ATI Summer Retreat

With Lama Willa Blythe Baker and Lama Liz Monson

August 6 - 9, 2026

Date and Time Details: August 6-9, 2026.

GETTING TO WONDERWELL: If you are not driving to Wonderwell, please scroll to the end of this page on our website for our travel suggestions and information about our shuttle service from local public transportation locations. This service must be scheduled well in advance, as we will have difficulty accommodating last-minute requests.

HEARING ASSISTANCE: A limited number of hearing assistance devices are available. Please indicate in the comment box on the registration form if you would like to reserve one. Devices reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Advanced Teacher Initiative Summer Retreat is a special opportunity for our apprentices and lamas to gather in person for several days of practice, learning, reflection, and connection. Held at our beloved Wonderwell Mountain Refuge and supported by the sacred atmosphere of our retreat center and the surrounding land, this intimate retreat offers space to step away from the busyness of daily life and deepen into the heart of the Dharma for the benefit of all beings.

This retreat is an integral part of the Advanced Teacher Initiative program. Together, we will strengthen our bonds of spiritual friendship, learn from our lamas, offer and receive feedback, and support one another’s growth as practitioners and emerging teachers.

Lodging

Each apprentice will be provided with a private room for this retreat. If you have any additional lodging or accommodation requests, please note them in the “Comments or Special Needs” section of your registration.

Retreat Schedule

(All times are Eastern time zone)

First Day —
- Pre-arrival: 12:30 – 3:00 pm – If you would like to come to Wonderwell earlier in the afternoon, you are welcome to do so.
- Check-in: 3:00 – 5:00 pm
- Dinner: 5:30 pm – We will share in a meal together with our lamas.
- Opening Session: 7:00 pm
Final Day —
- Closing session ends by 12:00 pm
- Lunch: 12:00pm – Please plan to stay for lunch with our cohort and lamas.
- Departure by 3:00 pm – The building and grounds will remain open until 3:00 pm to offer additional opportunities for connection and conversation.

An expanded schedule will be posted at Wonderwell upon your arrival.

Important Health Information

COVID-19 testing is no longer required. Masks are optional and encouraged if you are at higher risk. We encourage you to stay at home if you are symptomatic to protect others.

Cancellation

If you are not able to attend the retreat or need to cancel due to an emergency or extenuating circumstances, please contact Shemaleiah at shemaleiah@naturaldharma.org.

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About the Teachers

Lama Willa Blythe Baker

Lama Willa Blythe Baker, Ph.D. is the Founder of Natural Dharma Fellowship in Boston, MA and its retreat center Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH. She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after twelve years of monastic training and two consecutive three-year retreats. She also […]

Learn more about Lama Willa Blythe Baker

Lama Liz Monson

Lama, Managing Teacher, Spiritual Co-Director Elizabeth Monson, PhD, is the Spiritual Co-Director of Natural Dharma Fellowship and the Managing Teacher at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH. Liz was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after over 30 years of studying, practicing, and teaching Tibetan Buddhism […]

Learn more about Lama Liz Monson

Categories : *Residential, Retreats