Nonduality in Nature: The Direct Path of Beauty and Love

Non-Duality in Nature: The Direct Path of Beauty and Love

Our true nature is awareness and love. Peace and happiness, which we all long for, underly the strivings of the limited sense of self, or ego. When we relax into being, all is well.

Being in the natural world invites us into this relaxation, directly experiencing the beauty around us, and the appreciation, gratitude, and love that arise in response. Being in the mountains in the soft gentle time of high summer–with green meadows, alive forests, abundant wildflowers, high peaks adorned with snowy caps, the running creek, and all the birds, moose, deer, elk, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and others–is an ideal place and time to remember the heart of who we are. Here we are invited to return to our true nature, in nature. What a gift. 

As we meditate, walk, converse, and share retreat space together, a natural sense of ease and belonging can come to the forefront of our experience. The wanting and aversion, seeking and resisting, of the conditioned mind begins to quiet. Without effort or struggle, separation dissolves and we are free to drop into love and connection. This is the Direct Path–not an effort, learning, or set of practices, but a natural and effortless connection to our very being, to the heart of who we are, which always has and always will be here.

This retreat will be informal and relaxed with ample time for teaching, guiding, support and discussion, as well as free time to explore what is being offered in whatever way is right for you. The schedule will have times of silence and at times be more open and relational, allowing the love that naturally arises to flow as conversation between and among participants in our human, social way, as well as silently as we rest in the heart of who we are, together.

The Direct Path is not based on effort or technique, but is instead a relaxed falling back into our true nature, our being. If you have been practicing any form of Buddhism, Zen, or Mindfulness, have heard about the Direct Path or Non-Duality, or just feel drawn to a natural and deep approach to being in nature, this retreat will be a unique opportunity to explore, experience, love and enjoy. 

Venue at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Center

See website HERE  | Photo gallery HERE  |  Address map HERE

This Retreat Includes:

• Guidance and instruction in non-dual meditation and being in nature (both sitting and walking) to deepen our experience of connection with what is, while allowing the sense of a fixed and separate self to dissolve.
• Individual attention and small groups. Beginners who attend the retreat will be fully supported, while those more experienced will find plenty to deepen their experience, so all are welcome.
• Sitting and walking in beautiful wild settings
• Plenty of free time for hiking, meditation, rest, or just being in a beautiful space, alone
• Evening campfire dharma talks
• One on one discussions with the teachers
• Simple but wonderful vegetarian meals
• Camping or a variety of indoor rooms to choose from
• If you want to do this retreat and the four night Solo/Sangha retreat before it, please look at the information and register for both. The interim night is included and free.

At the bottom of this page you can read comments from some of last year’s participants.

General Retreat Guidelines

• The retreats are designed to be enjoyable, not rigorous, but participants are expected to have a willingness to maintain periodic silence, to help with yogi jobs, and cooperate with the group structure.
• Being in good health, able to walk 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, under the barn or another shelter in case of bad weather, including meditating, eating and walking.

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 1pm 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. We will try and facilitate carpooling for those who wish. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early. 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 without internet 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, 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, and 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 further meditation after dark. Please note that this retreat will include times of silence, and times of relating: it is not in complete noble silence.

Lodging

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

• $615   Camping
• $615|$1230 RV Camping
• $725   Glamping
• $725   Curtain Room
• $1025  Single Room
• $725   Semi-Private Nook (single) see more details on registration page
• $830   Shared Double Room (2 single beds; cost per person- *see note above).
• $1660  Shared Double Room (1 double bed; cost per couple).

Cost and Dana (Supporting the Teachers)

The cost of the retreat is set as low as possible by Impermanent Sangha and only covers expenses: operating the center, food, cooks, insurance, staff travel, etc. The teachers and manager do not receive any of the registration fee, so they are supported solely by your generosity. We encourage you to look for an amount that fully expresses your gratitude for the teachings offered, but does not leave you financially stressed. A suggested amount for the three of them is $400-$800, though whatever you can offer is received with gratitude. Please bring cash or a blank check; as we divide it up, one check works fine.

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 need is welcome to a scholarship. 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. Please do not let cost be an impediment to your attending; if you need a scholarship, please ask.

Payment, Deposits

You pay $120 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 $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.

At the bottom of this page you can read comments from some of last year’s participants.

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.

Food and Meals

Three simple vegetarian meals a day will be provided from dinner the first day through lunch of the last. 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.

What to Bring List

COMMENTS FROM A FEW OF OF LAST YEAR’S PARTICIPANTS

“This was my second retreat at RMERC, so different and so beautiful. It was a very emotional time for me, and I totally felt carried and held by the land. I loved the simplicity and lightness of the teachings, which made meditation easier and opened a deeper connection. A wonderful experience.” Christa Dokaupil, Prescott, AZ

“I loved all aspects of this retreat, the center and the staff are amazing, the instructions and expertise of the teachers are great.” Bob Lawson, Bay Area, CA

“As a beginner to direct path teachings, this retreat was great, and it offered a more loose and loving way to practice. Having times for both silence and conversation created a close sangha, and I loved the time to be on the land on my own as well.” David B, Boulder, CO

“This was my first retreat. This teachers were sensitive and did a wonderful job meeting me where I was, giving me the space and confidence to progress. The experience was incredible.” Les Wilkinson, Nashville, TN

“I loved the co-facilitation, masculine and feminine, and the structured and unstructured approaches mixed with lots of experiential time. This supported my ability to relax, and then relax more, and touch into love and beauty. I will carry with me a greater sense of belonging and ease.” Sue Taigman, Loveland, CO

“The schedule was great, the topics were brilliant, I love that love was a central theme, and the moose were excellent. The one on ones with Caverly and Johann were really timely and helpful, and after a day or two in the beauty of the place, I found myself able to abide in just being. With so much gratitude.” Connie McClintock, Denver, CO