The Four Elements Retreat (232R23) - On Land

Registration open until 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on Sunday, January 22, 2023. A waiting list will be created if the retreat fills early.
Interested in Commuting to the retreat? – learn more below.

RETREAT TO BE HELD ON THE LAND!

Open to: Everyone

Description:
Awaken through the body with the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. This is a foundational practice taught by the Buddha and part of the Theravāda lineage. The essence of this practice is timeless and found in Indigenous cultures and traditions around the world.

This retreat is centered around cultivating a grounded, embodied practice that lends towards concentration, direct experience of anattā (not-self), and impermanence. As the elements become more alive in your awareness, a deeper connection with the natural world is felt. Our beautiful surroundings at Spirit Rock will hold this retreat very nicely.

Four elements practice can also be very healing, fostering a new relationship with the body. This retreat will include heart practice to further support and nourish this healing. Practice periods will include silent and guided sitting, walking meditation, and Dharma talks.

This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.

Retreat Commuter Option:
The retreat commuter option will only become available once the retreat is full with a waitlist.

Prerequisite to Attend as a Commuter:
You must have attended at least one 7-night or two 5-night silent, Insight (vipassanā) meditation residential retreats 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. 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 questions about being a retreat commuter, please email Registration@spiritrock.org

Commuter Sliding Scale:
Benefactor – $820
Sustainer – $615
Base- $410

Scholarship offerings: In returning to the land, we returned to our pre-pandemic scholarship options and policies. All scholarship rates require a minimum fee ($55/night). Scholarships are limited to TWO per calendar year for on-land retreats. And, while we are not able to offer “pay what you can”-type of scholarships for in-person retreats, they are still available for online offerings as space allows.

Hemera Fellowships for Residential Retreats – are you eligible and a first-time retreatant? Learn more…

Room Occupancy Update*: We have returned to double occupancy rooms. Many of our rooms are single occupancy (only 16 of 80 rooms are double occupancy). We have also returned to offering a “guaranteed single room” rate and these will be limited (16). This rate guarantees a single room while helping to support scholarships and all we do here at Spirit Rock. The remaining single rooms are not exclusive to the top end of the sliding scale; however, they are initially prioritized for those with serious medical needs.

*Subject to change depending upon COVID-19 situation.

IMPORTANT – Details on our current COVID Safety Protocols for In-person Retreats.

Cancellation Policy for Residential Retreats as of April 2022*:
Standard Cancellation Fee Schedule:

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

Scholarship Rates and Commuter Cancellation Fees:

• $75 On or before 8 weeks
• $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