[MN926] The Great Silence: Mindfulness and Non-Duality in Nature

About the Retreat

This week-long nature retreat is designed for those seeking a deep immersion into stillness, presence, and the wisdom of the natural world. In a peaceful setting of forests, meadows, and open sky, participants will let go of digital distractions and enter a rhythm of quiet that mirrors the calm of the surrounding hills. Daily meditations, gentle movement, and silent walks along Drala’s trails will encourage a gradually deepening awareness of unity with the beauty and life around us.

Utilizing both Mindfulness and NonDual approaches, we will explore the spiritual understanding that our ordinary sense of separation from nature and each other is at the surface of what is. Through dialogue sessions and meditations, some guided, and all outside as weather permits, you will begin to rest in the undivided consciousness of who you really are. Being in nature will be an essential part of this—each birdcall, breeze, and tree pointing back to the seamless field of awareness. Whether you are an experienced meditator or stepping into retreat for the first time, the week offers a rare chance to experience meditation not as a technique but as the natural expression of being.

‎Who is this retreat for?

All are welcome; beginners will be offered plenty of instruction and support, while those more experienced can enjoy exploring what they already know and practice.

This retreat is for people who enjoy sitting and walking in nature: We will be out hiking the trails, as well as to and from different parts of the Drala campus, and in general being outside in nature as much as weather permits.

What will participants get out of this retreat?

Participants can expect to leave with a sense of deep inner calm and increased capacity to stay present in daily life. Extended periods of quiet, combined with meditation and nature immersion, can reduce stress, improve focus, and renew your capacity to meet everyday challenges with more ease. The simple daily schedule—meals, movement, walking, and sitting—will also help inspire creating or renewing a personal meditation practice at home. The retreat can also lead to a more subtle shift in identity. Participants frequently describe times of spacious awareness where the usual sense of “me in the world” softens, revealing a direct experience of oneness with everything. This is an experience that changes us at the core—deepening compassion, dissolving feelings of isolation, and bringing the understanding that this wholeness is always present, even amidst the chaos of ordinary life.

What to Expect

Day 1

Sunday, September 13th: Welcome to the Land

2:00 – 5:00 pm Arrival and Settling In
5:30 – 6:00 pm Drala Orientation
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Retreat Opening, Evening Meditation and Talk Around the Campfire

Days 2-6

Monday-Friday, September 14th – 18th: Welcome to the Retreat

6:15 – 7:00 am – Morning Meditation (Optional)
7:15 – 7:45 am Qi Gong (Optional)
8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast and Pack Up Lunch
9:45 – 2:30 pm Instructions, Sitting and Walking Out on Trails, Lunch, etc.
2:30 – 4:45 pm Small Groups, Free Time
5:00 – 5:45 pm Afternoon Meditation
6:00 – 6:45 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Meditation and Talk Around the Campfire

Day 7

Saturday, September 19th: End of the Retreat

6:15 – 7:00 am – Morning Meditation (Optional)
7:00 – 8:00 am – Pack Up Rooms
8:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast and Pack Up Lunch
9:45 – 12:30 pm Program Session and Close Retreat
12:30 – 12:35 pm DMC Moment of Appreciation
12:45 – 1:30 pm Lunch and Departure

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Why Did Past Participants Love this  Retreat?

“After more than a decade of retreat practice, I’ve found nothing better than the NonDuality in Nature retreat to help me deepen my connection to nature, a felt sense of belonging, and a deep sense of fundamental OK-ness.” Lila L, Boulder CO, Psychotherapist

“I appreciate how accessible, light-hearted and down-to-earth Johann’s teachings are. He is a very engaging speaker and always serves up gems to keep with me for a long time.” Kristin P, Chicago, IL, Filmmaker and Professor

“This retreat has been the most wonderful, energizing experience of my life. The love, support, humor; the jaw dropping beauty of the Rockies…there’s really just no words.“ Alexander S, Salem OR, Network Administrator

“I am more grateful than I know how to express for this wonderful experience. I showed up as a beginner with a lot of emotional baggage and I never felt out of place or judged. This retreat taught me so much about myself and helped me make sense of the suffering I’ve faced in a whole new way. I highly recommend this experience to anyone willing to open their minds and hearts to it.” Campbell R, Thornton, CO, Barista

Donation Based Tuition

This retreat is offered on a dana (generosity) basis for the teachers. Dating back to the time of Buddha, the dana system is an ancient form of reciprocity and a healthy gift economy based on open-handedness and trust in community. It is the foundation of Buddhist practice rooted in the understanding that generosity opens the heart, creates connection to others, and keeps the teachings alive. Your registration fee covers lodging and meals only. At the end of the retreat, there will be an opportunity to offer dana directly to the teachers. The suggested range is $500–$1,000, though any amount is welcome and deeply appreciated.

Retreat Faculty

Johann Robbins

Johann first began meditating in college in 1974. He was asked by Eric Kolvig to begin teaching in 2008, and completed Community Dharma Leader teacher training at Spirit Rock shortly thereafter. His primary Insight teachers were Eric Kolvig, Joseph Goldstein, and Shinzen Young, and his primary Direct Path (NonDuality) teachers were Adyashanti, Stephan Bodian, and [...]

Alice Robbins

Alice Robbins has been engaged with meditation and dharma for over 25 years, and has assisted, managed and taken care of yogis needs during dozens of nature retreats. She practices and teaches dance, movement, and Qi Gong, and loves offering Qi Gong (traditional Chinese gentle movement) while on retreat.

Lodging

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout.
All options include our healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

Dormitories
Rooms with beds for up to 7-8 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. The dorms use a shared bathroom down the hall, which is also equipped with shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A cost-effective option for participants looking for indoor, solitary lodging, but who don’t mind using a shared bathroom or are looking for a more affordable retreat solution. These rooms are in the same hall as the Ridgen Dormitories, but offer more privacy than the dorms. In addition to a bed, bedding, a private room and closet, the monk rooms also have a large window and a desk and desk chair for added comfort.

Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat where you want both your own space and your own bathroom. Each room offers a little more space, a dresser and closet, and a 3/4s bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower, no bathtub) attached to each room.

Mindfulness and Non-Duality in Nature

About the Retreat

‎Who is this retreat for?

What will participants get out of this retreat?