Mindfulness Retreat for Educators

June 13th - 17th, 2027

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Arrival: June 13th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Departure: June 17th, 12:30 PM

Tuition: $400 +  lodging costs
(food & drink included) Inc. V, VG, GF

~Add extra nights at 50% off~

Arrival: June 13th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Departure: June 17th, 12:30 PM

Tuition: $400 +  lodging costs
(food & drink included) Inc. V, VG, GF

~Add extra nights at 50% off~

About the Retreat

Reconnect with yourself and return renewed.
As the school year winds down, give yourself the gift of a retreat designed especially for educators—a time to restore your balance and rekindle your inspiration.

Over the course of our time together, you’ll be gently guided through practices that nurture compassion and deepen emotional steadiness—skills that will enrich both your personal life and your work in schools.

This is your space for renewal—no lesson planning, no grading, no pressure to teach mindfulness to students—just time to care for the teacher within.

Come away feeling replenished and ready for whatever comes next.

Participants will receive a certificate for 35 Continuing Education hours.

Your Retreat Experience Includes:

  • Daily guided meditation and mindfulness practice

  • One full day of nourishing, functional silence

  • Gentle, mindful movement to ease body and mind

  • Solitary reflection for clarity and insight

  • Time immersed in the beauty of the natural world

  • Connection and conversation with fellow educators

Eligibility: Any ONE of the Following

  • Employed full-time in a pre-K-12 school or school district setting

  • Currently enrolled as a full-time student pursuing a M.Ed.

  • Professionals working as early childcare providers (ages 0-3) (i.e. licensed day-care professionals, etc.)

Retreat Pricing

We are committed to making participation in this retreat as affordable as possible for educators. To that end, Drala Mountain Center has reduced standard lodging & meals rates by 50%.

Retreat Faculty

Andra Brill

Andra Brill, Ph.D. (she/her) is an education consultant and innovator in the growing field of mindful education.  Her work, based on neuroscience, psychology and Buddhist traditions, supports educators and families to create balance and well-being.  Before starting her own consulting firm, Andra spent many years as a literacy coach and early literacy specialist in the [...]

Lisa Vratny-Smith

Lisa Vratny-Smith, MSW, E-RYT 200, RYT 500 (she/her) was a School Social Worker in Aurora Public Schools from 1994 to 2024 and launched her wellness and consulting business, Finding the Balance Within, LLC, in 2019. She has been practicing yoga, mindfulness, and meditation since 1994 and teaching since 2002. Lisa most recently served as a [...]

Why Did Past Participants Love this
Retreat?

“The time I spent in the retreat allowed me to pause and listen to my inner voice. It gave me permission to spend more time on myself, and helped me become aware of my needs, which I had ignored for so long. Since then I have initiated more regular practices to support my emotional and physical health.” ~ Mary H. 

“The Educator Retreat had resounding effects on this school year. The spring of last year I hated going to school and was considering early retirement. This year due to the reset and skills learned at the retreat I not only am feeling in a better place this year, I enjoy coming to school. I can laugh off stress and appreciate every day and find reasons to be grateful.” ~ Cynthia S. 

“I have been able to develop habits and routines that support me in being more mindful, such as meditation, yoga, journaling, going outside, and even running.  I’m much happier professionally as well and while I attribute that mostly to my truly wonderful group of kids, I also think that engaging in mindfulness practices both outside and inside the classroom is part of it!” ~Emma N.

Sample Schedule

Day 1

Sunday, June 13th – Welcome to the Land

2:00 – 5:00 Registration
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 7:30 pm Orientation
7:30 or 8:00 – 9:00 pm Program Session

Day 2

Monday, June 14th – Welcome to the Retreat

7:00 – 7:30 am Yoga (optional)
7:30 – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00 pm Program Session
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 pm Free Time
3:00 – 6:00 pm Program Session
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Program Session

Day 3

Tuesday, June 15th (Day of Silence)

7:00 – 7:30 am Yoga (optional)
7:30 – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00 pm Program Session
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 pm Free Time
3:00 – 6:00 pm Program Session
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Program Session

Day 4

Wednesday, June 16th

7:00 – 7:30 am Yoga (optional)
7:30 – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 – 12:00 pm Program Session
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 pm Visit the Stupa of Dharmakaya
3:00 – 6:00 pm Program Session
6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Program Session

Day 5

Thursday, June 17th – Last Day

7:30 – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 – 12:30 pm Program Session
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch

Lodging

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

Off Land
Participants who wish to commute from home or arrange their own accommodations off-campus (for example, a bed and breakfast, camping nearby)  pay tuition, plus $40/night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of our facilities.

Car Camping
We have 5 primitive parking spots in the Rigden parking lot, for simply parking and sleeping. This includes food and access our bathhouses in Rigden Lodge
Note: We don’t have any water or electric hook ups for RV’s.

Single and Double Tents

Located in campgrounds throughout the property, these 12′ x 14′ tents have two twin beds, two bookcases and a hanging clothes rack.* Each campground offers a shared bathhouse. Summer platform tents are available from late May through early September. A tent can be rented as a single (without a roommate) or a double (with a roommate).

Some of our campgrounds were impacted by a recent wildfire and the affects may still be visible this summer, however, they are safe to use.

Bedding is not provided. Please bring your own twin sheets, blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow and towels.

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.

Junior Suite
Our Lodge Junior Suites include a queen-size bed topped by a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet and private bath with bathtub, plus a sitting area.

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