Many people experience a lot of pressure, stress, and loneliness during the holiday season. Come bathe in the energy of mindfulness with families, friends, and the monastic Brothers and Sisters. You can breathe the fresh air, enjoy beautiful nature, and feel loved and at ease with everyone around you. You will have a chance to apply mindfulness as a miraculous tool in daily life, so that you can be fresh and efficient, and, at the same time, restful and stable throughout. We will have special sessions of beginning anew, making resolutions in concrete steps, touching the earth, and deep relaxation. It’s a time to celebrate togetherness with a joyful and supportive spiritual community.

We will use the practices of mindfulness to touch the miracles of life in the midst of the mundane. The retreat includes daily teachings on mindfulness and sessions of walking meditation, sitting meditation and eating meditation. We will also have the chance to strengthen our capacities for deep listening and loving speech through the practices of Deep Relaxation, Touchings of the Earth, Beginning Anew, and Dharma sharing.

There will also be opportunities to share mindfully and joyfully in the daily tasks of maintaining the monastery through the practice of working meditation. Everyone will work together in small groups―washing pots, gardening, cleaning the meditation hall, and so on.

The retreat is open to all, including beginners, those who have previously attended retreats, and families with children. The first part of the Dharma talks is normally dedicated to children. The nuns and monks will offer separate practice programs for teens (ages 13-17) and children (ages 6-12). Parents are welcome to participate/volunteer to help out in the children’s program if they would like.

We welcome the participation of people from all backgrounds. We are committed to fostering a practice environment where all may touch the Dharma and find healing and nourishment.

Pricing:

• Dormitory – Adult $260 | Teen $182 | Child $130 | Students (18-26)/Seniors (65+) $220
• Cabin – Adult $350 | Teen $245 | Child $175 | Students (18-26)/Seniors (65+) $240