Frequently Asked Questions
How do I meet a program’s prerequisites?
Prerequisites are designed to help you:
To be aware of Shinzen's very particular terminology and labels used during that particular focus technique.
To know and honor that people in the program will have already practiced that focus technique and the program pace will reflect that.
That said, prerequisites are self-monitored by you the student.
You can “meet” a prerequisite by reading about the suggested readings and trying the basic instructions for that focus technique on your own for a couple of your sit sessions.
Others might feel more prepared by taking a “Foundations” session or two before practicing it on their own or advancing to Drill, Sharpening, or Applications emphases.
How do I join? Do I need video capability?
Sessions are offered via the Zoom platform (by Unified Mindfulness Coaches/Teachers), so having video capability is helpful, but access via a telephone can still be offered if requested.
You will be sent an email with Zoom meeting links after registration ends (at Midnight Pacific each Wednesday before each weekend). It’s up to you whether you wish to have your ‘camera’ on or not. Out of courtesy when asking a question, you should put your video camera on. All access emails are sent by 5pm the Thursday before each weekend.
Calling into the Zoom Meeting can also be done; however you will need to email us for that information. The program fee does not include any long distance charges you may incur.
We recommend that you test the Zoom Link - via your computer or Smart Phone or iPad set up that you intend to use during the retreat before each session. You will likely not be able to ‘enter’ the meeting but you’ll see that it’s available to join at the scheduled time.
Typically, the fee to participate in a live Home Practice Program is $10 for 2-hour programs and $20 for 4-hour programs. This fee does not include charges, if any, by your internet or long distance provider should you decide to ‘call’ into the Zoom meeting.
How much does it cost to participate?
Typically, the fee to participate in a live Home Practice Program is $10 for each 2-hour program and $20 for each 4-hour program. You can take programs a la carte, or, if you meet all the prerequisites, you can register for all five programs, typically totaling $90 for the entire weekend.
This fee does not include charges, if any, by your internet or long distance provider should you decide to ‘call’ into the Zoom meeting.
I can't get into the Zoom Meeting. What do I do?
If you have trouble accessing the Zoom Meeting:
Double check that you're using the correct link for Part 1 or Part 2 or a separate Zoom Meeting link if interviews are offered.
If you still can’t join the meeting, please report the problem you’re experiencing to hpp@unifiedmindfulness.com. We monitor email during the retreats and we will respond to you.
Please do not call Shinzen, VSI or other Coaches/Teachers about technical difficulties. They will not be able to return your call or help you during the retreat. We will do our best to help you with any issues you have.
In the RARE case of any global technical problem, you will be contacted about by email, so please make sure that you have access to email during this retreat. If you don’t have access to your email during the retreat, please email us ahead of time with a phone number where we can reach you if necessary so that we can create a To Call list.
What can I expect in a typical 4-hour program?
Here’s the basic format of a 4-hour retreat, but be sure to check the schedule provided with the Zoom Meeting details. Also be aware that a Coach/Teacher may change the schedule at the beginning of a session, so please listen carefully during the session to stay on schedule.
CHECK-IN - Join the Zoom Meeting between 5 to 10 minutes before it is scheduled to begin.
You will be greeted by the session Host or Coach/Teacher.
Speakerphones: We sometimes experience echoing during this check-in period. This is most likely due to speakerphones/computers. To help reduce this echoing, we request that people MUTE their speakerphones/computers unless they want to speak.
If it is getting close to start time and you are the only person in the meeting, you are likely in the wrong Zoom meeting. Log off and check the link to re-join the correct link.
PART 1 - Instruction / Guided Meditation / Possible Q & A (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
When the Coach/Teacher is ready to begin his/her presentation, the recording will begin.
If the Coach/Teacher elects to have a Questions & Answer period, you will be informed.
Please raise your ‘virtual’ hand or text in the chat that have a question if you’re unable to find the toggle to raise your hand in the Zoom meeting.
Please turn your camera on.
You will be spotlighted by the host to ask your question, the unspotlighted when done.
SELF PRACTICE - Bio Break / Practice in Motion / Interview with the Coach/Teacher (approx. 1 hour if available)
When instructed by the Coach/Teacher, please exit the Zoom Meeting for Part 1.
Follow instructions from the Coach/Teacher for your Self-Practice or Practice in Motion.
Often you will have the option to for an interview or check-in report with the Coach/Teacher. Please keep in mind that he/she may not have very long to spend with each participant.
PART 2 - Group Q & A and Final instruction (approx 1 hour 30 minutes)
Five minutes before Part 2 is scheduled to begin, log into the Zoom meeting link given for Part 2.
Continue your self-practice until the Coach/Teacher arrives to begin Part 2.
Recording will begin again.
Typically the Coach/Teacher will launch right into Group Q & A and if you have a question or report, again please turn your video/camera on and you will again be spotlighted to speak, then unspotlighted when done.
Once Q&A are complete, there will be a Final Guided Meditation.
Do you offer recordings of the programs?
Home Practice Program retreats are designed to be live and interactive. They are offered to support your practice. If you participated in a retreat and enjoyed it, a similar topic by another teacher, but perhaps taught in a different way, may be offered in a future program.
That said, when possible, we give access to streaming recordings as a “bonus” review feature for participants (for a time limited period - usually just before the next month’s program). Officially, the Home Practice Program fee only covers the cost of the live program led by a Coach/Teacher. We can’t guarantee the recordings or their quality. They cannot be downloaded nor do we sell them separately from registering for a 'live/interactive' session at this time. Recordings are offered as AUDIO and VIDEO from the Zoom platform.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, partial or full scholarships are available at this time. To request a scholarship, fill out the form below. Please allow 1-3 business days for a response.