with Mark Coleman and Kirsten Rudestam
This retreat will be spent meditating entirely outdoors in the natural beauty and mystery here at Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center. Whether it is during sunset meditations, listening to the soothing sounds of the river, or sitting graced in the stillness of the aspen trees, we will open to the profound serenity and wisdom of nature.
This silent retreat is grounded in the practice of Mindfulness – the capacity to be present to our inner and outer landscapes. 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. Also revealed are timeless insights into essential truths 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 Vallecitos 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 retreat is appropriate for those early in their retreat practice and experienced meditators who are curious about meditation outdoors, 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 Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center
Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center is nestled in the Tusas Mountains, where wildlife abounds among alpine meadows, mountain ponds, ponderosa pines and aspen groves. The 135-acre private mountain retreat center, surrounded by 300,000 acres of National Forest, is a dedicated wildlife refuge frequented by elk, deer, bear, beaver, wild horses, eagles, 60 species of birds and many other creatures. The Vallecitos River, protected under federal law, runs through the mountain retreat center. Trails wind in and around the retreat center offering extraordinary opportunities to reconnect with nature.