Earth in Mind: Dharma, Deep Ecology, and Land (Residential Only)

The Whole Earth is the True human Body
—Dogen

Elders within both indigenous societies and contemplative traditions have long sought out the refuge of the wider natural world in order to become more intimate with a larger ground of belonging. These sages and elders of old deeply understood that the nature of their own minds was not separate from mountains and rivers and the great wide Earth. We continue this long tradition, exploring the gifts of nature-based practice and contemplative practice, and how both of these ways mutually support a deepening presence with life.

This retreat is offered as an invitation to resource ourselves as we navigate our way into an uncertain future in these challenging times, acknowledging the inseparability of our own well-being with that of the wider Earth community. The retreat is also an invitation to deepen our gratitude for being alive on this Earth and to more deeply understand the contribution of a single life of integrity woven into the tapestry of our collective story.

Please join us to:

• Meditate in community and in nature
• Practice community inquiry
• Deepen your practice and connection to the natural world surrounded by the mountainscapes and open fields of rural New Hampshire.

Meditation instruction will be offered around the four foundations of mindfulness, supported by nature-based practices drawing on an eco-centric model of human development that complement these foundations. Individual contemplative practice, community inquiry and connection with the land will serve as the foundation of this retreat. In support of deepening this exploration, the majority of the retreat will be held in silence, interspersed with periods of shared exploration through dialogue.

Suitable for all levels.

Typical Retreat Schedule

(All times are Eastern time zone)

First Day — Orientation at 6:45 pm. Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.

Full-Day Schedule — Morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast break 8:00-9:30 am; Lunch break 12:00-2:00 pm; Dinner break 5:30-7:00 pm. Evening session 7:00-8:30 pm

Last Day —The closing session end at 12:00 pm.

These times are just for reference. An expanded schedule will be provided in pre-retreat information emailed during the week prior to the event.

Important Health Information

The NDF Health Committee continues to monitor evolving public health conditions and trends, as we keep the safety of our Sangha at the forefront of our decision-making. At this time, 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.

Scholarships

Cancellation Policy

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away at register@naturaldharma.org. Cancellations affect our ability to offer rooms to others and create additional work for our staff, therefore we charge the following fees to help mitigate these costs.

For cancellations (based on program start date):

• > 45 days: 100% refund minus a $75 admin. fee.
• 31-45 days: 50% refund of the required deposit; or 75% refund if registration paid in full.
• 21-30 days: 50% refund of total registration cost
• < 21 days: nonrefundable

If you must cancel due to an emergency or extenuating circumstances, please contact us at register@naturaldharma.org.

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge Full Calendar