Transformation in Nature: a Supported Solo Retreat

If you want to do a solo retreat in nature but are uncertain about how to do one in the best way, or want the support of teachers and sangha along with your solo time, this retreat makes all of that possible. It is for yogis with more experience.

Solo nature practice is an incredibly powerful way to realize who we truly are, to touch into being, and the reality of non-separation that brings. When we hang out in a beautiful spot for days, being aware, peaceful, and still, this calms and reassures the wildlife that usually try and avoid humans, and they come and visit, sometimes for hours. This opens our hearts to love and appreciation, to the beauty and power of nature, and we begin to feel completely and utterly at home; effortlessly peaceful, present, and awake. This is deeply healing and transformative, a missing piece in lives of doing and busyness in a hi-tech dehumanized society.

This retreat is a unique opportunity to abide in nature for five days, quiet and mostly in your own solo spot, surrounded by beauty. Each day the group will return to meet at the lodge for a couple of hours of meditation, sharing, discussion, and support, followed by a midday meal. Then you will take food for the next dinner and breakfast, and return to your solo spot.

This retreat is not for beginners; attendees should be able to have a self sustaining practice and be comfortable camping on your own. If you have been on a retreat with Johann or Cornelia (the retreat the week before this one counts) you can attend this retreat. If you are not sure about any of this, please inquire by emailing <[email protected]> with a short personal introduction about your practice and life. If you combine this retreat with the retreat before or after it, the interim night is free.

To insure an intimate and deep sangha experience the registration capacity is 16.

“A very full, rich, heart opening experience. Gave me the intimate connection with the natural world, from the outside in and the inside out, that I was seeking.”

Schedule:

On the first day we meet at 9 in the morning for orientation and getting to know one another, and then you will go out and find your solo spot. After that, each day will be mainly simply resting in awareness and being, enjoying and appreciating what is around you, and inside of you. If experience becomes more challenging there is the sharing and support of our daily gatherings to work it out; if things are easy there is the simple joy of being together for a couple of hours. On the last day everyone breaks camp, and we gather for a final sharing and celebratory lunch.

Venue at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Center

See website HERE  | Photo gallery HERE  |  Address map HERE

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 the special discussions and exercises the first week, we will be in silence.

Lodging Options – view lodging options here

• $400            Camping

Cost and Dana (Supporting the Teachers)

The cost of the retreat is set as low as possible and only covers expenses: operating the center, food, cooks, insurance, and staff travel, etc. None of this cost share goes to the teachers, 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.

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 hardship is welcome to apply and will be assessed based on needs and fund availability. 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.

Payment, Deposits

A non-refundable deposit of $120 is due at the time of registration. Full payment is due 60 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.
• 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.

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.

Time and Transportation

The retreat begins at 9:00am on the first day, and end 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 arriving the day before so you can 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. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early.

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.

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. 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 the hot meal. 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 up food after the hot meal. Please bring a plastic container or two with tight fitting lids to carry this 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.

Helper (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.

Click Here for Johann’s What to Bring List