Inner Outer Nature Part I: Ecodharma Training Retreat (for Experienced Practitioners and Dharma Leaders)

Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center is an ideal location for this nature meditation retreat. The center is extraordinarily beautiful, pristine and peaceful, with a wide variety of trails, wildflower-covered alpine meadows, creeks, and rocky crags. The mountains, forests and river naturally work to settle the mind, while living and practicing together creates personal connections and mutual support.

Ecodharma Training

See testimonials at bottom of page

The ecological crisis is the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced. And we have Covid to deal with too. Are you feeling overwhelmed by eco-anxiety? How does modern dharma help us understand and engage with all of this? New teachings and practices are now emerging in response to the realities of the current situation: we are calling this Ecodharma.

This training and nature retreat is a ten-day experiential immersion into ecodharma, specifically for dedicated practitioners, dharma leaders and teachers. Our sense of separation from nature is at the root of the ecological crises our civilization faces, and ecodharma is a path of deconstructing that separation, thus reuniting our inner nature with outer nature. Ecodharma practice is about healing our relationship with the rest of the natural world, so that an appropriate and authentic response to suffering can arise, which unifies our personal and spiritual transformation with social engagement. In this time of pandemic, and ecological and social crisis, the earth calls upon us to do what we can in response.

In the first few days we will connect deeply with the natural world, grounding ourselves in the joy and healing of being and practicing outside, while building a supportive and safe sangha. Then we will begin to explore the more challenging side of our relationship with nature: the grief, fear, anger, and guilt we feel while watching the earth’s climate and ecosystems deteriorate, along with increasing social, economic and political unraveling. Together we will touch into eco-trauma and eco-grief, including the trauma and grief of the pandemic; working with them while supported by deepening nature practice and sangha relationships. Then, after detailed preparation, there will be 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 strength, resilience, and joy. Afterwards we gather in sangha together for integration and finding our ways forward.

This training retreat is not about learning a set, prescribed method, and a lot of the program is experimental and flexible. Both individually and collectively, we will respond appropriately to the situation at the time we gather. Our goal is to support and catalyze deep personal learning that you can apply to your own dharma practice and leadership, in order to develop ecodharma in your own way. The uniqueness and authenticity of our own experience shapes how each of us understands dharma, and this training will reflect that in everything we do. Our hope is that this experience informs, motivates, and empowers you to bring ecodharma into your own dharma and your own life.

The retreat is often but not always silent, and will include instruction and practice in both sitting and walking meditation in nature, Q&A, discussion, sharing, a dharma talk, individual one-to-one meetings with the teachers, and open practice time as well. The intention is to co-create an ecodharma lab, where we are all experientially learning together and discovering the best ways to do this crucial work.

It is highly recommended that if possible Ecodharma Training Retreat participants stay for the second week so that you have more time to integrate and deepen your experience. The Silent Nature Retreat (July 31-August 7) will be much quieter and simpler than the training retreat, making it an ideal space to let the training’s potent energy continue transforming in its own way and time. For those doing both weeks there will be an additional one day solo in between, on Sunday the 31st.

Register for the Entire 18 Day Inner Outer Nature Retreat here (cost of combined is less than cost of booking each retreat separately).

This Retreat Includes:

• Deep guidance and instruction for meditation in nature (both sitting and walking) to deepen our experience of connection with nature, while dissolving the sense of a fixed and separate self.
• Sitting and walking meditation in beautiful wild settings
• Free time for meditation and rest
• Evening campfire dharma talks
• One on one discussions with the teachers
• Three wonderful vegetarian meals daily, including all food (no cooking needed) for solos
• Camp site or indoor lodging

Immersion in Nature (Solos)

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 physically unable to camp. This is not a survival course or an ordeal, and does not require anything particularly challenging, except simply being in nature, as nature.

There is ample instruction, preparation, support, and flexibility for this, so each participant can benefit fully from their experience. All necessary food is provided, with no cooking or stove necessary. Everyone can spend their solo time in a location of your choice, from near to the lodge to deep in the forest. Most past participants have found the solo a highlight of their retreat. If you are are physically or medically 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

• The retreats are designed to be enjoyable, not rigorous, but participants are expected to have a willingness to maintain silence, to help with yogi jobs, and to cooperate with the group structure.
• Some camping experience (car camping or backpacking) is helpful, but not necessary.
• Being in good health, able to camp and hike (at least the easier) trails at the center.
• Having the 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.

This is a Covid vaccination-safe retreat. Everyone will have complete Covid vaccination, and bring negative test results to check-in.  Therefore we will be free of the need for masks and social distancing. We look forward to being in sangha safely and without fear, enjoying the human contact we all need and want.

If you are not sure about any of this, please inquire.

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 1:00pm 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. The emergency phone at the lodge is 303-459-1012.

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 their 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 noble silence is a valuable part of the process. With exceptions for dharma talks and other modes of support, and special discussions and exercises in the afternoons, we will be in silence.

Lodging Options

You may camp in a beautiful campsite, or stay in the lodge. Lodge rooms are for single individuals or couples or friends registering together.

Lodging Options

• Camping
• Glamping
• RV Space
• Curtain Room
• Single Room
• Semi-Private Nook (single) see more details on registration page
• Double Room (2 single beds; for couples or people that register together only). Note: the price is for 2 people.
• Double Room (1 double bed; for couples only). Note: the price is for 2 people

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. The teachers and manager are not paid, and are supported with dana.

Scholarships

It is our intention that cost not be an impediment to practice, and scholarships of up to $375 are available. Scholarship recipients are not eligible for single or double rooms.  If you cannot afford to attend without one, you can ask for a scholarship on the registration form.

Payment, Deposits

A non-refundable deposit of $120 is due at the time of registration. Full payment is due 45 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 $120 registration fee is not refunded. If you cancel within 45 days of the retreat no refund will be given, but in an emergency we may grant exceptions on a case by case basis.

Teacher Donations (Dana)

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. We are grateful for your support.

Covid Information- updated 4/20/22

Please read the complete RMERC covid policy here. To ensure everyone’s safety and comfort, RMERC requires results of a negative covid test to be presented upon arrival at RMERC. In addition, all participants must be fully vaccinated, with results uploaded to our system 2 weeks prior to the start of the retreat. See complete details here: https://rmerc.org/covid-policies/.  The Covid policy may change at anytime as covid protocols shift. 

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 or a stove. 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.  If you have allergies beyond, nuts, gluten or dairy, contact us to discuss if we can accommodate your allergy needs. 

(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

Testimonials

“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

“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

This retreat was truly life enhancing for me and it has deepened my practice so much. 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