Frequently Asked Questions
Many guests arrive with questions about silence, structure, and what to expect during a self-guided retreat.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about staying at Zoetic Forest.
About the Retreat
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A self-guided retreat at Zoetic Forest is exactly what it sounds like. We provide the container. The agreement on the property is Noble Silence. You have access to the kitchen to cook your own meals, a private room to rest, and 30 acres of curated meditation spaces and forest to explore. We provide you with a sample schedule, but it is up to you to follow it. Occasional classes will be offered depending on the day, but please look at our schedule online to make sure your visit coincides with any classes you may want to attend.
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There are many things that make Zoetic Forest different from other retreat centers. The first thing is the container. Most rooms are private, the kitchen is huge, there is a pool at your disposal, as well as a small herd of miniature goats free roaming the property, happy to make new friends. There is tons of natural light. You can feel the quiet luxury of Zoetic Forest holding you safely, inviting you to let go.
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This retreat is designed for intermediate and experienced meditation practitioners, as well as those who just need to digitally detox with a green break. Humans are of nature, and when we have not been out in nature for a while, we can feel it like a sickness in our souls. Often, just being out of the city and putting down all your devices can heal you in ways you cannot imagine.
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You do not need meditation experience to do this retreat, but it is very helpful. A self-guided silent retreat can be more challenging than a guided silent retreat. You must draw upon your own will and self-discipline to use your time wisely.
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If you have never practiced Noble Silence before, you are in for a treat. It is those of us who like to talk a lot that often get the most out of silent retreats. In silence, you are invited to observe your habits, and in the observation comes the changing.
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This retreat is not suitable for those who have no experience with meditation. If you have no experience with meditation but are looking for an entry point, please visit Zoetic River. The energy of the group in a guided silent retreat provides structure and stability. We only know things by contrast, so if it is available to you, I highly suggest you try both the guided and self-guided silent retreats and see where you benefit the most.
Silence & Retreat Agreements
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The silence agreements at Zoetic Forest consist of no talking. Communication by note on the bulletin board with the caretaker, or by text for immediate assistance, is okay. The agreements also include no noisy behavior, such as banging pots and pans or being overly dramatic with body language to the point of distracting other guests, and closing doors softly. We also ask that you immediately forgive yourself if you accidentally violate these rules. We take these agreements seriously, and we ask that you do as well. You will be asked to leave if you do not follow procedure on the property.
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Guests avoid eye contact at Zoetic Forest because most of the communicating we do with each other is done through facial expressions and body language. You are not here to communicate with others. You are here to bask in your own energy and learn what there is to be learned by observing your reactions in a relatively peaceful place where your safety is prioritized.
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If you accidentally break silence, forgive yourself immediately and then try your best not to do it again.
If you consistently break silence to the point of disturbing other guests, you will be asked to leave.
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There might be an occasional space of time where speaking is allowed during your stay. You are welcome to join that class or not. Occasionally, we have tai chi classes, guest teachers, and art experiences, and as a guest on the property, you are invited to join those classes if you feel like it and to talk if you feel like it or not. If you want to join the class but do not feel like talking, you will be provided a badge that says “In Silence” so that the people in the class understand that you are on retreat.
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The atmosphere between guests is actually very pleasant. When you take away speaking and nonverbal communication, you are left with the energy of those around you. Those around you are there for the same purpose: to connect with themselves and their practice, supported by nature and a quiet container. This is not a place to make friends necessarily with anyone except yourself.
Retreat Structure & Daily Life
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You will be provided a daily schedule to follow, and it is up to you to follow it. No one will be checking on you or making sure you are following it. Your time is your own.
You are always in choice.
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A typical day at Zoetic Forest, if you are following our sample schedule, will look like the traditional silent retreat schedule of the ancient practice of mind fasting. That schedule consists of alternating sitting and walking meditation. We have many spaces on the property, inside and outside, for both, and it is up to you to decide where you would like to do these practices.
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In the future, we will have guided meditations available for you to use offline.
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If there happen to be classes during your stay, they will be included with your stay. No extra charge will be added.
The Property & Environment
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The environment at Zoetic Forest is quiet, serene, artful, full of natural wonder and artistic creations, clean, safe, a little wild, with many spaces to discover and explore.
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The property holds seven people comfortably, with six private bedrooms.
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We have several types of rooms available to rent. There are private rooms we call Monk Suites with a shared bathroom.
