Ecodharma in Nature: Love and Connection with the Earth and All Beings
Leaders
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Johann RobbinsCo-LeaderJohann has been meditating since starting with TM in college in 1974. He was asked by Eric Kolvig to begin teaching in 2008, and completed Community Dharma Leader teacher training at Spirit Rock shortly thereafter. His primary Insight teachers were Eric Kolvig, Joseph Goldstein, and Shinzen Young, and his primary Direct Path teachers were Adyashanti, Stephan Bodian, and Rupert Spira.
Johann’s passion is spiritual practice in and with nature, and he has guided and taught wilderness meditation retreats for almost 30 years, including backpacking, camping, canoeing and solo Vision Quests. In 2016 Johann founded RMERC, where he served as unpaid Executive Director until 2022, and President of the Board until 2023.
Johann’s style is caring and open, yet focused and clear. He is committed to a practical, non-dogmatic approach to dharma in nature, with the understanding that what works best for one person may be different than another, and that, like everything else, changes over time.
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Cornelia SantschiCo-LeaderCornelia (Punnya) Santschi is a neuropsychologist and meditation teacher. She is deeply committed to environmental conservation and social justice. At the RWJ Barnabas Health Institute of Neurology in NJ, she has specialized in brain-behavior relationships for over 20 years. Cornelia is a devoted student of Buddhism with a dedicated insight meditation practice since 2000. She completed yoga teacher training at Integral Yoga in NYC in 2001, and graduated from the Community Dharma Leader Program in 2017.
As founder/president of non-profit Anatta World Health & Education Outreach, Cornelia has organized culturally sensitive health, education, and women’s empowerment programs in multiple countries, with local partners since 2006, and co-leads yearly meaningful travel tours in Nepal. Cornelia is co-founder/board member of Newark Center for Meditative Culture in NJ, where she serves as meditation teacher and insight community liaison; working to increase access to socially engaged programs within a diverse urban community. She is co-founder/vice-president of the Alegria Dharma Center, a meditation retreat center in Costa Rica, where she is developing a comprehensive EcoDharma retreat program.
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Rose Mina MunjeeLeader TeamRose Mina Munjee (she/her/they) has been practicing and teaching mindfulness meditation, mindfulness interventions for mental health, and therapeutic yoga for over 15 years. She discovered long ago that being in the mountains, surrounded by trees and greater-than-human beings, made her feel safe and at home, with a deep sense of belonging and unconditional love like she had never experienced.
She has studied with senior teachers from True North Insight (TNI), Insight Meditation Society, Spirit Rock, and Plum Village. Rose Mina completed a two-year Meditation Teacher Mentorship with TNI. She holds a Master’s in Spiritual Care with Psychotherapy and a BMATH and works with Data and Education Technology. She is a Registered Psychotherapist in private practice and teaches and adapts mindfulness-based programs, including cultural and trauma-informed approaches.
Rose Mina is pursuing a PhD (ABD) in Adult Education at the University of Reading in the UK on mindfulness and compassion-informed education and care with an anti-oppression lens. Her diasporic journey, South Asian/South African roots, passion for ecological and social justice, and EcoDharma practice inform her teaching. For more, see: target=”_blank” href=”https://www.roseminamunjee.com”>https://www.roseminamunjee.com and Mindfulness and compassion in response to racism.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
This ten-day program invites participants to deepen their connection with nature through silent immersion, hiking, meditation, and dharma talks, with a special two-night solo experience in nature. The focus is on fostering joy, healing, and integration through Ecodharma by exploring challenging emotions in a supportive community, and cultivating a deeper sense of belonging with both the earth and each other.
RETREAT DETAILS
This ten-day retreat (open to all) is a deep dive into abiding in nature silently, joining inner nature with outer nature, and dissolving separation. There is also a two-night solo, which is an incredible opportunity for immersion in nature and a highlight of the retreat (please see much more about the solo below). Each day includes plentiful time for sitting, hiking/walking meditation, as well as nature meditation instruction, nightly dharma talks around a campfire, and small group Ecodharma exploration. Early August is incredible in the mountains, typically with warm sunny days, cool nights, a full creek, abundant animals, and life everywhere.
