Deep Immersion
A Supported Camping Solo Retreat
With Johann Robbins and Cornelia Santschi
July 27-31, 2025
Registration opens in January 2025; make sure you are on the email list to be notified when it is available.
If you are drawn to quiet solitude in nature but are uncertain about doing a retreat like this on your own, and want the support of teachers and a group during your time, this retreat makes it possible.
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; it calms and reassures not only us, but the wildlife that need time before trusting humans.
Animals start to 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 transforming, a missing piece in our lives of doing and busyness.
This retreat is a unique opportunity to abide in nature for five days, quiet and mostly in your own solo spot, immersed in 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 have some retreat experience, a self-sustaining practice, and be comfortable camping on your own. If you are not sure about any of this, please inquire by emailing 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(s) are free.
To insure an intimate and deep sangha experience the registration capacity is 18.
Schedule:
On the first day we meet at 9am 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 spent immersing in presence to what is around you, resting in awareness and being, enjoying and appreciating nature, both outside and inside of you.
Late morning on the second and third days we will gather to share, get any needed support from the teachers, use the bathrooms, enjoy a hot main meal, and pickup simple food (no cooking required) for meals in your camp. On the last day everyone breaks camp, and we gather for a final sharing and celebratory lunch.
What Participants Have Said about this Retreat:
Thank you so much for this beautiful retreat. It was indescribably valuable for me to live with nature for an extended period of time. The invitation to be, rather than do, was a balm for my weary soul. I remembered who I am as being, rather than clinging to the sense of self I uphold in the ‘civilized’ world through accomplishment, control, and judgment. The spaciousness and grace of nature held me.
Anita M., Longmont, Colorado
I had tried a solo retreat once, but after a day I gave up. This retreat offered the power of solo practice with the support of a group retreat. The combination made it my most insightful retreat ever. I plan to be back every time it is offered.
Andrew W., Boulder, Colorado
I loved the solo retreat! I loved the balance of meeting with sangha support and solo practice. I felt very supported by the teachers, both in trusting me and my practice, and giving me more when I needed it.
Jordan V., Portland, Oregon
A truly transformative experience. Your no-nonsense approach to Buddhism was really helpful. I have a sense that I experienced a lot of healing here as I didn’t have to force anything.
Andreas T., Switzerland