Non-Duality in Nature: The Direct Path to Love and Beauty
Leaders
-
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.
-
Caverly MorganCo-LeaderCaverly Morgan is a meditation teacher, author, speaker, and nonprofit founder. Her new book, The Heart of Who We Are: Realizing Freedom Together through Sounds True is available here. She is the founder and Lead Contemplative of Peace in Schools—a nonprofit which created the nation’s first for-credit mindfulness class in public high schools. She is also the founder of Presence Collective, a community of cross-cultural contemplatives committed to personal and collective transformation.
Caverly blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern non-dual approach. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She has taught contemplative practice since 2001 and leads meditation retreats, workshops, and online classes internationally.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Experience a relaxed meditation practice centered on resting in awareness, free from effort or striving, allowing participants to simply be and enjoy the beauty of nature. Set in the serene high summer mountains, it invites a deep connection with the natural world, where participants can rediscover love, gratitude, and their true nature. With a blend of silence, teachings, and optional group discussions, the retreat provides a unique opportunity for those interested in mindfulness, Buddhism, or Non-Duality to experience a natural, easy path to being.
RETREAT DETAILS
The Direct Path meditation approach is simply resting in awareness, without effort or striving. Surrounded by beauty in the peace of nature, letting everything be just as it is, our practice is simple and enjoyable.
You will have ample time to connect and be with the natural world and the beauty that surrounds you and is inside of you. Gentle high summer in the mountains–the green meadows, alive forests, wildflowers, high peaks, the running creek, and all the birds, moose, deer, elk, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters–is ideal for returning to our true nature, in nature. In all of this, you will rediscover the love, gratitude, and connection that is already inside of you, that is your being.
As we meditate, walk, converse, and share retreat space, a natural sense of ease and belonging comes. The wanting and aversion, seeking and resisting, of our minds begin 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, but a natural and easy connection to our being, to who we truly are.
This retreat is informal and relaxed, with ample time for teaching, guiding, support, and discussion, as well as free time to be on the land in whatever way is right for you. The schedule will have both times of silence as well as optional times to be relational, allowing the love that naturally arises to flow as a conversation among participants.
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.
INCLUDES
- Guidance and instruction in the Direct Path open awareness meditation, both sitting and walking.
- Individual attention and breakout groups. Beginners and first timers are fully supported, while those more experienced will find plenty to deepen their experience, so all are welcome.
- Plenty of free time for hiking, meditation, rest, or just being in a beautiful space.
- Evening campfire dharma talks and discussion.
- One on one meetings with the teachers.
- Camping or a variety of indoor rooms to choose from. Scholarships are available as needed.
- If you want to do this retreat and the four-night Solo/Sangha retreat after it, please register for both. The interim nights are included and free.
SCHEDULE
We wake in silence at first light, enjoy outdoor meditation with the sunrise, then Chi Gong and breakfast. After a break there is Direct Path nature meditation instruction followed by going out on the land in small groups walking and sitting, lunch, and then free time (on the land). Later on back at the lodge there are small group breakout meetings, a group sit, dinner, and then a sunset meditation and campfire talk or exploration until dark.
TESTIMONIALS
“The schedule was great, the topics were brilliant. I love that love was a central theme. 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
“Johann and Caverly make an awesome team, and are able to bring depth and meaning while keeping it light and playful. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in a retreat or meditation setting. Plus the hybrid structure allowed for deep individual practice, and group connection.” Alex P. Brooklyn, NY
“This was my first retreat. The 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
“This 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 and a wonderful experience.” Christa Dokaupil, Prescott, AZ
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, 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.
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 guidelines
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.
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) 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
-
DATES AND TIMES:
Arrival: Saturday, July 19 at 4 pm; Departure: Friday, July 25 at 2 pm.
-
REQUIREMENTS:
We ask participants to be comfortable and capable hiking on RMERC's easy trails. This is open to anyone wanting a simple, quiet, relaxed retreat experience in nature. The intention is to create and enjoy a time of love, acceptance, and beauty.
-
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
Early bird discount at $75, ending April 21, 2025.
-
PROGRAM COST:
$600 - $990 (includes food and lodging)
-
LEADER SUPPORT:
By donation (see Things to Know)
-
PROGRAM QUESTIONS:
Contact Alice [email protected].
-
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:
Contact Kathy at [email protected].
- EQUIPMENT LIST:
- CALENDAR:
RETREAT MANAGER
Retreat Manager