There is a large room with two queen-size beds and copious amounts of natural light.
There is a large private bedroom with a desk in front of a big window.
We also have a tiny house a little ways away from the main lodge for those who want even more privacy and seclusion in nature. The tiny house has a half kitchen, but you will have to walk to the main house to shower.
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The lodge is comfortable, serene, with high ceilings, natural light from all directions, spacious and uplifting. As without, so within.
Food & Kitchen
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A continental self-serve breakfast is provided every morning. That is the only meal we provide. Your food is otherwise your own responsibility. You will have access to the kitchen 24/7.
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You will have kitchen access 24/7.
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Bring any kind of food you would like, but endeavor to avoid foods with very strong smells. Keep it simple. We provide pots and pans, bowls, plates, cups, and silverware.
Technology & Communication
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Phones are not allowed in the common areas or outside around the house. You are welcome to keep your phone in your own room on silent if you must, though we highly encourage you to use the phone safe that we provide in every room. Part of the experience is putting aside distractions. You can go anywhere and be quiet. This is a special time for you to connect deeply with yourself and nature. If you need to make or accept a phone call, please put headphones on and be respectful and mindful of the other guests around you.
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There is internet available.
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If someone needs to reach you, or if you need to be reached, you may give them our emergency phone number included in your welcome email. They are encouraged to text the caretaker, and the caretaker will get a message to you.
Support & Staff
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There is a caretaker on site if you need help.
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You can contact the caretaker by placing a note on the bulletin board in the common space, or if it is a more immediate need, you can text his number.
The caretaker number is in your welcome email.
Preparing for Your Retreat
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Bring clothes appropriate to the season. If it is sunny, bring a sun hat. If it is cold, bring a warm hat. Bring long pants if you intend to hike in the forest, and closed-toe shoes for hiking. Bring comfortable clothing that you can breathe in, your own water bottle, and your own hot drink container if possible, though we have a few on hand if you forget. You are welcome to bring your own yoga mat, meditation cushion, etc., but we have those on hand as well for you to borrow. Bring any special allergy medication you might need. Cats are inside the house, but never inside the private guest rooms, so plan accordingly. Bring any special toiletries you might need, but we have shampoo, conditioner, and body wash available for free.
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You can prepare for your stay at Zoetic Forest by relaxing. It is going to be a wonderful experience. Do not worry about anything. Pack lightly, put aside any expectations, and get ready for an adventure.
Booking & Logistics
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Check-in is between 2 PM and 9 PM.
Check-out is 11 AM.
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Most guests stay 2 to 5 nights.
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You are welcome to extend your stay once you arrive if we have availability.
Retreat Experience
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Spending time in Noble Silence is a unique experience for every person. There are all different types of responses that are usual after people spend time in silence. Most people report feeling extremely calm and rested, connected deeply with themselves and with nature. They feel renewed and take that back out into the world with them.
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If you become overwhelmed in the silence, we have a caretaker on site who is a Buddhist scholar and would be happy to meet with you privately and talk. We call this a check-in, and they are available by appointment with the caretaker.
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If strong emotions arise during your retreat, know that that is very normal. Stay with the sensations in your body. Do not follow the stories your mind is creating. Return to your practice. Always, over and over, eternally return to the practice. You have all the answers you are seeking. What bubbles up from the stillness you can trust.
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You are discouraged from leaving the property during your retreat, but if you have to, that is certainly allowed. You are free to come and go.
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If you need to break your retreat early, that is certainly fine. However, once your stay has begun, the retreat is nonrefundable for the time you booked.
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Zoetic Forest is a non-denominational silent retreat center. Silent retreat is a tool to connect deeply with yourself and nature, not a belief system or a religiously affiliated practice. All cultures through all time have had some form of mind-fasting ritual. See for yourself.
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People come to Zoetic Forest to put away distractions, detox from the digital world, and reconnect with their home: nature. We have only been inside for a tiny fraction of human existence. We belong in nature, and when it has been a while since we have been out in nature, we feel a sickness in the mind and body. Taking the time to reset your nervous system is truly the kindest thing you can do for yourself and everyone else around you.
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The quality of your experience will be based on your commitment to the practice and the schedule while you are carving this precious time out for yourself. Having said that, deep meditation and rest look different for different people. You are always in choice, and as long as you are not disturbing others in any way, your time is your own. No devices or distractions in the common areas. If you must use those, do so in the privacy of your own room.