Watching the Mind: Resting in One’s True Nature (Residential Only)

A Beginner-Friendly Retreat introducing the Practice of Meditation

This beginner-friendly weekend retreat will help you develop a meditation practice to, among other benefits, learn how to compassionately come alongside whatever arises in our field of experience, including difficult thoughts and feelings 

When you develop a meditation practice, you are being kind to yourself and to those you love – and nurturing your interconnection with all beings. The sacred silence of this weekend retreat – especially surrounded by Wonderwell’s natural beauty – can be an inspiring way to begin your journey on the path toward awakening.

What to expect:

• Instruction and guided meditation practice with our experienced teachers
• An individual meeting with a teachers if you would like personal guidance
• Discover ways to bring meditation and mindfulness into your daily experience
• Delicious meals, cozy nooks, refreshing outdoor space, gorgeous mountain views
• Support of other retreatants as you explore together

The Sanskrit word for meditation is bhavana, which means training the body-heart-mind to remain skillfully present to ‘what is.’ Meditation is supported by mindfulness, the ability to pay attention. Learning to let go of our incessant reliance on the conceptual, thinking mind to open to a more expansive awareness is a key part of the path toward stability, wisdom and clarity that can support us in every aspect of our lives.

Typical Retreat Schedule

(All times are Eastern Time Zone)

First Day: Hybrid session begins around 7:00 pm

Full Days: Begin with a morning meditation at 7:00 am and usually end by 8:30 pm. Lunch break is typically 12:00 – 2:00 pm; and dinner break is 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

Last Day — The closing session typically ends by 12:00 pm.

A more detailed schedule will be provided in the 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.

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