Ecodharma Training and Nature Retreat for Experienced Practitioners, Dharma Leaders and Teachers

Impermanent Sangha Ecodharma Training and Nature Retreat for Experienced Practitioners, Dharma Leaders, and Teachers.

This retreat is for more experienced Meditators, Dharma Leaders and Teachers; if you have any questions about that please ask. The other two Inner Outer Retreat before this one are open to all.

During this eleven-day Ecodharma nature immersion there is workshop and silent retreat time, and time to just relate, based on the understanding that we need both time for being in nature, AND being in community. The two together let us find the inner and outer resiliency that facilitates an authentic and appropriate response to the suffering within and around.  In this way, the retreat is co-created within ourselves, among each other, and with and by the Earth, animals and plants.

The ecological crisis is the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced.  In looking for appropriate ways of being and responding amid the fires of our world, how can we offer support, guidance and grounding through Dharma? Ecodharma is the emerging understanding of this that encourages us to work with the adversity that faces us all as part of nature.

This Ecodharma retreat starts with the realization that human self separation from nature is at the root of the ecological crises facing civilization. We are experiencing the catastrophic results of centuries of attempted ‘mastery’ over the lands, air, animals, waters and plants to which we owe our lives. Reconnecting ourselves to the beautiful kinship of ecological systems is one of many ways that spiritual practice can inform and facilitate deeper healing, both for ourselves as individuals and for our interdependence with all beings: plant, animal, and human. As we experience more deeply our lived interconnection, we are pointed towards our shared being with the earth, and all that is on it.

Retreat Program

We begin our time together connecting deeply with the natural world, grounding ourselves in the joy, gratitude and healing of being and practicing outside in beauty, while simultaneously building a supportive sangha together. There will be times of formal and informal discussion and relating, as well as for silent practice throughout the day.

Then we will begin to explore the more challenging side of our relationship with nature: the grief, fear, anger, sadness and guilt we feel as the earth’s climate and ecosystems deteriorate, along with increasing social, economic and political unraveling. Together we will touch into eco-trauma, anxiety and grief, however they manifest in us, while supported by deepening nature practice and sangha relationships.

After detailed preparation, there is then a two-day/two-night solo, in which solitude and silence increase our individual capacity to see, hear, and feel the connections between our inner and outer nature, building our confidence, resilience, and joy. After the solo time we re-gather, inspiring and learning from one another the different ways we will each continue to work with purpose.

Now in its seventh year, this workshop retreat is a true co-creation of each group, and as such is continuously evolving and growing. We invite each person joining us to bring your unique views, experiences and understanding into the collective space. Each year we experiment with new forms, ask deeper questions and come to a better understanding of Ecodharma individually and collectively. One of our sincere goals in this training is to support and catalyze deep personal experiential learning that you can apply to your own dharma practice and leadership, giving it more authenticity and creativity. Our hope is that this experience informs, motivates, and empowers us all to bring Eco into our dharma, and that our unique expressions will ripple out into our own lives and communities.

This retreat finds a balance between silence and community-building with engagement of our peers. There are opportunities for those who wish for greater silence, as well as for those who wish for greater connection with fellow participants. There will also be opportunities to share our own unique learnings and gifts with each other as we integrate the insights we discover during these eleven days. The evolution of this unique retreat is inspired by a plethora of sources and experiences, but we acknowledge the special gift of the work of Joanna Macy.

FOR COMMENTS FROM PAST PARTICIPANTS SCROLL TO BOTTOM

This Retreat Includes:

Deep guidance and instruction for meditation in nature (both sitting and walking) and how to deepen our experience and connection with nature, while dissolving the sense of a fixed and separate self observing a world of things “out there”.

• Sitting and walking meditation in beautiful wild settings.
• Breakout into small groups daily for sharing and discussion.
• Time for connecting and conversation (silent option available as well
• Free time for meditation and rest.
• Evening campfire dharma talk
• Two or more private discussions with a teacher.
• Three wonderful vegetarian meals daily, and all food (no cooking needed) for solos.
• Camping and indoor lodging options.
• A two day, two night solo.
• IF YOU REGISTER FOR THIS RETREAT AND THE  ONE BEFORE IT, THE EXTRA NIGHTS IN BETWEEN ARE FREE.  It will be a camping solo, with some food provided. Please inquire.

