Settling, Seeing, and Spacious Awareness

Program Start Date & Time: April 17th, 2026 – 5:30 pm Orientation

Program End Date & Time: April 24th, 2026 – 12:30 pm

We will train in three main inter-related modes of practice, considered the treasures of the Buddhist tradition. First, we will settle and stabilize our minds and bodies, becoming more concentrated, through both sitting and moving forms of meditation, including daily Qigong. As we settle, we then become better able to examine closely both our experiences of our bodies, thoughts, and emotions, and the general patterns of experience, both more personal and more universal. We see more clearly when there is reactivity, when we suffer, when there is a thick sense of self, and we learn to be more with the impermanent flow of experience. We can also tune in more, as we settle and see, to an increasingly unconfined and luminous awareness beyond reactivity, that is a source of freedom, wisdom, and compassion, both in retreat practice and daily life. These practices are supported throughout by metta (lovingkindness) and gentle body-based awareness, creating a balanced and embodied approach to awakening. There will be daily instructions, evening talks, and meetings with the teacher.

Testimonials

“I attended my first retreat with Donald in 2014 and have attended about one a year ever since. He’s a core reason why my practice has grown tremendously. Donald is a phenomenal teacher. He’s very knowledgeable, has a deep personal meditation practice, has a great sense of humor, communicates well, and has an immense breadth and depth of experience.“
–Alex L.

“Donald’s broad knowledge, experience, sense of humor, and easeful good nature repeatedly offer an inviting, supportive space to explore and be with whatever happens to appear on retreat. I am always appreciative.“
–Ginny C.

“Donald has traveled the path of meditative insight for over five decades and guides it as a local. His teachings are remarkably clear and organized and he dedicates himself to his students with an impressive energy fueled by compassion. His spiritual mentorship over the years has facilitated a deepening of practice and subtle but profound psychological shifts which have considerably improved to my well-being.“
–Nupur D.

“Donald has a deep love for the Dharma and a genuine joy in sharing it with others. When I first heard him teach, what stood out to me was his excitement about the history of the teachings. He brings a wealth of knowledge from both the Theravāda and Tibetan traditions and shares it in a way that’s accessible, grounded, and inspiring. His presence is both humble and empathetic, and I’m grateful for his practice and offerings as a teacher.“
–Hannah M.   

Program Schedule

Friday, April 17 

2:00 – 5:00 pm Registration

5:30 – 6:00 pm Orientation

6:00 – 7:00 pm Dinner

7:00 – 9:00 pm Program Session

Saturday through Thursday, April 18 to 23

6:30 – 7:30 am Early Morning Session

7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast

9:15 – 12:30 pm Morning Session

12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch

2:30 – 5:30 pm Afternoon Session

5:30 – 6:30 pm Dinner

7:00 – 9:30 pm Evening Session

Friday, April 24 

6:30 – 7:30 am Early Morning Session

7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast

9:15 – 12:30 pm Morning Session

12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch and Departure