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

With Kathe McKenna and Tracie Palmer

December 6 - 8, 2024

Date and Time Details: December 6-8, 2024. Check-in at Wonderwell is between 3:00 and 5:00 pm on the day of arrival. The retreat ends at noon on the final day and a light lunch may be offered. We ask that people leave Wonderwell by 2:00 pm so staff can finish their work and get home themselves.

Contact: register@naturaldharma.org

WAIT LIST: If the type of room you require is sold out or no rooms at all are available at Wonderwell, you can email register@naturaldharma.org to be placed on a waiting list in case there are cancellations. You also might want to consider the commuter option. A list of nearby accommodations (including some with sangha members and friends) can be found by clicking on the More Details link under the Commuter option.

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 Dartmouth Coach's New London, NH bus stop. This service must be scheduled well in advance, and we will have difficulty accommodating last-minute requests.

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

RECORDINGS: Full access to all recordings and retreat materials through your user account.

Suite/Benefactor – $585.00
Private Room w/Queen Bed & Ensuite Bath – $456.00
Private Room w/Queen Bed & Hall Bath – $415.00
Private Room w/Twin Bed & Ensuite Bath – $456.00
Private Room w/Twin Bed & Hall Bath – $415.00
Shared Room w/Ensuite Bath – $308.00
Shared Room w/Hall Bath – $283.00
Men's Dorm – $238.00
Women's Dorm – $238.00
As Commuter – $176.00

Participants are invited to offer dana ("generous giving") to the teachers at the close of the retreat.

A Beginner-Friendly Retreat introducing the Practice of Meditation

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

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.

We will learn how to compassionately come alongside whatever arises in our field of experience, including difficult thoughts and feelings. There will be ample time for instruction and guided meditation practice. In addition, personal dharma conversations will be offered as well as time for questions.

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.

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge Full Calendar

About the Teachers

Kathe McKenna

Kathe McKenna currently serves as President of Natural Dharma Fellowship’s Board of Directors. She is deeply engaged in shepherding this unique, collaborative Buddhist dharma vessel. She helped launch the feisty, multi-faceted human service provider, Haley House, and led it through 50 years of organic growth. Kathe’s roles as mother, wife, and grandmother have enriched her vision and sparked […]

Learn more about Kathe McKenna

Tracie Palmer

Tracie entered the path after many years of cautious curiosity and quickly found her spiritual home at Natural Dharma Fellowship. She is blessed to be a student of Lama Willa Blythe Baker, Lama Liz Monson, Brendan Kennedy, and Lama Justin von Bujdoss. Tracie has worn many hats at NDF and is currently a meditation teacher […]

Learn more about Tracie Palmer

Categories : *Residential, Beginner Friendly, Retreats