Immersion in Nature (Solo Time)

Being alone in nature is powerful medicine, and an incredible opportunity. The personal solo is a time to heal, connect, explore and relax: opening deeply to the power and beauty of the environment, with the freedom that solitude provides. Over time, the elements, plants and animals become our teachers, the land our home, and silence our cherished companion.

The solo does not require intense physical exertion, or even backpacking, you can stay in the campground near the lodge if you prefer not to go far, or even sleep in the lodge if you are unable to camp. This is not a survival course or an ordeal, and does not require anything physically challenging, except simply being in nature, as nature.

There is ample instruction, preparation, support, and flexibility with this, so you can benefit fully from the experience, and the teachers will provide anything extra or special you need. All necessary food is provided, with no cooking or stove necessary. You can spend your solo time (two days and two nights) in a location of your choice, from next to the lodge to deep in the forest. Most past participants have found the solo a highlight of their retreat. If you are are unable to camp during the solo, you can continue sleeping in your lodging. Otherwise plan on bringing a tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc. so you can camp out. If you are coming on the retreat as a couple, you will each need your own tent.

General Retreat Guidelines

• This retreat is for dharma teachers and leaders, and experienced practitioners. If you are not sure if it is right for you, please inquire. The other two prior Inner Outer retreats are open to everyone.
• Participants are expected to maintain silence during silent parts of the day, to help with yogi jobs,  and to cooperate with the group structure.
• Some camping experience (car camping or backpacking) is helpful, but not necessary.
• You should be in good health, able to camp and hike (at least the easier) trails at the center.
• Please bring all necessary clothing and equipment to enjoy being outdoors in a variety of conditions. We will be outdoors a lot, in the barn or lodge in case of bad weather, including meditating, eating and walking.

Time and Transportation

The retreat begins at 4:00pm on the first day, and ends 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 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.

Approximate Daily Schedule

We awaken at first light, hot water and coffee are available, and we meditate outside. Then breakfast is put out, and everyone eats and then packs a trail lunch. Daily activities include being out on the land doing sitting, walking, and hiking meditation, including meditation instruction, with teacher support including individual and small group practice discussions. After dinner there is an evening meditation, followed by a dharma talk around the campfire, and then bedtime or optional practice when it gets dark.

Silence

Every effort is made to support a deep and fruitful retreat, and periods of noble silence are a valuable part of the process. The daily schedule includes times of silence, and also times of engagement and relating. Having a mature practice allows the group to go in and out of silence, enjoying the benefits of both.

Lodging

You may camp in a beautiful campsite, or stay in the lodge. Lodge rooms are for single individuals or couples or friends consenting to room together.  If you reserve a space in a single room, you may request to change your rooming to a double, with another consenting participant. Your cost will be adjusted to reflect the cost of a double room.  Contact Kathy at registrar@rmerc.org if you will be rooming with another participants.

Lodging Options

• $1145  Camping
• $1280 RV Camping
• $1280  Glamping
• $1280  Curtain Room
• $1505  Single Room
• $1280  Semi-Private Nook (single) see more details on registration page
• $2740  Shared Double Room (2 single beds; cost for couples).
• $2740 Shared Double Room (1 double bed; cost for couples).

Cost and Dana (Donation)

Impermanent Sangha sets the cost of the retreat as low as possible and only covers expenses: renting the center, food, cooks, insurance, and staff travel. The teachers and manager are not paid, and are supported solely by your generosity. Please plan on bringing one check for this (it is shared by all the teachers).

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. But do not let cost be an impediment to your attending; if you need a scholarship, please get one.

Payment, Deposits

You pay $180 registration fee at registration. Full payment is due 60 days before the program starts (your credit card will be automatically charged at this 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

None of this cost share goes to the teachers or to the manager, who are 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 for the teachers. We are grateful for your support.

Covid Information

Please read the complete RMERC covid policy here.   The Covid policy may change at anytime in accordance with the teacher’s discretion. This helps us all create a safe and comfortable sangha.

PRE-RETREAT. To ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that you wear an N95 mask during travel, especially while in planes and other public spaces, regardless of federal rules, and that you are really careful for 10 days before your retreat. If you have any COVID symptoms please do not come to RMERC until you are well.

To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, RMERC requires that everyone arriving at the retreat center provide a negative covid test result, preferably from a PCR test, taken less than 96 hours before the retreat.  If a PCR is not accessible, we require two rapid home tests, the first taken the day before the retreat, and the second taken the day of the retreat, with 24-36 hours between the two tests. Those using home tests should take time-stamped photos of both test results. This proof of negative test results must be presented before entering the lodge for your retreat.

