In this retreat we join the long tradition of elders within both indigenous societies and contemplative traditions in seeking out the refuge of the wider natural world in order to become more intimate with a larger ground of belonging. We do this to fall more deeply in love with this life and to better serve life.

During our days we will weave together three threads: individual contemplative practice, community inquiry and a deepening relationship with the land. Meditation instruction will be offered around the four foundations of mindfulness alongside a range of experiential nature-based practices that complement these foundations. A significant part of the retreat will be held in silence, interspersed with periods of shared exploration through dialogue and informal time for simply being together as a small temporary community. There will also be opportunity for solo time.

This is a backcountry retreat. We will be backpacking approximately 5 miles to a basecamp, where we will spend all four nights of our retreat. As a participant, you must supply your own backpacking and camping gear, food for lunch and personal snacks. We will provide a packing list upon registration.

This retreat is offered in the spirit of generosity, co-offered by Kirsten Rudestam and Rupert Marques. We ask for a fee of $150-$300, which covers the retreat costs: food, teacher travel, supplies and incidental expenses. After the retreat there will be an opportunity for participants to practice generosity in offering financial support to the teachers.