Wild Heart: Opening to Ourselves as Nature (Silent Retreat)

Description: 

The Buddha often encouraged his followers to go into the forest to spend extended periods of time in retreat. He recommended this because to connect with the natural world is to connect with human nature. We, as humans, are nature after all. With modernization and the busyness of our day to day lives, the truth of our true nature has been forgotten and the results can be seen all around us. Stress, pollution, climate catastrophe, all speak to our disconnection from who and what we really are.

On this silent retreat, we will explore natural, sensory-based awareness and embodied mindfulness through the practices of meditation, Qigong, yoga, and inquiry. Held at the Land of Medicine Buddha (LMB) in the Santa Cruz mountains of Northern California, this sacred land offers an idyllic environment for you to connect with yourself and the world around you. In addition to our sessions together, there will also be plenty of free time to explore the lush forests surrounding LMB and the many stupas and shrines on the land.

When, Where & Investment

June 22-28th 2023 at Land of the Medicine Buddha in Soquel, California.

The retreat will commence after dinner on June, 22nd.  Check-in time is at 3:00pm. We recommend arriving at the centre around 3pm so you can be settled before dinner, and be prepared for our first session, which will start around 7:00pm.

The retreat will end the morning of June 28th. We recommend booking your flights so you can stay for the entire duration of the retreat.

The cost to attend is ranges from $1650-$3100 US, depending on room choice. You can choose from a private room, shared room, private and shared yurts and camping.

A 50% deposit is required to hold your place at the retreat.

Sample Schedule: 

7:00am- Silent meditation

7:30am- Stretching & Free Movement

9:00am- Breakfast and free time

11:00-1:00- Qigong/Movement Session

1:00pm Lunch and free time

4-5:30 Yin Yoga and Meditation

6:00pm Dinner and free time

8:00pm Dharma Talk, guided meditation or breath work

Journaling and reflection

10:00pm- Lights out