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, and we will contact you if they require discussion.

(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 a What to Bring List-

Please bring everything on the list, including optional items.

Comments From Past Participants:

“The Inner/Outer Nature Ecodharma retreat program is a fantastic opportunity to step into deeper connection with the natural world through innovative meditation practice, sangha, and dharma guidance. The community of participants, teachers, and staff were friendly and fully supportive. The practices on the land are thoughtfully orchestrated, the vistas spectacular, and the experiences transformative. This is an excellent program and the climate emphasis is thoughtfully integrated. I strongly encourage you to consider joining.”

Blake Hestir, PhD, Professor of Philosophy TCU, Ft. Worth, TX

“I have attended many meditation retreats, but the Ecodharma training was the first one outdoors. Johann and David prepared us well for getting to know our nature, in nature. I was nervous about a two-day solo in the woods, but by the time it came I felt knowledgeable and well supported. I came away with my love of nature transformed from something afar to an intimate love from within. Much gratitude to the teachers for reconnecting me to the nature in Buddha-nature, for creating collective space to grieve the ecological crisis, and for offering so many ways to live into the work still to be done.”

Ana Monica Ryan, San Francisco, CA and Founder, Sala Dana Meditation Center, Madrid, ES

“In the weeks since our retreat ended, I’ve been pondering the experience. All summaries seem inadequate. The best I can come up with is a feeling that I had been changed in ways I couldn’t identify and couldn’t explain. At RMERC the whole is so much greater than the parts. Deep, deep gratitude to David, Johann, and the team for keeping the parts moving seamlessly.”

Merrill Collett, Tucson, AZ

“I had a wonderful and powerful time at the RMERC Ecodharma Training. I learned an enormous amount about relating to the land as a teacher and a living participant in the crises we’re all facing. I connected with a community of people who care deeply about the intersection of Dharma and caring for the Earth. This is an invaluable opportunity that I’d recommend to anyone.”

Aaron Stryker, Founder and Teacher, Dharma-Gates.org, Boulder, CO

“Deep gratitude for the incredibly fulfilling experience of the Ecodharma workshop and retreat! This has been like no other in my 20 years of Dharma. I am still carrying the land and the beautiful connections with everyone, particularly the teaching team, in my heart. I returned home restored, with greater clarity and an open heart, ready for what lies ahead.”

Cornelia Santschi, Lead Insight Meditation Teacher, Newark Center for Meditative Culture

“Gosh, what a retreat that was! I am so grateful to have been part of this experience. It feels transformational for me at a deep level, in my bones it seems, and in ways that I can’t quite put words to yet, even for myself. The land at RMERC keeps coming back to me, and I feel motivated and energized in ways I have truly not felt before. Finding what is mine to teach, and what is needed in our communities and world is my work. The piece that you are offering feels profound and is such a clear YES for me. This is the retreat American Dharma is working towards.”

Liz Reynolds, Meditation Teacher, Insight Meditation Community of Charlottesville, VA

“Through a masterful integration of instruction, stories, individual interviews, and a beautiful setting, the retreat leaders delivered a powerful and profound experience of the environmental crisis from a Buddhist perspective.  Although a long-term student of Buddhism, I found the retreat novel and very moving.”

Bob Flax, Executive Director, Citizens for Global Solutions, Cotati, CA

“I had been watching the RMERC Web site for the right retreat and when Inner and Outer Nature popped up, I knew it was the one. I thought it might be a stretch for me physically and mentally as I live on the Gulf Coast, but I needn’t have worried; Johann, David, Lin, Howard, and Alice provided unwavering and compassionate practical support and spiritual guidance throughout the 17 days. My fellow yogis did, as well. The sense of community, of sangha, we built is something I will cherish for the rest of my days. If you have even an inkling of wanting to do this retreat, do it! You will be supported and cared for the entire way. Oh, and don’t forget the incredible natural beauty you will get to practice in every day. You deserve it.”

Felicia Morgan, Phd, Professor of Business, UWF, Pensacola, FL

“I keep coming back here. This place and the beings here are my respite and restoration. I leave here able to face suffering, both my own and that of the planet, with clarity and compassion. It is an amazing place where interconnection just happens.”

Barbara Donachy, President, 350 Colorado.org, Denver, CO