The overall intention is to foster the joy and healing that comes with a profound connection in nature, and then to integrate that into your life. To that end, we will also begin to investigate and work with the more challenging emotions (fear, anger, grief, sadness, guilt, anxiety, etc.) we are all experiencing around the many intertwined ecological, social, political, and economic crises we face today. As these are immense, planet wide problems, essentially created by a sense of separation, facing and dealing with them on our own can be overwhelming. Within a safe and supportive sangha, in small guided groups, we will delve into Ecodharma together, with openness, sincerity, and courage. This leads to deep healing, which makes possible more connective, powerful and creative responses to our collective situation. Facing this all together we come back home, to ourselves and the earth, grounded in the truth of our belonging.
All retreat activities will be outdoors as much as the weather allows. Each day there will be instruction in nature meditation and lots of time to practice, in the larger group, smaller groups, and on your own, grounding each of us in non-separation in the natural world. The emphasis is not so much on precise technique, but rather developing a relaxed open awareness that can lead to a new integration of inner and outer experience. Please note while there is ample silent time each day, and of cou the solo, the retreat is not totally silent, and there will be some times for optional open conversation.
There are no prerequisites for this retreat, and beginning meditators or first time retreatants are welcome and will be fully supported, while those with extensive experience will find much opportunity for learning and growth as well. Our large teaching team makes this possible.
INCLUDES
- Guidance and instruction for meditation in nature (both sitting and walking) to deepen our experience of connection with the earth and nature, while dissolving the sense of a fixed and separate self.
- Individual attention. Our large teaching team allows us to fully support everyone who attends the retreat, from beginners to those much more experienced.
- The joy, healing and connection that comes with sitting and walking in beautiful wild settings.
- Exploration of Ecodharma; the sharing, healing and empowerment of facing it all together. This is mostly done in guided small group sessions.
- Free time for meditation and/or rest.
- Evening campfire dharma talks.
- One on one discussions with the teachers.
- Time for a two day and night solo in a place of your choosing.
- 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 for free.
SOLO PORTION OF RETREAT
Being alone in nature is a rare opportunity for healing and connection. Abiding in a spot of your choosing for two full days is time to 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 any particular level of exertion, or even backpacking, you can solo in our campground near the lodge if you prefer not to go far. It is not a survival course or an ordeal, and does not require anything particularly challenging, except to simply be in nature, with one’s self.
There is ample instruction, preparation, support, and flexibility for the solo, so each participant can benefit fully from their experience. All necessary food is provided, with no cooking or stove necessary. Everyone can do their solo in a variety of locations, anywhere from next to the lodge to deep in the wilderness. 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 the lodge during it. Otherwise plan on bringing a tent, sleeping bag, pad, etc. so you can camp out.
TESTIMONIALS
“The ecosangha came alive with the invitation to share, contribute and gather wisdom. The solo was most precious, truly an organic ceremony, every moment and action became a ritual of belonging.”
Jill L.
“I love this retreat and have come twice now. It is masterfully crafted to allow participants to settle into deep meditation in the outdoors, while developing a rich community of people connecting with each other meaningfully around internal and external responses to the ecocrisis.”
Charley R.
“This retreat connected me to a beautiful web of wise and deep people. Through the careful instructions of the teachers we went from gratitude and love into the depths of ecological suffering, and then back up into connection and interdependence as a sangha. I greatly appreciated the gradual shift from silence into solo, and then more time for sharing at the end of the retreat.”
Sam K.
THINGS TO KNOW
The price of retreats is set as low as possible and covers only retreat center expenses. None of the fee goes to the leaders, who are solely supported by the voluntary dana offerings of yogis. In the tradition of the Buddha, the amount of the dana offering is up to each individual. We do ask that your offering be as generous as your finances allow in order to support the tireless efforts of the leaders. Please bring a check or cash. We are very grateful for your support.
