Winter Solstice Retreat: Embracing the Dark, Inviting the Light (394A26) - Online/Self-Paced

Registration closes at 3:00pm (Pacific Time) on December 18, 2026. A waiting list will be created if the program fills early. Recordings* will be available for this program.

We’re offering this retreat in three formats over the same dates.
1. On-land Residential Retreat: Learn more here
2. Online Retreat (via Zoom)
3. Online/Self-paced (via livestream)

Retreat Description:

Throughout this retreat, we will focus on centering ourselves at the time of the holidays and the New Year, quieting our minds, grounding in our bodies, opening up our hearts, and using inquiry to help give energy to our practice. Special emphasis will be placed on opening to the darkness, including to our difficulties and challenges, and opening to the coming light—to the beauty, joy, wisdom, and love within and around us. The retreat will include complete meditation instructions, stillness and movement meditation, daily lovingkindness practice, daily Qigong practice, evening talks, practice discussions, and a Winter Solstice ceremony.

Our time together will include silent and guided sitting meditation, walking meditation, Dharma talks, and instructions. This retreat is appropriate for both beginning and more experienced meditators.

On-Land Teachers: Oren Sofer, devon hase, Yong Oh, Kimi Mojica (movement), and Fernmarie Rodriguez (assistant teacher)
Online Teacher: Heather Sundberg

Interested in joining the residential retreat instead? Learn more here

Online/Self-paced Retreat Details:
Our Self-Paced Retreat option allows you to participate fully from wherever you are, bringing the stillness directly into your home. Each day includes 2–3 hours of meditation instruction, Dharma teachings, mindful movement, and heart practices, livestreamed from Spirit Rock’s Upper Meditation Hall and recorded for on-demand access.

Practicing from home allows the retreat to unfold gently within the rhythms of your own life. You may join live when you’re able, move at your own pace, and revisit the teachings as often as you wish—whether you follow the full daily schedule or spread the content out over several weeks. All sessions are available within 24 hours and include unlimited replay, offering a flexible and supportive way to turn inward and release what no longer serves you.

While the Self-Paced Retreat format does not include teacher meetings, small groups, Q&A, or affinity groups, it offers the gift of practicing in your own sanctuary. You can create your retreat space, follow your nervous system’s natural pacing, and allow the teachings to weave organically into daily life. With lifetime access to the recordings, the retreat can continue to nourish your practice long after it concludes.

Online Retreat Details (via Zoom; interactive):
The online retreat will be offered via Zoom and will include: meditation instructions, Dharma talks, and opportunities to ask questions during Q&A with on-land teachers, broadcasted live from Spirit Rock’s Upper Meditation Hall. There will also be practice meetings on Zoom with a dedicated online Spirit Rock teacher, as well as online affinity groups. Please note: the on-land teachers will not offer practice meetings to online practitioners.

What’s the difference between Online/Self-paced retreat and Online retreat?
Both the online/self-paced retreat and online retreat will include:

• Broadcast of all Dharma talks, meditations, and other instructions
• Retreat homepage – includes retreat schedule, access to recordings, other resources
• Recordings of all Dharma talks and meditations

Online/Self-paced Retreat:

• Live broadcast of all teaching sessions
• Recordings of all teaching sessions

Online Retreat:

• Zoom hall for all teaching sessions
• Recordings of all teaching sessions
• Practice meetings with the online teacher
• Opportunity to ask questions during Q&A with the on-land teachers
• Online affinity groups (optional)

For either online format: all are welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds as space allows. For more information, please email Registration@spiritrock.org no later than 4:00pm PT on the day prior to the program start.

*Recording Note: You will have unlimited access to view the program recordings. If you would like access to the recordings, you must register by the deadline above. Each day’s recordings will be available within 24 hours after the live session.

Online and Self-Paced Retreat Cancellation Policy:

• $50 fee = on or before 2 days prior to program start (Pacific Time)
• NO refund = less than 2 days prior to program start (applies to ALL participants)