A People of Color Ecodharma Retreat

Join us at the stunningly pristine and healing Rocky Mountain Ecodharma retreat center for a retreat designed for empowering anyone who cares about the healing and belonging in these wild times of polycrisis (climate, genocidal wars, xenophobia, pollution, rise of fascism and mental health crisis). You could be a community organizer, healer, educator, activist, artist, scientist, journalist, lawyer, author or storyteller working on climate and social justice. Through silent meditation, movement/yoga, guided dialogue, a deep grief and rage ceremony, an extended “Solo” time in nature, small affinity group work, and dharma talks by the teachers we will explore how we can deepen our love for each other and develop kinship with all beings. The two key aspects of this retreat that we will build up to and descend from are: grief/rage ceremony and an extended “Solo” practice time in nature.

Venue at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Center

See website HERE  | Photo gallery HERE  |  Address map HERE

Travel

Please note that June 18th will need to be your travel date if you are flying into Denver. We organize overnight stay with our alumni network and people love coming a day early to acclimate with the elevation and form loving bonds with fellow participants an evening before the retreat.

“Hearing so many other people’s stories created so much space for me to be vulnerable, understanding and allowed me to practice empathy and compassion. After the grief circle was over I felt completely raw and brand new.”(A.W.)

Is this retreat really right for you?

This might be for you if:

— You’ve become disenchanted with traditional forms of activism but you deeply trust that racial and climate justice are related and that we need inner trauma healing to build our collective power.
— You’ve begun to encounter the direct relationship between your individual wellness and efficacy of your work.
— You’re ready to explore what is possible through deep relating and vulnerability.
— You want to face and transform your grief, fear and anger but not be controlled by them.
— You are not looking for completely silent retreat and you are willing to give silence and meditation a try. Silence and meditation is not always comfortable but you know that spiritual practice is not about being comfortable.
— You are comfortable with being tested and following COVID protocols. You are also okay with silence and being away from internet and phone connection.

This might not be for you if:

— You are not ready to look at how climate crisis is related to racial injustice and inner trauma healing.
— Your life experience means that your life is not affected by structural racism. We recognize that racism inflicts chronic trauma on people of color which can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes. We aim to provide trauma informed, safe(r) space for BIPOC to access nourishing silence and get access to inner creativity and courage. Safe(r) space means that this POC retreat is exclusive to people who have lived experiences as people of color.If you are a white passing, we ask that you consider your lived experience and let us know what work you have done to center experiences of BIPOC friends who continue to face ongoing stresses due to racism. We understand that this is an issue that can bring up a lot of questions, discomfort, and debate. We also have a number of offerings that are open to all people. Please check events calendar for details.
— You are not up for the discomfort and vulnerability of sharing some of your truth with others. Our goal is emotional safety and trust, but also emotional connection, and that takes a little bit of courage and willingness to be open and honest about your feelings.
— You’re looking for a completely silent retreat or a retreat which will not have any “silent” time.
— You have a heart-lung condition such that you will have difficulty at high altitude. The retreat center is at 8500 feet.
— You need wheelchair access.
— You will be uncomfortable by being out of contact with the world. (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).

Schedule

Each day will include silent seated and walking meditation, yoga and relational practices in small groups or dyads and dharma talks by the teachers. These sessions will discuss how our bodies store trauma, how can we express and release these stresses through movement, meditation, rituals, group-work. We will also use some practices that tap into our gratitude, grief or anger or fear and inspire actions. Please see a draft schedule here.

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.

“I found the Solo in nature to be very profound. Rare it is to be alone in nature for long periods of time where we can really begin to connect with ourselves, land and ancestors, giving us a snippet on the Buddha’s journey to Enlightenement sitting alone under the Bodhi tree.”(Sandra Kim)

Cost, Scholarships and Dana

The actual cost of putting this retreat together is $950 per person. However, we like to offer registration on a sliding scale to ensure economic diversity.

— $150 (intended for those living paycheck-to-paycheck, especially on hourly wages, or in significant debt. This covers majority of the cost of food. This is also the minimum non refundable deposit required by the center)
— $575 (intended for those with access to some income but struggling to build savings and move away from debt. This covers only food and a part of retreat center rental costs. It does not cover all expense categories)
— $950 (intended for those that are able to pay for “wants” and generally able to secure necessities for your household. This covers food, full rental cost, and other costs including a modest honorarium for guest teachers)
— $1150, $1350 or $1550 (If you are able to pay more than the cost of the retreat, please do: it will help us offer the retreat to those not able to afford the full cost of this retreat. We really want to make this retreat available for everyone, so please help if you can. All amounts over $775 are tax deductible).

The teachers are offering their time and energy at no set fee, so as to make the teachings available to all regardless of finances. In considering your dana (generosity) for teachers that will be invited at the end, please give what feels generous to you, given your finances.

Deposit and cancellation

Our payment, cancellation and refund policy for this retreat includes:

— Non refundable registration deposit is $150. This secures your spot at the retreat.
— Final payments (retreat cost of your choice less the non refundable deposit) will be due and processed 30 days prior to the retreat. Cancellations received 30-7 days prior will get a refund of half of the final payment.
— For cancellations inside of 7 days there will be no refunds.
— For people getting “full” scholarships (less the registration deposit) the cancellation policy is slightly different: they will only pay half the registration deposit ($75) when registering, and the second half 30 days before the retreat. If they cancel, the amount of the deposit paid to date is not refunded.

“The grief ritual was incredibly profound. I was heard and seen and emotionally held in a way I have never experienced. It solidified my soul’s deep need for connection.”

Dietary needs

Figuring menus and quantities, shopping, organizing, and cooking are complex and crucial tasks for a retreat. We provide simple, wholesome, natural, predominantly organic, vegan meals. We can accommodate common food allergies such as gluten, soy or dairy, but not preferences. Make sure to include on the application form full details of any special allergy or health needs you have and we will contact you if they require discussion. In alignment with Dharma teachings of deep Nonviolence towards all beings, we do not serve eggs, meat or fish.

Seva, Samu, Service or 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 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.

Apply Here

Please fill this web based form to apply. Please save/print the form as PDF before hitting submit because some browsers have an issue sending the form across. We have heard of some problems with the submission of application forms. If after submitting your form, you only see a message that says “processing” and you don’t get a message saying your form has been submitted, please email us the saved PDF form to pocretreats AT gmail DOT com and get access to detailed instructions! We can have a maximum of 26 attendees. All applicants must self-identify as person of color (POC). Within POC, we are aiming for a diversity of age, geographical, racial and organizational backgrounds. Once your application is accepted, you will receive ways to register and pay for the retreat.

What to Bring

Our POC retreat manager will send another retreat specific packing list and sign up for Yogi jobs after all applications are accepted in mid August. Click here for the RMERC list.