“Sound is our mind, silence is our being”
― Osho
Join me for a 6-day silent retreat in Taos, New Mexico.
The retreat will provide a supportive space for you to steep in your essential being.
You’ll immerse in what’s always here, unchanging, beyond the pull of thoughts, feelings and identities, in the absence of everyday distractions and conditioning.
This retreat is designed for those who feel called by the still, unchanging silence that is your true nature. Something is calling you to slow down, explore your nature, and simply be.
Why Silence?
“The mind is like a candle while your essential being is like the sun. We’re staring at the candle and missing the sun”
― David Bingham
Sitting in silence for a prolonged period of time is not about getting somewhere, accomplishing something, or chasing a new experience. If anything, it’s the opposite of all of that. It’s an opportunity to not chase experience. A chance to be as you are.
Prolonged silence is an opportunity to recognize yourself as what is always here, but typically overlooked. It allows for a noticeable absence of the person you take yourself to be.
Silence is the essence of everything. A prolonged experience of silence makes this abundantly clear.
“Noise is silence shouting”
― Tim Cliss
I signed up for Amy’s Silent Retreat feeling uncertain about why I wanted to do it—but something in me was curious. It turned out to be a far more powerful and life-changing experience than I could have imagined. In completely unplugging from the world, and others (including my perceptions of their expectations of me!), I had the opportunity to explore, without distraction, Being. Silence, no interactions with others—including eye contact, the easy yet structured schedule of each day, and incredible food at each meal, felt uniquely relaxing and even luxurious. I’ve continued to refer back to this week, because of how it allowed a complete focus on the stillness within—it was a powerful experience that is continuing to expand for me.
Helen
What to Expect
Throughout the week, you’ll explore:
Self-inquiry methods, including guidance on how to recognize your essential being while watching thought, experience, and “self-ing” come and go
Daily guided meditations and silent sitting sessions
Guidance feeling into the senses and direct experience
In addition to our guided and silent meditations, there will be a daily Q&A session, breaks for nature walks and hikes, and sound meditations throughout the week.
You will be surrounded by like-minded people in a safe environment designed to hold space for whatever wants to unfold.
Some common benefits of prolonged silence are a sense of deep peace, increased creativity, emotional release, energetic shifts, deeper knowing of your true nature, and many more.
Please be clear that I do not treat silent retreat as a way to have pleasant or transcendent experiences. You’ll be pointed toward what never changes rather than always changing experience.
Ultimately, what transpires is a complete mystery. We never know what will arise but we sit and trust what is.
It’s hard to describe what happens in silence, except to say it changes you. I discovered that silence is both beautifully ordinary and profoundly extraordinary— stripping away the illusion that anything outside of me creates my experience. My true nature was revealed in a way no intellectual understanding ever could and now I move through the world differently, with more clarity, peace and aliveness. I highly recommend participating in the silent retreat with Amy. She brings an energy that is so precious, safe, and filled with love.
Lisa
Sample Daily Schedule
The retreat will begin on Sunday at 3pm local time and end Friday at 11am local time.
Sunday, February 22 at 3pm MT – Friday, February 27 at 11am MT
You can download a sample daily schedule here:
Being a part of the Silent Retreat was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I’ve ever encountered. It is an opportunity to fall into the essence of just “being”— really turning inward and becoming aware of oneself through the senses. I continue to pause and take notice of silence (even during the crazy of life!) and marvel in its importance.
Amy
Meals
Three meals per day (one on Sunday and one on Friday) are provided onsite. All meals, except Sunday dinner on the night of arrival, will be in silence.
Meals will be curated to provide warmth and nourishment while on retreat. There will be an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and healthy, mostly-vegetarian, mostly gluten-free options. You will be able to share any dietary restrictions to be passed on to the chef upon registration.
This was my first experience in silence. To say it was profound is an understatement. Life looks completely different to me now! It is a noticeable change that many continue to comment on! This change would not have happened without the curated, yet simple, experience that Amy so lovingly provided. Honestly, it was the most indulgent thing I have ever done for myself. If you’re like me and scared to sit in silence, take that leap … you won’t regret it!
Jody
The Location & How to Get There
Taos, New Mexico
The retreat will take place at Hyperslow Retreat Center.
Hyperslow is an approximately 1 hour and 30 minute drive from Santa Fe International Airport.
More information will be shared upon registration, along with attempts to secure a shared shuttle from Santa Fe International.
It’s as if everything has changed in life without anything having to change. To experience a single moment of direct perception has left me with the practice of paying attention to as many details as possible, like a heightened awareness of all of the senses. I can’t wait to witness what the next silent retreat reveals!
Dave
Rooms & Pricing
What’s Included
6 day retreat designed by Amy
5 nights/6 days lodging
Three nourishing meals per day prepared by a private chef
One meal on arrival day and departure day
Sound bath sessions, guided meditations, Q&A sessions, and support as needed
The prices below reflect your all-inclusive cost for 5 nights/6 days lodging, three meals per day plus one meal on arrival and departure day, plus everything included in the 6 day retreat.
Please note that space is limited. Consider booking early if possible.
As a mom of young boys, I was genuinely excited for the rare opportunity to sit in silence for six days—and it exceeded every expectation. Amy’s gentle guidance helped our group feel increasingly connected and supported as the days unfolded. I returned home with a deeper sense of stillness that I can now access, even in the midst of everyday chaos.
Jennifer
Cancellation Policy
- A full refund is available (minus a $100 processing fee) on or before January 19, 2026.
