for your comfort during the practices - we have a few sets. If you need one please book one with us. The room has bed sheets, towels, blankets, but you should bring all the toiletries that you usually need (e.g., shampoo, soap, etc). Also bring confortable walking shoes to use on the gardens/forest and you might also be interested in bringing a mosquito repellent.

Is this retreat accepted as a pre-requisite for the teacher training in mindfulness?

This retreat meets the pre-requisites for the teacher training program in MBSR. If you want to know if this retreat is acceptable by other institutions, please contact them directly.

I’ve completed the MBSR in a retreat format or 8 week format. Should I expect the same dynamics in this silent retreat?

No, a silent retreat in mindfulness meditation does not follow the same dynamic of an MBSR program. This retreat will have almost no guided meditation practices, in order to help you cultivate the ability to practice in silence. There will be group discussions daily after the morning Dharma talk, and at the beginning and end of the retreat, but no other group discussions.   You will also have the opportunity to meet individually with the teachers throughout the retreat.

What do previous participants have to say about their experience on other retreats organized by Ser Integral: Portuguese Center for Mindfulness?

"Thank you so much for organizing this retreat in Braga, it was a true gift for me and I got so much out of it...words cannot even describe. The organization was excellent, I loved the monastery and Paul and Anna were wonderful teachers!" - Myrto Legaki, Greece (2017) 

"I flew from Denmark and joined a 5-day silent retreat organised by Ser Integral in Porto. The retreat place was perfect and I was very impressed by the genuine care of the organisers. They were truly helpful, professional, attentive and loving throughout the whole event. We stayed in single rooms and having this privacy was very helpful for me to extend deepening the silence. And if you are wondering, the food was great as well!:) I am looking forward to coming back for more retreats." Esen, Denmark (2017)