The Four Foundations of Mindfulness
Mindfulness Community of Milwaukee
Annual Summer Retreat 2026
July 26-31, 2026
The Mindfulness Community of Milwaukee is pleased to present its annual summer retreat, The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. This retreat explores four core teachings from the Buddhist tradition that continue to offer practical guidance for modern life: mindfulness of the body, feeling tone, mental formations, and our perception of the world.
Each day, participants will focus on one of these foundations through shared practice, instruction, and reflection. In honor of the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, the retreat will also include a special meditation inspired by Saint Francis, offering another way to deepen presence, gratitude, and connection with the living world.
Our retreats are done mostly in silence.
The retreat is led by members of the Mindfulness Community of Milwaukee, a dedicated sangha that has practiced in the Plum Village tradition since 1992, following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. The community has had its own practice center since 1998 and now supports 150 to 175 practitioners each week. This retreat marks the community’s tenth summer retreat at the Christine Center.
A typical daily schedule includes outdoor walking meditation, shared meals, dharma talks, practice sessions, and time for reflection in community. Evenings include presentations, meditation, and noble silence. An optional weeklong art project will also be available throughout the retreat.
Sample Schedule
630: Outdoor walking meditation to Dharma Hall
700: Sitting and walking meditation
815: Breakfast
915: Singing, Dharma talk, questions, and responses
1100: Outdoor walking meditation
1230p: Lunch
130p: Special meditations and practices (relaxation, lovingkindness, and movement)
315p: Dharma sharing
445p: Brief meditation or music
530p: Supper
700p: Presentations, including videos and campfire gatherings
830p: Sitting and walking meditation
930p: Retire in noble silence
Optional weeklong art project.
Program highlights:
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- Daily meditation practice
- Guidance and practice instruction
- Dharma talks
- Bodywork
- Breakout groups
- Opportunities for Dharma sharing
- Music and art
- Exploration of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness:
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- Mindfulness of the body
- Mindfulness of feeling tone
- Mindfulness of mental formations
- Mindfulness of perception of the world
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Questions or concerns? Please contact Paul Norton at paul.norton@milwaukeemindfulness.com.
