Like the Buddha, people for millennia have sought refuge, clarity, and wisdom in the natural world. On this silent mindfulness retreat in the serenity and beauty of nature, we will explore potent awareness and heart-based meditations that open the heart and mind to insight, interconnection with life, and a profound peace.

During our time together, we will use immersion-in-nature to cultivate a receptive, embodied quality of attention. This awareness supports learning from nature’s teachings on impermanence, the illusion of our separateness, and the inter-dependence of all life.  We will also explore how nature evokes not only profound insight and genuine transformation but also brings forth the capacity for inspired action in a changing ecological world.

This silent retreat is grounded in the practice of Mindfulness – the capacity to be present to ourselves and our environment. Participants will learn to bring this receptive presence to develop a contemplative relationship with nature. By cultivating an inner quiet and curious spirit we can learn from nature as a perennial teacher. The natural world reveals timeless Dharma teachings that support a natural letting go and a wise relationship to all experience.

Participants will also discover how meditative time outdoors leads to beautiful states of joy, peace, wonder, love and connection with oneself, each other and the larger web of life.

On the retreat there will be guided nature-based meditations, mindful walks, Dharma talks on meditation and nature and group meetings with the teacher. There will be time to relish in the silence outdoors and to explore the wilderness of Rocky Mountain Eco-dharma Retreat Center both in solitude and as part of the group.

To support a depth of meditative awareness, complete silence is maintained throughout the retreat except during meetings with your teachers and group discussion.

This workshop is appropriate for beginners and experienced meditators who are curious about meditation, mindfulness, and how to deepen your insight practice and open your connection to the mystery of the natural world.  Be prepared for unexpected delight, mystery, silence, and illumination.

About Rocky Mountain Eco-Dharma Center

A rustic retreat center, at 8,500 feet, replete with alpine meadows, spruce forests, birdsong and bugling elk, all under a view of Colorado’s iconic Continental Divide.

RMERC brings Buddhism and Dharma back into the natural world where they originated, and fosters the clarity and compassion needed to better address the ecological crisis and inextricably related social justice issues. We call this Ecodharma.

180 acres of private river, meadow and woodland at an altitude of 8500 feet adjacent to National Forest and just a few miles from the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The land is set aside as a nature preserve and home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, bear and beaver.

• Three historic buildings; sleeps up to 30 people.
• Incredible views of the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountains.
• Minutes from Indian Peaks Wilderness.
• 1.5 hours from Denver Int’l Airport.
• Permanent conservation easement as a nature preserve.
• Bordered by National Forest and other protected private land.