A meditation retreat in nature is a unique way to be in the natural world. Normally we are so busy doing something in nature, or talking so much that we fail to appreciate the subtlety, mystery and beauty of the natural world. The retreat is designed to support a full immersion in the wonders of nature. It is also designed to support our inner journey, so we can see more clearly the truth of who we are, and listen to the deeper calling of our heart.

Silence

Quieting the external noise of conversation helps the mind and heart become more still. It is in such quietude that we can fully attune to the depth of silence in nature. Many insights and mysteries are revealed when we become that quiet. It allows an openness to the exquisite perfection in nature. It also enables us to have a deeper and clearer understanding of ourselves, who we are, and what issues we may be working with at this time. Nature is the ultimate healer. To allow it to do her work, we need to cultivate a receptivity to her wisdom.

Meditation

On Nature Retreats, we draw on ancient and contemporary techniques of Buddhist meditation. We learn how to cultivate a simple yet profound quality of mindful awareness in the discipline of meditation. The meditation is essential in developing a profound quality of attention. It leads to a deep quality of presence not just with our own experience, but also with the natural world. It also allows us to learn how to deeply listen, to both ourselves and our environment. To understand the teachings and messages coming from the natural world, we need a certain sensitivity that mindful presence develops. This sensibility also opens us to a joy, receptivity and appreciation, as our hearts deepen in love and aliveness.

For experienced meditators who have not meditated outside or in nature, this is an opportunity to broaden and deepen your understanding of what meditation is, and what it can be. It is a situation that allows you to explore, more fully, living in a mindful way in nature, yet not in the context of a formal retreat in a meditation center. Most people find that meditation outside creates a more spacious, easeful quality in the mind and heart. Meditation outside is not only experienced as more natural, but it also leads to a heartfelt inter-conection with life and insights into our inter-connection with all of life.

What to Expect

The retreats are primarily in silence. The days are a blend of hiking, meditation, group check-in, setting up camp, free time to explore, swimming in nearby lakes and streams and guidance and talks on the themes of meditation and being in nature as a spiritual practice. Generally a day goes like this; We wake up close to sunrise, meditate, have breakfast and then if we are moving that day, pack up the camp. Every morning there is a guided meditation and a theme for the day is introduced. Before hiking there is a brief talking circle to give everyone a chance to check-in. The rest of the day goes like this: morning hike, lunch, hike, set up camp, free time to rest, explore, swim, then meditation, dinner, free time, meditation, a talk and led discussion around the camp-fire, then bed or more time under the stars. There are generally 2-3 days on most trips when we are not hiking. On those days, we have more time to meditate, explore the local terrain without backpacks, and have individual meetings with the teacher to check in and talk about your meditation or what is happening for you on the retreat. On some retreats there is an opportunity to do a 24 hour solo time. There will also be guidance about the local landscape, geology, flora, fauna, helping us to orient more fully to the geography we are walking in.

Buddhist Practice

The retreats are informed by twenty years of study with many forms of Asian meditation traditions, primarily within Insight Meditation Buddhist tradition. This tradition uses the practice of mindfulness as the basis for developing insight, wisdom and compassion, and transforming suffering into peace, ease and freedom. The emphasis on these retreats is not so much about learning about Buddhism per se, but to use those teachings to facilitate a deeper awareness of ourselves and our environment so that we can deepen our experience in the wilderness.

Mindfulness meditation is a training of mind and heart in how to be with the simplicity of our direct experience. Through this meditation, we learn how to develop a clear and subtle awareness, so we can be fully in the present, embodied and awake to the life around us. This awareness allows us to open more deeply to the truth, mystery and wonder of life. It can awaken a much deeper sensitivity to the natural world.

Preparation

You do not have to be a Buddhist or a meditator to join these retreats. An openness and willingness to engage in the practices offered is all that is required. Learning mindfulness meditation in a class or course prior to coming will make this journey richer, but is not a pre-requisite.

Similarly you do not have to have had a lot of wilderness experience, it can help but it is not essential. The retreats are led by experienced guides who are very familiar with the local terrain, and in leading outdoor retreats. Getting in shape will help with the physical aspect of the course. Hiking, especially with a backpack in the months leading up to the course will be the most effective physical preparation.

See the schedule of nature retreats for details about specific retreats.