You optimize everything except yourself.
In a world of endless information and AI, stillness is where you access your own intelligence. Open Space is a silent retreat for people who never stop: entrepreneurs, creatives, and doers. What you need most isn't another thing to do. It's a quiet space, away from your phone, for your mind to rest, process, and settle. Silence is where the noise of daily life clears and your own wisdom rises to the surface. You come back lighter, sharper, and reconnected to what matters.
Nothing
to answer
Phones go in a box on arrival. No pings, no half-attention. The quiet does the rest.
Nothing
to perform
Nobody's pitching, networking, or keeping up appearances. For a few days, nothing here runs on your output.
Nothing
to decide
A held rhythm of sitting, walking, rest and real food. I take care of the shape of the day.
Morning sit, Los Angeles.
About
I spent years running hard, always on, mistaking motion for progress. What I actually needed was space. So I built it.
I sold my construction business to follow a simpler calling: helping busy people reconnect with themselves. I did my first Vipassana at nineteen, and I now teach mindfulness across North America through retreats built for high performers.
Open Space is the retreat I wish I had back then, a place to put the thinking down, let your mind clear, and experience real peace. Now I hold that space for you.
Benn Van Ryn · Founder & Facilitator
Upcoming
Hear about future retreats.
Leave your details and I'll follow up personally when dates open. A short note when there's news, nothing else.
Past retreats
There comes a point in your career where the quality of your decision-making matters more than brute effort. This weekend gave me the clarity and space to make the biggest decisions in my business.
Genuinely life changing. I will never forget how remarkable I felt after doing Holotropic breathwork with Benn.
I reached a point of relaxation and presence I've never reached before in my life.
Life changing experience.
Having the space for your brain to just process things allowed me to work through so many different thoughts... It was really awesome, and actually very productive.
I'm always go-go-go in my business. Being able to step back, get some space and clarity, and connect with everyone here was incredible. I highly recommend it.
Questions
What is a silent retreat?
A few days of held quiet where you set down talking, messaging, and the usual performing, so your mind has room to rest and settle. There is a gentle rhythm of meditation, yoga, walking, rest, and real food.
Who are these retreats for?
Busy people who rarely stop: entrepreneurs, creatives, and doers who want space to think clearly again. No particular background is needed.
Do I need meditation experience?
No. The retreats are built to be a gentle, welcoming introduction, and they also give experienced meditators room to go deeper.
What happens to my phone?
Phones go in a box on arrival. No pings and no half attention, which is where most of the value comes from.
Where are the retreats held?
At beautiful properties in Ontario and Québec, Canada, with a retreat in Rishikesh, India.
Questions before you sit with us?
Write to me directly and I'll help you figure out whether a silent retreat is the right thing for you right now. I answer every note myself.
benn@openspaceretreats.com
Before you go
Retreats fill in days, not weeks.
Leave your email and I'll tell you when the next open space is available.
You're on the list. Talk soon.