Retreats with RMERC Registration
A non-refundable deposit of $120 (for retreats 4 nights and under) or $180 (for retreats over 4 nights) is due at the time of registration to hold your space. Full payment is due 60 days before the retreat start date. If you signed up earlier than 60 days, Â your credit card will be automatically charged at 60 days before the retreat start date.
Early Bird Discounts
RMERC offers an average 10% discount for registrations made earlier than 90 days before the start of the retreat.
Payments
Our registration system accepts payments only by debit and credit card. If you require an alternate payment method, you may request to pay by Paypal or by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). To pay by Paypal or EFT, select ‘Alternate forms of payment’ during registration; after completing the registration, email [email protected] for payment details. Note that if paying by alternate means, we must receive full payment to reserve your place in the retreat.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
- The registration deposit ($120 or $180) is non-refundable.
- For cancellation requests received 60-30 days prior to the retreat start date, RMERC will offer a refund of half of the final payment (the final payment is the full amount less the deposit).
- For cancellation requests received 30-7 days prior to the event start date, RMERC will offer a refund of 25% of the final payment.
- For cancellations inside of 7 days there will be no refunds.
Retreats with RMERC Registration
We invite anyone with financial hardship to apply for an RMERC scholarship. Scholarship awards are based on need and availability of funds. 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. Do not let cost be an impediment to your attending.
Click here to apply for an RMERC Scholarship.
Scholarship awards do not guarantee acceptance into a retreat. Please register as soon as possible after receiving your award to make sure space is available.
Meals are vegetarian and may include eggs or dairy, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Usually the cook can accommodate common food allergies such as gluten or dairy, but not food preferences. Make sure to include any special allergy or health needs you have during registration.
Tea, coffee and such are available all day long, along with some simple snacks such as mixed nuts and fruit. If you want a snack between meals, or supplemental protein, you can bring a small quantity of packaged unrefrigerated food. 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.
Lodging at RMERC includes
- Single and double rooms
- ‘Mini-singles’, available in the shoulder seasons
- A single ‘nook’
- Glamping and camping, available in the summer and early fall
- RV spaces, available all season.
See lodging details and photos here. Available lodging options are presented during registration.
All participants must sign an RMERC Waiver and Release to participate in activities at RMERC. Click here to sign the Waiver and Release. Some leaders may require their own waiver and release.
Participants must be 18 years or older to attend a retreat at RMERC. We are not able to accommodate children.
Some of the work necessary to support the group will be handled by participants during the retreat. Yogi jobs will be organized by the retreat manager. Most participants find serving others in this way quite enjoyable, and a great opportunity for practice in action. Yogi jobs typically include meal prep, meal clean up, bathrooms, tea bar, and last-day clean up.
You will be out of contact with no internet access or cell phone service during the retreat. The nearest strong cell signal could be as far away as the plains north of Boulder, or in the town of Nederland.
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 only available for emergency use.
Weather in the Rocky Mountains is variable and often unpredictable. Sunny skies can quickly give way to fast-moving storms, bringing sudden rain, hail, and wind, regardless of the season. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, with warm midday conditions followed by cold or freezing temperatures at night. During June-September, average highs are 65-75 F and lows are 35-45 F. In May and October average highs are in the 50s and lows are below freezing. April and November are colder still.Â
Equipment lists vary from one retreat to the next. Download an equipment list for your retreat on the retreat listing (or contact the retreat organizer). A general equipment list is available here: PDF Version | Word Version.
Please do not bring a radio, music player, iPod, laptop, books, axe, alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs. Think about whether you really need a camera; is it consistent with the intentions of a retreat?
RMERC is at an elevation of 8600 feet, and most people coming from lower elevations experience some effects of altitude. If you are coming from sea level, we recommend that you arrive in the Denver area a night earlier to help acclimatize. Remember to stay hydrated, stay warm, and take it easy the first day or two at the retreat center. Be kind to yourself.
