About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
A Silent Meditation & Yoga Retreat
With Earle Birney & Nicole Flack
Discover a Time-Tested Path to Awakening
Did you know that Tibetan Buddhism has preserved a detailed and practical map for awakening—passed down pristinely throughout time? This retreat offers a rare opportunity to explore that map: a step-by-step path toward freedom from suffering and the cultivation of lasting happiness.
Join us for 8 days and 7 nights of deep practice in silence, supported by highly trained and experienced meditation teachers. Immersed in nature with breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, you’ll be guided with care through meditation, yoga, and contemplative teachings designed to reveal clarity, insight, and your highest potential.
This is more than a retreat—it is a profound inner journey you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
What to Expect
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Morning Practice: Begin each day with meditation and yoga
Meditation & Breathwork: Guided meditations, pranayama, and visualization practices
Focused Training: Daily shamatha practice through the Nine Stages of Meditation, offering a clear and progressive path for stabilizing the mind
Sacred Silence
A supportive, guided silent container from Days 2–7
Freedom from screens, devices, and modern distractions
Space to rest deeply in the present moment—without worrying about the past or future
Nourishing Plant-Based Cuisine
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Lovingly prepared, healthy meals
Brunch and dinner provided daily
Nature & Beauty
Wake up surrounded by volcanoes, forests, and the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlán
Time to reconnect with the natural world as a mirror for inner stillness
Learn how to harvest joy throughout your life
Integration & Community
Opening Day: Arrival, orientation, and community connection
Closing Day: Sharing, reflection, and a gentle transition back into daily life
Optional Integration Experience: February 14–17 nearby, including swimming, connection, and continued integration in community as you transition out of silence
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is for anyone with a mind—from experienced meditators to curious beginners. Whether you are seeking clarity, depth, healing, or inspiration, you’ll find a supportive and skillfully guided environment to grow and thrive.
New to Silent Retreats?
You are exactly where you need to be.
A silent retreat can be a life-changing experience, offering insights that continue to unfold long after you return home. While participants remain in silence, the teachers provide continuous guidance, structure, and support throughout the journey. You will be held with care every step of the way.
What Does a Silent Retreat Look Like?
Day 1: Arrival, settling in, and connecting as a community
Days 2–7: Guided transition into silence, allowing for deep inner exploration and transformation
Day 8: Coming out of silence, sharing reflections, and closing the retreat with intention
Accommodations
Stay in comfortable, eco-friendly lodgings with stunning views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding mountains. Thoughtfully designed spaces invite rest, reflection, and a deep connection to nature—and yourself.
Investment
$2,500–$3,000
(Pricing varies based on accommodation selection)
Meet Your Guides
Earle Birney
Earle is a master teacher with over 30 years of experience. He completed a traditional 3-year, 3-month, 3-day silent retreat, the culmination of a 14-year advanced Buddhist studies program. He is the Head of Curriculum Development and Lead Teacher at the Yoga Studies Institute, reaching over 10,000 students annually through teacher trainings, retreats, and philosophy programs.
Nicole Flack
Nicole is a NYC-based meditation and yoga teacher deeply rooted in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. A RYT-500 yoga teacher, she has trained in Ashtanga, Tibetan, Iyengar, and Hatha Yoga. With over 12 years of meditation experience, Nicole translates timeless wisdom into accessible practices that help students live with clarity, joy, and compassion in modern life.
How to Register
Visit www.nicoleautumn.com/retreat
to reserve your spot and explore detailed schedules, accommodations, and additional information.
Questions?
Contact us at nicole@nicoleautumn.com
We’re happy to support you and make your retreat experience seamless and meaningful.
Earle and Nicole have the privilege of teaching students on retreat around the world and are honored to share this deep practice and wisdom with you in Guatemala. We look forward to welcoming you on this transformative journey.