Devotion to the Sacred: Awakening Wholesome States as Spiritual Practice (JB2M23)
James Baraz, MA and Alexa Redner
May 27 - 29, 2023
Please only register for one of the two formats: On-Land or Online.
Registration for On-Land closes at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) on May 27, 2023. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. A recording* will be available following the program. Please read “Important Notes” below*
3-Day “Commuter” Retreat (Non-Residential) to be held on the land!
Open to: Everyone
Description:
The Buddha advised us to overcome unhealthy states and develop states of true well-being such as gratitude, kindness, and compassion, and he encouraged us to deepen these beautiful states whenever possible. A profound support in doing this is to connect with the unnameable mystery from which all states emanate–what Ven. Ajahn Sumedho called “The Shining through of the Divine.” In this non-residential practice retreat we will focus on cultivating states of well-being, and rather than taking ownership of them, connecting to the source within us from which they arise. As they shine through, they become a gift to everyone in our lives.
This retreat is for practitioners who want to deepen their meditation practice through heartfelt connection to our natural goodness, well-being, and joy. It includes periods of sitting and walking meditation with instructions, practice-oriented talks, and practice discussions with the teachers.
Sliding Scale:
$210–$885 (JB2M23)**
$75–$1,008 (JB2Z23)
Our sliding scale options for this program include financial support for our teachers.
**Volunteer/Work Exchange opportunities, which include full or partial Scholarships, may be available for the in-person program. For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteering@spiritrock.org.
*Important Notes:
Access to Recording
- A recording will be available for all participants (on land & online) following the program in approximately 10 days. You will have ~90 days from the original program date to view the recording.
On-Land Attendees
- Bring a sack lunch, daily, and a water bottle. Lunch will not be provided.
- The on-land program will take place in the Community Meditation Center in the Great Hall.
- This is NOT a residential retreat. Overnight accommodations are not provided.
On-Land COVID Protocols
- Masking: Masking will be optional in the Community Meditation Center (CMC) in the lower campus. (Masking is still required in the upper campus.) We will be following California’s use of the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels to inform us of which prevention actions to use. We strongly recommend you decide which prevention behaviors to use and when, based on your own risk for severe illness and that of members of your household, and their risk tolerance.
- Proof of Vaccination + Booster (at least 1) is Required: You will be required to present your vaccination + booster card and picture ID at the door to gain admittance. No proof, no admittance.
- Proof of Negative Test Result: All practitioners must bring proof (a photo or actual test) of a same-day negative antigen test that they have taken prior to arrival. Practitioners who do not arrive with a negative test will be given one prior to admittance. Individuals will not be admitted to the retreat if the test result is positive for COVID-19.
- PLEASE READ – Details on our current COVID Safety Protocols for In-person Retreats/Programs.
About the Teachers

James Baraz, MA
James Baraz, MA, has a master’s in Psychology and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. James started the Community Dharma Leader program, the Kalyana Mitta Network, the Spirit Rock Family Program and helped create the Heavenly Messengers Training Program. James has been leading the online course Awakening Joy since 2003. He serves […]
Learn more about James Baraz, MA
Alexa Redner
Alexa Redner has been practicing meditation since 2003. She holds a BA in Visual Arts and MA in Creation Spirituality from Naropa University. Alexa has been an educator in many realms over the last twenty years, dancing between the worlds of being a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher, program teacher for Mindful Schools, and Eating Disorders/Body Positive […]
Learn more about Alexa RednerCategories : Event/Program, Hybrid, Multi-day, Non-Residential, On-land, Retreat