What we’re about
Greatwoods Zen is a mindfulness Community and peaceful retreat setting on 28 acre meditation gardens. We promote peace, mindfulness, and community!
Who We Are:
We are a community of people interested in the art of mindful living and engaging compassionately with ourselves and the world. Mindfulness is the energy of being fully alive and awake to life, as it unfolds in each moment. Because of the busyness and distractions of everyday life, we forgot how to slow down and touch the miracles of life that are happening all around and within us every day. Together as a community, we support one another to practice mindfulness - that is, to rest, rejuvenate, reflect, and remember to come how to ourselves.
We respect everyone’s root spiritual traditions, and accept people of all faiths. Any one from any religion is welcome to attend and learn how to touch their own spiritual heritage even more deeply with a depth of mindfulness. People of all racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, and of all genders and orientation are welcome.
The days of mindfulness will be facilitated and led by David Viafora, an Order of Interbeing member and student for 20+ years of Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Roger Grosswald owns the beautiful meditation gardens and his deepest wish is for others to receive deep nourishment and healing in the gardens.
What We Do:
Every day of mindfulness, we offer a variety of practices for people to learn the art of mindful living. We begin by guided sitting meditation indoors, followed by mindful walking outside in a very beautiful and refreshing natural setting of forest and ponds. We listen to a teaching about mindfulness based on Buddhist wisdom teachings, followed by a group discussion. We finish with a simple lunch together that is offered by Greatwoods Zen.
Where We Meet:
Our gatherings take place upon the gorgeous 27 acre preserve of forest, ponds, and wetlands of Greatwoods Zen. We may walk or sit near a quiet duck pond, or saunter to the top of a small hill to overlook the forest. When the weather is too cold or raining, we will stay inside. All gatherings initially take place in the meditation hall at 8015 Sullivan Drive. Greatwoods Zen is located on the east side of Charlotte, in the “Hickory Grove” neighborhood.
Current Schedule:
* Saturdays 10am - 12:30pm (lunch included)
Our meetings may be adjusted in response to input from members like you. All feedback is welcome.
We look forward to you joining us!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Embers and Ease: A Pre-Holiday Retreat8015 Sullivan Dr, Charlotte, NC
As the holiday season approaches, take a moment to slow down, reconnect, and recharge at our day-long mindfulness retreat. Join us on December 7th for a day devoted to self-care, renewal, and grounding in the beauty of mindfulness practices. Set in a serene, welcoming environment, this retreat offers the perfect space to breathe deeply and prepare for the season ahead.
Throughout the day, you'll be guided through mindfulness practices designed to help you pause, reflect, and cultivate inner calm. We'll share two nourishing, soul-warming meals together, allowing you to pause and savor each bite without the holiday rush. If the weather is kind, we’ll close the day gathered around a cozy bonfire—a simple, magical way to unwind and release any lingering stress into the night sky.
Come soak in the warmth, connect with community, and simply be. This retreat offers a chance to quiet your mind and refuel your spirit, preparing you to greet the holiday season with calm and clarity.
Give yourself this gift of peace and presence before the holiday hustle begins. By taking time to fill your own cup, you’ll have more to share with those around you in the weeks to come.
Register here: https://www.greatwoodszen.org/retreats
Please note, simply signing up here on Meetup.com will not secure you a space on the retreat. Space is limited, so we recommend signing up before it sells out :)
This retreat is open to the general public with any level of experience with practicing meditation. People of all faiths, genders, race, economic status and more are welcome (children below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
Our retreat fee is based on the cost for the facility, programming and catering. The cost is based on the following sliding scale:
- Supporter: $175 total
- Self-Sustaining: $140 total
- Supported: $105
Note: To anyone paying the supporter rate, the difference between that rate and the self-sustaining rate will directly go to benefit anyone paying the supported rate or for anyone requesting a scholarship; so a big thank you in advance!
Scholarships:
We are dedicated to making this retreat accessible for everyone to participate regardless of access to resources. If you want to apply for a scholarship, before registering, please click the following link to apply:
https://www.greatwoodszen.org/scholarship-request If you have any questions, you can also call us at (980) 221-5086.Cancellation Policy:
30+ days prior to start of retreat = Full refund minus $50 admin fee
10 to 30 days prior to start of retreat = 75% refund
Within 10 days until the start of retreat = No refund
