Refuge: A Daylong Retreat in Amsterdam
Sunday, August 17, 2025
At Splendor Amsterdam
10:00 AM โ 4:00 PM CET
Discover a place of inner refuge that is always available for you.
In-person
Why here, why now?
A note from Henry:
โOften it can feel like lifeโs demands on us are limitless โ like we can never put down the to-do list. But each of us, as a birthright, has within us a place of refuge. A place of peace and clarity that is not dependent on the conditions of our lives. And through shared practice, we can discover it.โ
Set in Splendor, a beautiful space in central Amsterdam, this daylong retreat is a unique opportunity to reconnect โ with stillness, with presence, and with fellow meditators.
What to expect on a daylong retreat?
Henry will lead you through guided meditations to help nurture your own sense of refuge. There will also be periods of silent practice. Henry will offer his unique teachings, combining both ancient wisdom and modern knowledge of meditation.
There will be an extended Q&A with Henry to have your practice questions answered. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, there will be plenty of chances to connect with others on a similar path, sharing personal experiences and insights with each other.
How does Refuge help us?
Even though it often doesnโt feel like it, we each have the birthright of a place of peace within us. A place of awareness โ from which we can notice experiences arising, but not be affected by them. A place where we can step back from the busyness and stress of our lives, and allow our nervous systems to rest. Where our anxiety ceases to overwhelm us but becomes fuel for our practice.
The core of Henryโs teaching is this โ showing us how to come back, again and again, to our very own inner refuge.
What youโll learn from Henry?
Weโll explore the four main zones of practice โ Mindfulness, Connectedness, Flow, and Awakening โ found in The Way app and Henryโs book, Original Love. These foundational aspects of meditation offer explorations from the heart, of themes and practices that are central to developing and following a wholesome meditation practice.
By immersing ourselves in shared stillness, we open to a deeper sense of rest and ease, allowing a more profound connection with our true nature to emerge. Through practice, reflection, and community, these retreats accelerate our journey toward a more wholehearted and awakened way of being.
About Splendor, our Amsterdam venue
Splendor was conceived and founded by 50 musicians and artists, as a meeting place, performance venue, club and creative hub. Originally built in the 1920s with a rich history of serving different communities in the heart of Amsterdam.
A Daylong Retreat in Amsterdam
- Guided meditations, talks, and poetry to help deepen your practice
- Live Q&A time with Henry
- Subscribe to The Way app to enjoy a 20% discount on all live events. Book through the appโs Events page to claim your discounted price. Click here from your mobile phone to go the Events page. For any questions, email [email protected].
Event Details
Cost: $105
When: Sunday August 17, 10am – 4pm CET
Where: Splendor, Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 116, 1011 LX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Become a subscriber to The Way App and enjoy an additional 20% discount! To access your discount, sign up for this retreat via the app (click here on your mobile).
Questions?
If you have any questions about this retreat, please contact our programs manager, Jeremy. Weโre happy to answer any questions and look forward to having you join us!
Refreshments
During our ample mid-day break, participants can go out for lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants, or bring your own lunch to have at the venue. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided throughout the day.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available. We warmly invite you to contact us for a scholarship if that would enable you to attend this retreat. Please contact our Courses & Retreats Manager Jeremyย for details about how to apply.
About your teacher
Henry Shukmanย
Henry is an authorized Zen Master in the Sanbo Zen lineage, the co-founder of The Way meditation app, and the Spiritual Director Emeritus of Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In addition to teaching meditation, Henry is an award-winning author and poet. His struggles and traumatic experiences as a youth, combined with a spontaneous awakening experience at 19, paved the way for Henry to develop a well-rounded approach to healing and awakening through meditation.
