September Open Practice Weekend (Residential Only)

September 11 - 13, 2026

Date and Time Details: September 11-13, 2026. Check-in at Wonderwell is between 3:00 and 5:00 pm on the day of arrival. The retreat ends with lunch at noon on the final day. We ask that participants depart Wonderwell by 2:00 pm so that staff may finish their work and head home as well.

Contact: register@naturaldharma.org

WAIT LIST: If the type of room you require is sold out or no rooms are available, please email register@naturaldharma.org to be placed on a waiting list. You also might consider our commuter option. For a list of nearby accommodations (including some with sangha members), click on the More Details link under the Commuter option on the registration page.

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.

  • Benefactor Suite – $438.00
  • Private Room: Queen Bed & Ensuite Bath – $318.00
  • Private Room: Queen Bed & Hall Bath – $278.00
  • Private Room: Twin Bed & Ensuite Bath – $318.00
  • Private Room: Twin Bed & Hall Bath – $278.00
  • Shared Room: Twin Bed & Ensuite Bath – $238.00
  • Shared Room: Twin Bed & Hall Bath – $216.00
  • Women's Dorm – $160.00
  • Men's Dorm – $160.00
  • Camping: Tent or Vehicle – $120.00
  • Commuter – $120.00
Register Here
Register Here

We invite you to spend a quiet late-summer weekend immersed in practice, nature, and the supportive atmosphere of Wonderwell Mountain Refuge.

Open Practice Weekends offer lightly structured retreat time for both new and experienced practitioners. Held within a shared container of Noble Silence and sangha, these weekends provide spacious time for meditation, contemplation, rest, and personal retreat. For Vajrayana practitioners, this can be an especially supportive opportunity for sustained ngöndro practice, including prostrations, mantra recitation, and other accumulations.

Please join us to:

  • Immerse yourself in individual practice within a quiet and supportive environment
  • Commune with the land through mindful walking, sky gazing, and outdoor meditation
  • Share simple retreat life and nourishing meals in the company of fellow practitioners

Optional morning and evening meditation sessions provide gentle structure and light guidance to frame the day, while the majority of the weekend remains open for self-directed practice. You are invited to settle into your own rhythm — whether through seated meditation, mindful walking, journaling, reading, outdoor practice, or simply resting quietly in the beauty of Wonderwell’s mountains, forests, and open sky.

Wander wooded trails, sky gaze from the porch or meadow, or curl up with tea and a book from Wonderwell’s extensive Dharma library. Whether you are looking to deepen an established practice or simply spend restorative time in silence and reflection, this weekend offers space to slow down and listen inwardly.

The retreat includes vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, along with access to tea and snacks throughout the weekend. All are welcome!

Typical Open Practice Weekend Schedule

(All times are Eastern time zone)

First Day — Opening session begins at 7:00 pm.

Full-Day Schedule — Optional morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast 8:00 am; Lunch 12:00 pm; Dinner 5:30 pm; Optional evening meditation 7:00 pm.

Last Day — Optional morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast 8:00 am; Lunch 12:00 pm; Departure between 12:30-2:00 pm.

These times are just for reference. An expanded schedule will be posted at Wonderwell upon 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.

Scholarships

Natural Dharma Fellowship strives to offer retreats in a manner that is inclusive and accessible. 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 to learn more about financial aid options.

Please do not apply for financial assistance until after you have registered for the retreat. If the required deposit would be an obstacle, please contact register@naturaldharma.org.

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.

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