Awake in the Wild – Cultivating Awareness, Wisdom and Love in Nature

Cultivating Awareness, Wisdom and Love in Nature

Like the Buddha, people for millennia have sought refuge, clarity and wisdom in nature. In this silent, fully outdoor nature retreat, you will meditate in the serenity and beauty of mountains and meadows, while cultivating potent yet accessible sensory awareness practices that open you to insight, interconnection and well-being. This nature immersion provide the perfect antidote to our busy, digital and stressed lives.

During the retreat, you will cultivate a receptive, embodied quality of mindful attention. This awareness supports learning from nature’s wisdom teachings on change, letting go, equanimity and sensing intimately ones inter-connection with all life. You will also explore how nature evokes not only profound insight but also opens the heart to a profound love for the earth and all species. This love is the fuel for and inspired action in these ecologically challenging times.

There will be nature-based sitting and walking practice, Dharma talks and group meetings. There’s also time to explore the beauty of nature with contemplative presence both alone and in community. Be prepared for unexpected delight, awe, mystery, silence and illumination.

Venue at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Center

See website HERE  | Photo gallery HERE  |  Address map HERE

Silence

Every effort is made to support a deep and fruitful retreat, and noble silence is a valuable part of the process.  With exceptions for dharma talks and other modes of support, and special discussions, we will be in silence.

Lodging Options – view lodging options here

• $625            Camping
• $735            Mini Single
• $735            Glamping
• $625|$1250      RV Camping (single/double)
• $735             Semi-Private Nook (single) see details on registration page
• $1040          Single Room
• $845            Shared Room  (2 single beds; cost per person).
• $1690          Double Room (see note above)  (1 double bed; cost per couple).

Cost and Dana

The cost of the retreat is set as low as possible and only covers expenses: renting the center, food, cooks, insurance, and staff travel.   None of this cost share goes to the teacher, who is solely supported by the dana (generosity) of the participants. In the tradition of the Buddha, teachings are offered without a set fee, keeping costs as low as possible, so no one is excluded due to finances. In turn, we ask that your donation be as generous as possible within your means. Please bring a check or cash. We are grateful for your support.

Scholarships

It is our intention that cost not be an impediment to practice.  If you cannot afford to attend without a fee reduction, you can ask for a scholarship on the registration web site, and then just pay the remaining amount.

Anyone with financial hardship is welcome to apply and will be assessed based on needs and fund availability. We ask that you request the lowest amount required to attend the retreat, so that we can offer support to as many people as possible. Do not let cost be an impediment to your attending.

Payment, Deposits

A non-refundable deposit of $180 is due at the time of registration. Full payment is due 60 days before the retreat start date; your credit card will automatically be charged at that time.

Cancellation, and Refund Policies

• If you cancel your retreat at any time, the $180 registration fee is not refunded.
• Cancellations received 60-30 days prior will get a refund of half of the final payment.
• Cancellations 30-7 days prior will get a refund of a quarter of the final payment.
• For cancellations inside of 7 days there will be no refunds.

Infectious Disease Policy

See the complete infectious disease policy here.

RMERC prioritizes creating a safe and comfortable retreat environment. While we don’t require vaccinations, testing, or masks, individual retreats might have stricter policies. We recommend wearing N95 masks during travel and self-monitoring your health before arrival. If you experience symptoms, contact the retreat leader and consider adjusting your plans. HEPA air purifiers are available in shared rooms, and mask-wearing is always welcome.

Time and Transportation

The retreat begins at 4:00pm on the first day, and end about 1:00pm after lunch on the last day.  If you are flying into Denver, the airport is about 90 minutes from the center, so you should plan on your flight arriving no later than 1:30pm to reach the retreat center on time. Return flights departing from the Denver airport should leave no earlier than 4pm, so you can get to the airport on time. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early. As many participants will be camping, you might want to allow some extra time to set up your tent before the retreat starts.

Contact

You will be out of contact with no internet access or cellphone service during the retreat. Please complete all personal business before you arrive. The staff will have the ability to make and receive emergency calls or emails on your behalf, but phone and internet are not available for personal use.

Food and Meals

Three simple vegetarian meals a day will be provided from dinner the first day through lunch of the last, including solo food which does not require cooking. If you want a snack between meals, or supplemental protein such as jerky or packaged fish, you can bring a small quantity of packaged unrefrigerated food. Tea and coffee along with milk and sweeteners are available before and during breakfast. Please do not bring anything that needs refrigeration (medicine excepted). Excessive snacks are unnecessary: if you need a boost, a little gorp or an energy bar is sufficient for most people.

To allow us to be out on the land we will be packing our lunches after breakfast. Please bring a plastic container or two with tight fitting lids to carry your lunch in.

Special Needs

Figuring menus and quantities, shopping, organizing, and cooking are complex and crucial tasks for a retreat. We provide simple, wholesome, natural, predominantly organic, vegetarian meals. We can accommodate common food allergies such as gluten, soy or dairy, but not preferences. Make sure to include on the registration form full details of any special allergy or health needs you have beyond basic vegetarian.

Helper (Yogi) Jobs

Some of the work necessary to support the group will be handled by participants during the retreat. You will be able to choose your yogi job, and will keep it throughout the retreat. Most participants find serving others in this way quite enjoyable, and a great opportunity for practice in action.

Click Here for Mark’s What to Bring List