This retreat is an opportunity to slow down and settle into a rhythm and quality of presence that supports us in remembering what is most important, what nourishes us and allows us to more freely bring ourselves to this life.
In this three-day meditation retreat we draw from Buddhist teachings, becoming more intimate with nature in our own minds while deepening our relations with nature in the more-than-human world. In so doing, we experience the mutuality of these ways in deepening our relationship with all of life.
Kirsten Rudestam is the guiding teacher of this retreat. People from any and all backgrounds are welcome. No meditation experience is required.
This retreat includes vegetarian meals and will reside on 30 rustic acres (The Nest in the Santa Cruz Mountains) bordering Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Sliding scale pricing and lodging options include glamping bell tents, regular pre-built camping tents and BYOTent / Van.
During our days we will weave together the following three threads. Each of these consciously entered doorways have the potential to bring forth a deeper presence and connection with life.
Silent meditation with instructions
Group council practice
Nature-based ceremony
A significant part of the retreat will be held in silence; meditation instruction will be offered around the Buddha’s four foundations of mindfulness alongside a range of experiential nature-based practices that complement these foundations. Specifically, we will explore through ceremony and practice the relationship between the four foundations and the four directions -- a developmental wheel that draws upon generations of indigenous cultures’ intimacy with the wider natural world and can also be considered a model of human development.
This retreat supports the outer engagement and inner understanding as essential features of the movement toward a mutually beneficial human presence on this earth.
By clicking the Pricing & Registration button below, you may view the sliding scale pricing options we offer. Our pricing is set to just cover the costs of camping at the Nest and the ingredients in our vegetarian meals. Kirsten, the chef and Off-Grid Retreats are offering their teachings and services under a dana model so there will be an opportunity to donate towards each of them at the end of the retreat.