In this silent meditation retreat we explore the innate quality of awareness: what it is, how to recognize it, and how to cultivate and abide within it. We investigate how continuity of mindfulness practice supports a depth and stability of awareness, and inquire into what interferes with fully stabilizing in awareness both in meditation and in ordinary activity. As mindfulness grows, we see how this capacity for awareness is available in every moment. The retreat includes periods of sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, inquiry, and discussion.

Are you ready to enter into the beauty and serenity of nature at Esalen? In this mindfulness in nature workshop, you will spend the entire time meditating and opening the senses in the stunning natural beauty of the Big Sur coast. Developing a sensory, embodied attention in the outdoors will open you to beautiful states of joy, delight and wonder.

On this retreat, we will cultivate a receptive, embodied quality of attention. This awareness supports learning from nature’s teachings on impermanence, the illusion of our separateness, and the interdependence of all life. We will also explore how nature evokes not only profound insight but also brings forth the capacity for resilience and inspired action in these ecologically-challenging times.

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.

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.