Silent Retreat Day (EN)

Escape the busyness and discover inner calm through guided mindfulness meditations. A day of stillness to find calm, focus, and clarity. Pause, slow down, and recharge.

In silence, everything becomes meditation

The constant stream of stimuli around us means that we rarely truly come to rest. The endless distractions we cling to contribute to feelings of restlessness and stress. Yet both our body and mind need moments of silence to regain balance and recharge. A Mindfulness Silent Day offers you the space to restore that balance.

What does the day look like?

During this day, you will be guided through different forms of mindfulness meditation: sitting, standing, walking, and lying down. There are pauses for reflection and writing, and a healthy vegetarian lunch enjoyed in silence. It feels like experiencing the serene calm of a monastery, right in the middle of the city.

Why participate?

Silence deepens meditation and brings you into contact with an inner source of calm and wisdom. In daily life, we are constantly oriented outward: work, social activities, and screens keep our attention occupied. As a result, we lose connection with ourselves. During a silent day, you are invited to turn inward and observe what is truly present in your thoughts and body.

For some, silence can feel challenging. Six hours of silence may sound long, yet many participants are surprised by how quickly the time passes and how refreshing it feels. It is a valuable opportunity to gain clarity around life questions and find inner direction.

A meaningful experience

Silence helps you look more deeply within. What felt cloudy in everyday life becomes clearer during this day. It is like a pond settling after a storm: what was previously invisible suddenly comes into view. The trainer guides you carefully through the process, with attention to your comfort and well-being. Of course, there is space to step out or break the silence if needed.

For whom?

The silent day is suitable for anyone who feels the need to pause, relax, and reflect. Experience with meditation is helpful but not required. Curiosity is enough.

Practical information

• Date: Sunday 7 June 2026

• Time: 10.00 – 16.00

• Location: Rooseboomstraat 47, The Hague

• Cost: €95 (including lunch and coffee/tea)

• Group size: Maximum 8 participants

• Language: English

Give yourself a day of silence and rediscover the calm within you.

Trainer

This silent day is guided by Gaula Shehadeh. With a 5-star (Google) rating, Gaula is not your average mindfulness trainer. She is VMBN-registered and CNVC-certified and has many years of intensive meditation and retreat experience within the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. She is often described as down-to-earth, wise, warm, and gentle, with a touch of humour.

Reviews:

“A wonderful silent day. Very well and clearly guided by Gaula in a pleasant environment. It was deeply calming. So nice to not have to ‘do’ anything and to be gently carried through the day by Gaula with multiple meditations, yoga, and a delicious lunch. Highly recommended for people who really want to switch off for a while.”– Snezana Nedeski –

“It was a special day with Gaula during the silent retreat in the middle of the city. We experienced different practices: meditation, breathing, mindful walking, yoga, and mindful eating. The space was pleasant, well organised, and clean, the food was fantastic, and the atmosphere excellent. Gaula’s open and inviting presence made it easy for me to surrender to the process. At times, during the in-between moments, I felt a bit unsteady or confused, but the sense of safety and openness removed any pressure. You can feel that Gaula is a powerful woman with a strong vision and ambition, well prepared, yet her wisdom and compassion are personal and guiding, modest and sensitive. I wholeheartedly recommend her guidance and workshops.”– Matthias Veltkamp –