Beginner / Beginner's Mind Silent Meditation Retreat

Beginner / Beginner’s Mind Silent Meditation Retreat

If you have a meditation practice and have wanted to attend a meditation retreat, this long weekend is an excellent fit for first-time retreat goers. It is also open to anyone wanting time to unplug, enjoy Noble Silence, and deepen their meditation practice. The schedule is devoted almost entirely to silent meditation, but there is also time for hiking, one-on-one teacher support from Upali, and Dharma talks in the evenings. All levels of practice experience are welcome.

Upali will teach most readily from a Pragmatic Dharma perspective, utilizing his formal training in Shamatha-Vipassana to teach meditative techniques. He also teaches with a student-centric approach, meaning he treats students as the experts of their practice.

Via immersion in nature, extended meditation, and a healthy routine, an intended outcome of this retreat is that you leave feeling refreshed and inspired with a deeper connection to yourself, your practice, and the meditative path.

Venue at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Center

See website HERE  | Photo gallery HERE  |  Address map HERE

Retreat Information

Daily Schedule

Lodging Options – view lodging options here

You will stay in the lodge for this retreat, camping is not available.  There are a limited number of single lodging options, such as single rooms, mini singles and glamping.  All the other rooms are shared accommodations.  Contact Kathy at registrar@rmerc.org for any rooming questions.

Lodging Prices are inclusive of all retreat costs

$375           Mini Single
$375           Glamping
$320|$640     RV Camping (single/double)
$375          Semi-Private Nook (single) see details on registration page
$535          Single Room
$43o          Shared Room  (2 single beds; cost per person).
$860         Double Room (see note above)  (1 double bed; cost per couple).

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 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. But do not let cost be an impediment to your attending.

Payment, Deposits

A non-refundable deposit of $120 is due at the time of registration. Full payment is due 60 days before the retreat start date; you will receive an email reminder before your credit card is automatically charged at that time.

Cancellation, and Refund Policies

If you cancel your retreat at any time, the $120 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.

Teacher Donations (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.

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 ends 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 1:00pm to reach the retreat center on time. Return flights departing from the Denver airport should leave no earlier than 4:30pm, so you can get to the airport on time. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early or arriving late. If camping, you might want to allow some extra time to set up your tent before the retreat starts.

Please note that the center is at 8500 feet, similar to most Colorado ski towns. If you are concerned about acclimating from sea level, you might consider arriving a day or two in the Denver/Boulder area before the retreat.

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 on the last day. 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, coffee and such are available all day long, along with some simple snacks such as mixed nuts and fruit. 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.

Special Needs

Figuring menus and quantities, shopping, organizing, and cooking are complex and crucial tasks for a retreat. All meals are ovo-lacto vegetarian with vegan and gluten free options available.  We can accommodate common food allergies such as gluten or dairy, but not food preferences. Make sure to include on the registration form full details of any special allergy or health needs you have beyond basic vegetarian, and we will contact you if they require discussion.

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.

What to Bring: Click Here for a What to Bring List