Deepen Your Connection to the Web of Life

Deepen Your Connection to the Web of Life

Gain a profound understanding of your inner connection to the natural world through insightful dharma teachings, immersive nature experiences and heartfelt reflective inquiry. This is an opportunity to explore the understanding of deep ecology, foster a sense of reverence for the Earth and empower yourself to become an active participant in its healing and preservation. Through the profound power of nature-centered mindfulness and somatic healing this retreat is designed to awaken vitality with life and rekindle your connection to the world around you. Through a harmonious blend of guided practices, mindful explorations of nature, and gentle somatic healing techniques, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking new pathways to personal transformation and resilience.

Venue at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Center

See website HERE  | Photo gallery HERE  |  Address map HERE

Daily Schedule

6am           Wake up bell
6:30           Meditation
7:15            Breakfast
8:30           Morning program
12:00         Lunch
12:30-2     Free time
2:00           Afternoon program
5:00           Dinner
6:00           Evening program
8:30-9       Ready for bed/sleep

What you will love:

• Guidance and instruction in all of the actives described above
• Sitting, walking, and play time in beautiful wild setting
• Free time for rest and rejuvenation
• Evening “community-building” and celebration
• One-on-ones with the teachers
• Delicious plant-based meals, and tea and coffee
• Your choice of lodging: single room or outdoor tent site

What you will leave with

• Renewed sense of vitality
• Wholesome understanding of trauma and ways to transform life
• Feeling more engaged and alive with life
• Clarity on your place in the web of life
• Ability to resource yourself as you do the work you are called to do in life and with the Earth

What you should know

• Our retreat is designed to be enjoyable, not rigorous … and participants are expected to have an open mind and heart as we build our community and share experiences together:
• There will be a flow between alone time and group time, but come prepared to enjoy others, and participate in community and group activities.
• Use of silence: every effort is made to support a deep and fruitful retreat, and noble silence can be a valuable part of the process. We will weave periods of silence into the retreat at strategic times, to allow you to go deeper within.
• We will all share in the community work around meal preparation and cleanup.You will be able to choose your helper/yogi job. Most participants find serving others in this way quite enjoyable, and a great opportunity for practice in action.
• Some mindfulness experience is valuable but not required, and beginners are welcome. Complete mindfulness instructions will be given, appropriate for your level.
• No background understanding of trauma is necessary. There will be time to learn, explore and understand ways to be in relationship to what the various types of traumas are, as well as safe and supportive practices to heal.
• If you choose to camp, then some camping experience (car camping or backpacking) is helpful, but not required. You can stay as close to the Lodge or as far away as you like.
• You should be in good health, able to sit and walk outdoors, tolerate the 8,500 foot elevation, and smile through sudden weather changes.
• Bring the necessary clothing and equipment to enjoy being outdoors in a variety of conditions. We will be able to be indoors in inclement weather but otherwise will be sitting, eating and walking outdoors.
• Please note that the center is at 8,500 feet, similar to most Colorado ski towns. If you are concerned about acclimating from sea level, please consider a day or two in the Denver/Boulder area before the retreat. You may also want to consider bringing supplements to support acclimation.
• It is important to us that everyone makes a commitment to be present for the entirety of the retreat (from Tuesday at 4pm through Sunday at 1pm), so please plan your travel arrangements accordingly! Program starts: Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 and ends Sunday August 25th, 2024
• You will be unplugged and out of cell phone or wifi reach — during the retreat. Please complete all personal business before you arrive. The staff will have the ability to make and receive emergency calls on your behalf, but the phone is not available for personal use.

Lodging Options – view lodging options here

You may camp in a beautiful campsite, or stay in the lodge.  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

$465    Camping
$550    Glamping
$550    Semi-private Nook (single)
$550    Mini Single
$780    Single Room
$465|$930  RV Camping
$630    Shared Double (2 single beds; cost per person)
$1260  Double (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 $180 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 $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.

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