Registration opens in January 2025; make sure you are on the email list to be notified when it is available.

In this retreat the 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 experience becomes simpler and more 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 together, a natural sense of ease and belonging comes. The wanting and aversion, seeking and resisting, of our minds begins 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 easeful 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 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. In  nature, at peace, we discover that we already are the happiness that we seek.

• 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.