Nature Workshops/Classes

In the storms of our lives we need refuge, nourishment, and support—a place to replenish our tired bodies and troubled hearts. When the Buddha offered his teachings, his first instruction was to go meditate under a tree. Throughout this retreat, we will practice together in the age-old tradition of being outside in the company of the natural world. We will explore tapping into the natural stillness and dynamism that surrounds us and teaches us. As we integrate stillness and movement, we move toward being active participants in the world while maintaining balance and ease in our hearts and minds.

Following ancient spiritual traditions that value the transformative power of nature, this experiential workshop will be spent meditating entirely outdoors among the natural beauty and mystery of Esalen. Whether under a blazing sunset or in the stillness of cypress trees, we will open to the profound serenity and wisdom of nature. We will cultivate mindfulness — being present to ourselves while developing a contemplative relationship with nature. This leads to beautiful states of joy, peace, wonder, love and connection with oneself, one another and the larger web of life.

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.

This silent retreat is grounded in the practice of Mindfulness – the capacity to be present to ourselves and our environment. 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 Vallecitos Mountain Ranch both in solitude and as part of the group.

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.

Led by Mark Coleman and based on his book, Awake in the Wild, this is a Vipassana meditation retreat and sea kayaking trip in the pristine wilderness of the Sea of Cortez. The retreat will be mostly in silence to support the meditative process, and there will be several periods of meditation daily as well as time for discussion, talks on the themes of meditation in nature, talking circles and opportunities for one to one work with the Mark Coleman. There will also be free time to paddle, swim, snorkel and enjoy this spectacular setting.

How often do you find yourself truly disconnecting from the chaos of daily life to reconnect with nature and your inner self, particularly during the chaos of the holiday season? Can you envision how connecting with your body, community, and the natural world could lead to a profound sense of gratitude and awe that could carry you forward? This spacious workshop will be an invitation to unplug, reset and realign as we connect to ourselves, others and nature.