On wilderness retreat connect with the profound peace that can arise with silent mindfulness practice in nature.
To quote from the work of our family at Spirit Rock:
“Since ancient times all wise cultures have known the value of retreat. Time in retreat allows us to step out of the complexity of our life, to listen deeply to our body, heart and mind. For 2,600 years, meditation retreats have been a central part of the Buddhist path of awakening. Meditation retreats offer practical instruction and group support for discovering inner understanding and freedom.”
Wild Blue Meditation intends to design retreats in the tradition of Spirit Rock, which “combine the fertile atmosphere of silence with extensive time for meditation and walks in nature, supported by systematic Buddhist teachings. Careful guidance and training is offered in meditation.”
This is a Mindfulness in Nature Retreat with mindfulness in nature practices led by Kimberly Sogge Ph.D. (RYT, MYMT Spirit Rock, AiTW) Wild Blue meditation teacher. Acceptance into the retreat is by application only and is for practitioners with at least an introduction to mindfulness practice via Wild Blue’s Mindfulness in Nature Practice Group, Daylong, or other mindfulness meditation experience.
If your application is not accepted your initial deposit of will be refunded in full. Participants with no prior meditation experience are encouraged to attend the Mindfulness in Nature monthly group meetings and attend the day retreat on November 19, 2017 prior to attending an overnight retreat.
This overnight retreat is an opportunity for deepening your mindfulness practice in nature. We will be practicing in a gorgeous private log cabin in beautiful Algonquin Park in shared accommodations with delicious vegetarian catering by Voyageur Quest.
Participants will be expected to have the fitness to hike or snowshoe 5 km at a time with personal gear. If there is snow on the ground at the time of retreat, participants may wish to bring snowshoes or backcountry crosscountry skis; Voyageur Quest also has snowshoes and a traditional sauna to use during the retreat if desired.
$200 is DEPOSIT ONLY and secures your spot at the retreat; deposits are fully refundable up to 3 months before the retreat (September 15, 2017). Final payment is due 60 days prior to the retreat (October 15, 2017). Total retreat cost for Early Bird Registration is $465 before October 15, 2017 (includes Room, All Meals plus HST). Late Registration October 16 to November 15 is $565. No refunds will be available within 30 days of the retreat.
There will be an option to add a half day Dogsledding Adventure to your stay after we come out of silence on Sunday afternoon. The cost for this additional activity is $250pp. Registration for this activity will be available up to 30 days before the retreat.
All overnight retreats are designed to cover room and board only with your choice for dana donations to be offered to teachers or staff at the close of the retreat.
The Mindfulness in Nature group sponsored by Wild Blue is based on the book Awake in the Wild: Mindfulness in Nature as a Path of Self Discovery by Spirit Rock Senior Teacher Mark Coleman.
Mindfulness in Nature practices will be guided by mindfulness teacher Kimberly Sogge, Ph.D. (RYT, MYMT Spirit Rock, Awake in the Wild Facilitator-in-training).
Sessions will be conducted both in and out of doors so please dress appropriately, with comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes or boots, clothing appropriate to the weather, hats etc. Please bring a water bottle to all sessions, and any meditation props that you find to be helpful (cushion, yoga mat, backjack or lightweight chair for sitting practice). Most sessions will include some gentle movement or walking practice so please offer care for yourself around mobility issues.
Sessions indicated with a ** will have hiking in hills or more rigourous physical activity.
Email notifications on any changes to the schedule or other details on the retreat will only be emailed to registered participants.
We look forward to awakening in the wild together.