- Nonrefundable credit toward a future retreat, course, or live event will be offered if you give notice between January 20, 2026 and February 21, 2026. Credit may be applied to any event or live/digital course for one year following the date of issue. Credit cannot be used for private coaching.
- No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave the retreat early for any reason.
“I think 99 times and find nothing. I stop thinking, swim in silence, and the truth comes to me”
― Albert Einstein
I was surprised how challenging it was at first. As the week went on, though, it became easier, but there were still ups and downs like any other week in my life. I know that may not sound profound, but for me it was because in my “real” life I thought I was doing “quiet” wrong. Being at the retreat showed me that there’s no “special” quiet. It’s always there behind the thought and sometimes even at a silent retreat where there’s nothing to do, my mind still gets loud. It’s made me less judgmental about my day-to-day experience, and that has made a world of difference.
Bill
Want to Learn More About Silence?
I’ve put together a collection of resources about Silence and its significance to me that I invite you to explore:
I loved the silence. Not only me being silent, but being steeped in silence. Other than the clink of a spoon during mealtime or the quiet cough of someone else in the room, the silence felt golden and comforting. This silence is what I’ve carried with me since. I steep in it as often as possible and have made more room for it on a daily basis. It now feels natural to me.
Despite not connecting with the other participants with words, eye contact or any physical means – I still felt a sweet connection with everyone sitting with me in silence.
Melissa
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you can find a video where I addressed questions about the retreat and shared about the schedule and what the week is going to look like.
Who will be leading and designing the retreat program?
The program was designed and will be led exclusively by Amy – she will be leading all silent sessions, guided meditations, and Q&A.
What if I’ve never meditated? Is this retreat okay for beginners?
You don’t need any meditation experience to be able to take part in the silent retreat. Each day will begin with a guided meditation which serves as guidance to get you started. I will also share various self-inquiry and other methods throughout the retreat that you can choose to practice during the silent sitting sessions.
If you’re familiar with meditation and longer periods of silence, you may find the retreat a bit easier at times and more familiar. You also may not! No experience is necessary.
Is it normal to be nervous?
It’s very normal to be nervous! Nervousness is a feeling that will come and go, as all feelings do. In silent sitting you’ll have the opportunity to become more acquainted with what’s always here when nervousness, and all feelings, ebb and flow.
What sort of experiences are typical?
It’s really impossible to say what’s typical in a retreat like this. In my experience, a lot transpires and it also sort of feels like nothing transpires. You may experience periods of time when your mind is very busy and times when it’s very quiet; you may feel uncomfortable at times and you may also feel extremely peaceful and full of gratitude at times. Sometimes people experience emotions they’ve been innocently trying to avoid. There will likely be tears as well as spontaneous laughter throughout the week. Any and all temporary feelings are fair game. We are the capacity for all of them.
What type of support is there if I’m struggling with emotions during the retreat?
I will be available to support you as needed. The group will be quite small so there will be plenty of opportunity for one on one time as necessary.
That said, the tone of the retreat is about each of us seeing that we are capacity for anything that arises. In general, we need far less support than it may seem. Emotion is natural and healthy. You’ll be in a safe space to experience anything that wants to move through.
What do you recommend in terms of consuming outside content (e.g., reading, listening to YouTube videos, etc.) during the retreat? What is there to do on breaks?
My recommendation is to not consume outside content during retreat. That said, everyone is different. Some people enjoy reading during the breaks and it’s always wise to follow your own intuition and do what feels right for you. I would definitely recommend limiting such content.
There are many areas to take nature walks or longer hikes around the retreat grounds on our breaks. You might be in nature, go for a walk, take a yoga mat outside (or inside) for some stretching, gaze at the incredible mountain views, take a nap… The purpose of the week is to be still and go “within”. You’ll likely find that you don’t have the desire to fill your time with highly active, entertaining, or distracting activities. The silence and stillness begins to call to you more than activity and entertainment.
Can I have my phone with me? Is it okay to speak during the retreat if I need to call home?
You can keep your phone with you during the retreat and wifi will be available. I will ask that phones are stored away and completely silenced (not on vibrate, which is easily heard in silence!) throughout the week.
The extent to which you use your phone is up to you. You’re strongly encouraged to eliminate or limit technology and talking during the retreat and it will pay off to do so, but of course you’re free to do what feels right to you.
What should I bring?
I would recommend bringing comfortable clothes you can wear in layers (including warm socks) and shoes that are easy to take on and off as we will leave our shoes outside the meditation room.
Yoga mats and blankets will be provided but they are in limited supply. If you’re driving to the retreat and have the ability to bring your own mat, blanket, or meditation block, that would be very helpful.
I would also recommend bringing your own refillable water bottle. Water and tea will be available throughout the day. Each room has a small refrigerator for any drinks or snacks you’d like to bring. There is no food or drink sold on site.
I have carried the impact of the silence with me. I didn’t think I would be able to be silent and disconnected for a week, but I could. The week flew by, and I didn’t miss all the noise and outside chatter. Now I am much more comfortable with silence in my everyday life, which seemed impossible before the retreat. So, do something wonderful for yourself and go. It’s a gift that will energize you in a way that you just can’t experience at home.
Jeanne
Have other questions?
Please share your questions here and we will get back to you. I would love to have you at either retreat!
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In the safe and nurturing space Dr. Amy Johnson created, I discovered that silence reveals the truths I didn’t even know I was seeking. The realizations I found there continue to stay with me, gently shaping how I live and experience the world each day.
Lana
