Go Sit Under a Tree! Mindfulness in Nature Silent Retreat

THIS RETREAT IS BEING RESCHEDULED TO 2025!

**FOR MORE INFO / TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT offgridretreats.org/events/jan2024gositunderatree

Off-Grid Retreats is honored to collaborate with Anushka Fernandopulle, Christiane Wolf and Marjolein Janssen to offer Go Sit Under a Tree! Mindfulness in Nature Retreat. To clarify, this is a Silent Insight Meditation Retreat in Nature. We’re also delighted to provide this retreat on a sliding scale and to include Dana (donation based) pricing.

Long before forest bathing was popular as a concept, the Buddha instructed his disciples to meditate in nature. Being outdoors connects us deeply with our senses in a way that is calming and nourishing to the body, heart and mind; it is an antidote to the sense overload we often experience in an urban setting. Being mindful in nature we become aware that we are a part of nature and can see through our misperception of separateness that creates suffering and division in our lives.

On this silent meditation retreat we will practice outdoors sitting and walking meditation, as well as mindful walks/hikes and meandering in nature. Most of the stationary meditations will be 45 minutes long.

We will walk together as a group to our outdoor sitting spots. And there will be several opportunities for contemplative group hikes with up to 5 miles distance. These hikes are optional.

Each day there will be deepening meditation instructions as well as a dharma talk and time for questions. Please note that the retreat is held in “noble silence” in the tradition of Insight (Vipassana) meditation retreats.

Work meditation allows participants to practice and to serve the community – our Sangha. Each participant will be asked to sign up and perform a daily ritual of either meal prep, clean-up, bathroom cleaning, bell ringing, or other shared needs. Participants will sign up for these work meditations (aka yogi jobs) during check in onsite. Noble silence will be expected during work meditations as well, except for absolutely necessary instructions.

If you recently experienced a traumatic event an intensive silent meditation retreat might not be supportive. If you are unsure, please reach out to us and we can explore this with you.

To learn more about the teachers, please visit offgridretreats.org/events/jan2024gositunderatree

RETREAT SITE
This retreat will reside at the Five Changes and Manzanita Village. Check in is on Monday, January 29th at 2:00 PM PT. Starting with dinner on the 29th, we’ll be serving 3 delicious and fully plant based meals / day. Please see below for a lovely and comprehensive description of the site.

“The atmosphere of spaciousness and freedom on this land, the undisturbed peace, the star-filled night sky, clean air and water (from our own well), the many walks, the unspoiled landscape, the skill of the teachers … makes this an ideal place for learning, developing natural creativity, aligning your values and perspectives, and as a simple, natural catalyst for deep inner transformation.

We are situated at the mouth of a small canyon that backs into the Cleveland National Forest and tens of thousands of acres of chaparral forest, unspoiled wildlife habitat, with several hiking trails. We overlook rolling hills and mountains, grassland and oaks. In the distance we have a view of Mt. Palomar, and behind us the mountains, after rising to thousand feet, drop down to the Anza Borrego desert.” – Five Changes and Manzanita Village webpage

The Five Changes and Manzanita Village, in Warner Springs, CA, is an approximately 2½ hours drive from Los Angeles and a 1½ hour drive from San Diego. The nearest airports are Ontario (ONT), San Diego (SAN), John Wayne (SNA), and Los Angeles (LAX).

During this winter retreat, the weather and temperatures can vary significantly. We may experience temperatures as low as 30° F and as high as 80° F. Please ensure to follow our packing list so you may enjoy this nature based retreat comfortably and safely, regardless of the weather.

Given the time of year, and the potential for cold, we are happy to offer the option of indoor lodging. However, these spaces are limited and/or might lack the privacy of an outdoor glamping or camping lodging. For indoor lodging, there is one building onsite with 3 rooms and many bunks in each room.

Off-Grid Retreats will provide some glamping lodging options including a large bell tent (13 feet in diameter) with a bed and bed frame and other amenities. OGR will also provide some medium glamping options too, which come with a cot, sleeping pad and sleeping bag, etc. And there are many places to set up a tent and van if you bring your own.

RETREAT COST
The Buddha asked that the teaching of the Dharma be offered freely, without charge, since it is of infinite value, and beyond any price that could be put on it. The tradition of ‘Dana,’ or mutual giving, has supported Buddhist cultures for 2500 years. In Asia, the monks and nuns offer the teaching and the lay people support the monastery and fill the monks’ begging bowls each morning as they walk through the village on alms rounds. It is a beautiful exchange in which the hearts of both giver and receiver are opened in joy and gratitude and love flows between them.

Trying to walk the balance of the Buddha’s instructions and the costs of residential retreats, the retreat fee just covers the retreat costs: food, retreat center fee, administration costs, and other incidental expenses.

We offer this retreat on a sliding scale and provide a scholarship option to allow each participant to choose what is most appropriate for themselves.

For more information on our Cancellation, COVID and device policies, please visit: offgridretreats.org/events/jan2024gositunderatree

And lastly, about 1 month prior to the retreat start date, Off-Grid Retreats will email registrants more information on directions along with a recommended packing list and other important things to note.