Luminous Darkness: The Power of Embracing the Unknown (Residential)

This is the RESIDENTIAL component of the retreat. If you’d like to register for the ONLINE component, please click here

We often think of the darkness as an absence of light, but the darkness–we discover through practice–has its own enlightening power. Darkness reveals the unknown and embodies depth, making space for new discoveries, insight and transformation.

This autumnal equinox, join Deborah Eden Tull (author of Luminous Darkness) and Lama Willa Baker (author of The Wakeful Body) as we take a walk on the dark side, exploring the power of our shadow, our challenges and our adversities to awaken us to new levels of insight and depth. We will explore, through practice and reflection, how to meet the unknown with presence, curiosity and serenity, and how to move from fearing the darkness to embracing it.

We will engage with practices of meditation under the brilliant New Hampshire night sky, in the shadows (both literally and metaphorically), and in our beloved meditation hall at Wonderwell.

Our retreat will culminate with a group celebration of the autumnal equinox, portal to the season of change, as a tribute to the power of darkness to illumine and awaken.

The retreat will include meditation both indoors and outdoors, walking meditation and mindful dance practice.

Typical Retreat Schedule

(All times are Eastern time zone)

First Day — Check-in: 3:00-5:00 pm. Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.

Full-Day Schedule — Morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast break 8:30-10:00 am; Lunch break 12:00-2:00 pm; Dinner break 5:30-7:00 pm.

Last Day —The closing session ends at 10:00 am, followed by teacher darshan from 10:00-10:30 am and sangha darshan until 11:30 am, when a light lunch will be provided.

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 Covid 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.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge strives to offer retreats in a manner that is inclusive for persons of all means. If the full retreat cost would create an undue financial burden, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. Please visit this page on our website learn more about financial aid.

Depending on the type of work that you do, you may be eligible for a Hemera Contemplative Fellowship. Please click on this link for more information.

Please do not apply for financial assistance until after you have registered for the retreat.

Cancellation Policy

Wonderwell charges a $75 cancellation fee for residential (onsite) retreat cancellations more than 4 weeks before the start of a retreat. Any cancellations between 4 weeks to 11 days prior to the program are charged a $150 cancellation fee. For any cancellations 10 or fewer days prior to the start date of the program, no refunds are offered.

However, if you are feeling ill or feel you might have been exposed to the COVID virus, please cancel your attendance at any Wonderwell retreat even at the last minute. In this case, we will provide a full refund of your payment.

If you decide to transfer from residential to online attendance, any cancellation fee will be determined based on the time remaining before the start of the retreat.

Access to Recordings

NDF offers unlimited access to recordings, which are accessed in your user dashboard (more information about user accounts provided in a pre-retreat letter). If you have a user account, please register with the same email you use to log into your dashboard. If not, an account will be created for you using your registration address.

Availability will vary depending on the type of event and the backlog for our precious resource volunteers. Thank you for your patience.

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge Full Calendar