Wildheart Field Trip: Magnolia Grove Monastery
We’re going on a field trip. And not the kind you zone out on.
This is a weekend away at a real Zen Buddhist monastery. A chance to step out of your normal routine and into something quieter, slower, and more intentional.
From Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime, you’ll be immersed in a rhythm of meditation, silence, and shared community. No pressure to be good at it. No expectation to “get it right.” Just an opportunity to experience what this practice actually feels like.
Whether you’re brand new to meditation or have been practicing for years, this is about getting out of your day-to-day environment and into something real.
We’ll travel out there together in spirit. Communicate with us to coordinate carpools and make the trip part of the experience.
No experience needed. Just come curious.
Details:
📍 Magnolia Grove Monastery (Batesville, MS, just outside Memphis)
123 Towles Rd, Batesville, MS 38606
📅 May 15–17 (Friday to Sunday, leave by lunchtime)
🚗 Communicate with us to coordinate carpools
Text Peter 314-737-8314
⚠️ Spots are limited
Sign Up on Magnolia Grove’s Website
How to Sign Up
Follow these steps to register for the Wildheart Field Trip at Magnolia Grove:
Go to the registration page:
https://magnoliagrovemonastery.org/magnolia-grove-registration-page/Scroll down to “Personal Retreats”
Click the green “Register” button.Select your date
Scroll to May 2026
Select May 15, 2026
Choose your reservation type
Under “Reservation Details,” select:
Personal Retreat Bed in Shared Room
Set your stay details
Duration: Weekend
Estimated Arrival Time: Your ETA (arrive no later than 5 PM)
Estimated Departure Time: No later than 2 PM on Sunday
Complete your information
Fill out your personal and billing details.Confirm and pay
Once you complete your reservation, submit payment to secure your spot.
The total cost for the weekend is $160.
FAQ
Logistics & Travel
How are we getting there?
You’ll need to drive. Magnolia Grove Monastery is about a 4-hour drive from Nashville, located in Batesville, Mississippi (just outside Memphis).
We’ll help coordinate carpools, so communicate with us if you’d like to join or organize one.
You can reach out to Peter Kastaris at 314-737-8314 for help coordinating.
When do we leave and arrive?
Plan to leave Nashville no later than 1 PM CT on Friday to arrive at the monastery by 5 PM CT.
We will meet at the monastery at 5 PM CT on Friday.
When do we head back?
We’ll leave the monastery around lunchtime on Sunday and be back in Nashville that same evening.
Can I drive myself?
Yes, absolutely.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at the monastery.
Accommodations
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Sleeping is in shared dorm-style rooms, with 4 cots per room.
Are accommodations separated?
Yes, dorms are split between men and women.
Are linens provided?
Please bring Bedding or sleeping bag
(They only provide a bottom fitted sheet, a pillow case and a pillow.)
Experience & Schedule
What does a typical day look like?
You’ll follow the general rhythm of the monastery. It’s structured, but relaxed and supportive.
A sample day:
5:00 AM – Wake up
5:30 AM – Sitting meditation
6:45 AM – Exercise / walking meditation
7:30 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Working meditation / Dharma talk
11:00 AM – Walking meditation / personal practice
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:30 PM – Rest period
3:00 PM – Working meditation / Dharma talk
5:00 PM – Sitting & chanting meditation
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:30 PM – Group sharing / personal time
9:30 PM – Noble silence
10:30 PM – Lights out
How much meditation is there?
Typically:
~45 minutes of sitting meditation in the morning
~30 minutes in the evening
Plus walking meditation and mindfulness throughout the day
Is the retreat silent?
No. There are periods of silence, but overall you are allowed to talk and engage with others.
Will there be guidance for beginners?
Yes. The monks and nuns provide instruction and support, and it’s very beginner-friendly.
Will there be free time?
Yes. You’ll have a couple hours of free time each day.
Experience Level
Do I need prior meditation experience?
No.
What if I’ve never been to a monastery before?
Perfect. This is a great first introduction.
Is this beginner-friendly?
Very.
Food & Dietary Needs
Are meals provided?
Yes, 3 meals per day are included.
What kind of food is served?
All meals are vegan, and much of the food is grown on-site.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
If you cannot eat vegan food for any reason, please bring additional food or snacks.
What to Bring
What should I pack?
Bring items for comfort and simplicity, such as:
Bedding or sleeping bag
(They only provide a bottom fitted sheet, a pillow case and a pillow.)Water bottle
Flashlight
Alarm clock
Towel
Toiletries
Insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Umbrella
Earplugs / eye mask
Small reading light
Optional but recommended:
Extra bedding or sleeping bag
Breathe Right strips (if helpful)
Can I bring pets?
No. Pets are not allowed due to the shared living environment.
Cost & Registration
How much does it cost?
Dorm or shared cabin: $80 per night ($160 total)
Camping or commuting: $50 per night
What does the cost include?
Your stay at the monastery and all meals during the retreat.
What if I can’t afford it?
Magnolia Grove does not want cost to be a barrier.
If needed, you can request a reduced rate directly through them.
What is the cancellation policy?
$50 cancellation fee after registering
If canceled within 3 days of the retreat, full cost is required
Community & Expectations
Am I expected to participate in everything?
Yes, participation is expected as part of the experience.
What if I need to leave early?
It’s not recommended, but do what you need to do.
Can I use my phone?
Yes, but cell service is limited, so expect to be mostly offline.
Is this a religious experience?
It is a Buddhist monastery, but nothing is forced on you. You’re welcome to engage at your own comfort level.
About Magnolia Grove
What is Magnolia Grove Monastery?
Magnolia Grove is part of the Plum Village tradition founded by Thich Nhat Hanh.
It’s a peaceful, welcoming environment with kind, experienced monks and nuns guiding the retreat.
Will there be teachers present?
Yes, you’ll be guided by monastics throughout the weekend.
How many people are going?
Spots are limited, but final numbers will depend on sign-ups.
What’s the vibe of the group?
It’s a Wildheart crew. Expect something grounded, open, and real.
Still have questions?
If you have additional questions about the monastery or retreat experience, you can visit:
https://magnoliagrovemonastery.org/personal-retreats/