Awake in the Wild: Contemplating Joy, Wisdom, and Wonder in Nature (214R27) - On Land

Registration opens at 9:00am (Pacific Time) on July 15, 2026, and closes at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on March 30, 2027. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early.

Applying for a residential scholarship? – see our Financial Support FAQ’s.
Interested in Commuting to the retreat? – learn more below.

Description

Since the time of the Buddha, practitioners have turned to the natural world as a place of refuge and awakening. Held in the quiet beauty of Spirit Rock’s hills and meadows, this silent, outdoor retreat invites a direct, embodied exploration of the Dharma through intimate relationship with the living world.

Through sensory-based mindfulness, we attune to the rhythms of body, breath, and the more-than-human world. Nature becomes both teacher and mirror, revealing impermanence, interdependence, and the ease of letting go. As we listen deeply, we reconnect with a natural sense of joy, wonder, and belonging.

The retreat includes sitting and walking meditation, nature-based practices, Dharma reflections, and small group meetings, with ample time for solitary practice outdoors. Practicing in community, we support a shared field of presence and care.

This retreat is held in silence, apart from teacher guidance and group meetings.

Please note: During much of this retreat we will practice together outside in the company of the natural world. There will be an option of moving indoors if inclement weather should be present. Early morning and late evening practices will mostly be indoors (unless you choose to sit outdoors).

Financial Details

Sliding Scale fees are for 5 nights including food and lodging. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you can afford: your generosity supports Spirit Rock’s efforts in offering lower sliding scale rates and supporting the large number of scholarship requests.

Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana. At the end of the retreat, there will be an invitation to offer dana to the teachers and to Spirit Rock.

Supporter Rate w/guaranteed single room – $3125
Benefactor Rate – $2500
Sustainer Rate – $1875
Basic Rate – $1250
Scholarship Rate (BIPOC, Mudita/Karuna, or Young Adult [ages 18-26 yrs]) – $475

Pay in full or Payment plan: You can either pay in full or pay a minimum 30% deposit when you register. Payment plans are available to everyone! If you choose the deposit option, the remaining balance will be automatically set up and charged to your payment card in equal installments on a monthly basis. Full payment is due two weeks prior to the retreat start.

Cancellation Policy (Residential Retreats):*
Standard Cancellation Fees:

• $50: On or before 12 weeks
• $100: 8-12 weeks before
• $175: 4-8 weeks before
• $300: 2-4 weeks before
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before

Scholarship and Commuter Rate Cancellation Fees:

• Full refund: On or before 12 weeks
• $75: 8-12 weeks before
• $100: 4-8 weeks before
• $200: 2-4 weeks before
• No refunds as of 2 weeks before

*Fees reduced for serious illness or death in family

Retreat Commuter Option

The retreat commuter option will only become available once the retreat is FULL with a waitlist. However, if your personal circumstances preclude you from attending a residential retreat (e.g. staying overnight), please reach out to us as we may be able to offer you a commuter spot sooner and we would be happy to have a conversation with you. (“Personal circumstances” could be situations like if you are a sole caregiver, or parent w/young children where you need to be home each night, for example.)

Prerequisite for Commuters:
You must have attended at least one weeklong silent residential retreat (5-7 nights) in Insight (vipassanā) meditation PRIOR to attending this retreat.

What is a Retreat Commuter?
A retreat commuter is a practitioner who attends a full residential retreat, including all meals, but they are not provided with overnight accommodations. Instead practitioners stay in their own home or find local accommodations at their own expense. A communal resting area is provided during the day while on campus for the retreat. The retreat commuter is expected to attend the entire retreat just like residential retreatants. Special reduced rates are listed below for retreat commuters.

If you have additional questions about being a retreat commuter, please email Registration@spiritrock.org

Commuter Sliding Scale:
Sustainer-Commuter – $950
Basic-Commuter – $625

Current Covid-19 Safety Protocols for residential retreats