Out of consideration for others, we ask that you not use scented self-care products, oils, or fragrances. We ask that everyone exercise the utmost respect for self and others. Thank you!
See the complete infectious disease policy here.
RMERC prioritizes creating a safe and comfortable retreat environment. RMERC does not require vaccinations, testing, or masks at this time. However, individual retreat leaders may determine stricter protocols at their discretion, and RMERC may revise the infectious disease policy in response to changes in public health guidelinesÂ
We recommend wearing N95 masks during travel and self-monitoring your possible exposure 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.
Most retreats begin at 4:00 pm on the first day of the retreat (please check the start times in the retreat details). Yogis may arrive 1 hour early but they will not have access to the lodge or bathrooms. Yogis who are camping may set up their tents at that time. Note that all tents must be on the lodge side of the stream.
Most retreats end after lunch on the last day of the retreat, and all participants must vacate the property by 2:00 pm. Â
RMERC is located about 45 minutes NW of Boulder, at 8941 Overland Rd., Ward, CO. If driving, please park in our main parking lot by the road and walk down to the lodge.
There is no public transportation to the center, and if you need a ride, the best option is to carpool with other yogis. RMERC provides a rideshare forum if your retreat uses RMERC-hosted registration (see details for your retreat). Otherwise, you may contact the leader of your retreat for assistance. Uber or Lyft may provide another option; please contact them to inquire.
Note: there is no cell phone service in the region around the retreat center.
Denver International Airport (DIA)Â is about 90 minutes from the center. Your best options for travel to the center are:
- Shuttle bus to Boulder (1 hr) and then carpool to the center; RTD public transportation ($10) departs DIA every hour, or check Green Ride Boulder.
- Uber or Lyft, either to Boulder or to the center
- Car rental
You should plan on your flight arriving no later than 1 pm to reach the retreat center on time. Return flights departing from the Denver airport should leave no earlier than 5:30 or 6 pm. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early.
RMERC is a nonprofit organization with a mission to offer low-cost retreats to as many people as possible. At the end of your retreat, you are invited to make a tax deductible donation to RMERC, and also to join the membership program of the RMERC community if you so choose. More information is here.
RMERC does not allow pets or service animals, as moose and bears become more dangerous in their presence.
Download a Trail Map in Color or a Trail Map in Black and White.
Thunder and lightning storms are not uncommon during the summer months, and lightning is a very real hazard. Take shelter in a lightning storm, ideally in a building or in a car. If that is not possible, crouch down and maintain a low profile until the storm passes. Sound travels approximately 1 mile every 5 seconds. Count the number of seconds between a lightning strike and the sound of thunder; a 10-15 second delay indicates that lightning is several miles away, and is warning to take shelter.
Please check with REI in Boulder (303-583-9970) for rentals of tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, etc. Boulder is the largest city in the area, and the best source of supplies. Nederland also has a few well-stocked stores, including grocery, outdoor shop, and library (but no pharmacy).
If you are searching for a place to camp prior to arrival or post-departure, we recommend using phone apps to search, for example,
- iOverlander, for a wide variety of options
- RV Parky, especially good for finding RV parking options
- The Dyrt, for both free and paid camping options (premium version is best)
- Recreation.gov app, for reservations at federal campgrounds (cost is very reasonable)
- Hipcamp, for lower-cost camping and lodging options
KEY POINTS
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DATES AND TIMES:
Arrival: Friday, August 1 at 4 pm; Departure: Sunday, August 10 at 2 pm.
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REQUIREMENTS:
No prior experience is necessary, but participants must be capable and comfortable hiking RMERC's easier trails
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EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
Early bird discount of $115, ending May 4, 2025.
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PROGRAM COST:
$900 - $1,485 (includes food and meals)
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LEADER SUPPORT:
By donation (see Things to Know)
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PROGRAM QUESTIONS:
Contact Alice with Impermanent Sangha at [email protected].
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REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:
Contact Kathy, [email protected].
- EQUIPMENT LIST:
- CALENDAR:
RETREAT MANAGER
Retreat Manager
