Visiting CML

We love having guests at the Center. We welcome guests who:

  • are deeply dedicated to their practice
  • are excited to throw themselves into a rigorous and uncompromising schedule
  • love learning from others, especially when it’s hard
  • commit to deepening their insight more than they think they can
  • and aim to perfect a life and livelihood that fulfills their vow to be of service in the world

If this describes you, and you’re excited about this description, we would love for you to visit our Center! Please contact our operations team (operations@centerformindfullearning.org) to arrange a visit at a convenient and appropriate time for CML. Here is some information that you might find helpful for your visit:

Schedule

  • Our daily schedule covers what we call “Awakening” and “Responsibility” weeks, times devoted to emphasizing meditation practice or service. We have one “Awakening” week each month.

Work and Chores

  • We ask guests who stay for a night or more to do work to support our organization. This usually entails helping to clean the buildings or prepare meals, although it may involve another task, especially if you have a skill that can support our mission.
  • Everyone at CML chips in to keep the community clean and running well on a daily basis. Don’t hesitate to ask for a way to help during your stay!

Fragrances

  • Members of the CML community are very sensitive to synthetic fragrance, which can be found in products like shampoos, soaps, detergent, and fabric softener. Please be fragrance-free when visiting CML, and at all CML events – learn how here.

Sitting

  • We have zafus and zabutons for you to use, although you are welcome to bring your own items to support your sitting.
  • Keep silence in the Zendo. Breathe and move quietly. There is no need to stifle coughs or sneezes.
  • Meditation periods last twenty-eight minutes. There is a brief break between periods to stretch, change postures, or use the restroom. Make sure to stay in the Zendo for the whole period.
  • We use Shinzen Young’s Basic Mindfulness system as a common language and framework of practice.

Clothing

  • Please pack comfortable, modest and understated clothing, as well as clothing for outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming in the ponds.
    • Avoid lettered, bright, striped, or plaid clothing.
    • Your clothes should be modest (not revealing or too tightly fitting), cover your shoulders, and go below the knees.
    • Wear dark, muted clothing with earth tones and colors (brown, green, tan, grey, black, blue, khaki, white).
    • Prefer clothes that will be comfortable for sitting.

Meals

  • We serve two vegan, mostly gluten-free meals a day and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special dietary needs.
  • You are welcome to bring your own snacks or supplements.

Cost and Donations

  • Due to the difficulty last-minute cancellations causes us, we require a non-refundable deposit of $50 to be made in advance of your stay.
  • Guests usually make a donation of $100 for a full day visit. Please consider making a donation that reflects both the value of your experience at CML and your financial means.