The World is Made of Stories: An Insight Meditation Retreat

With Pamela Weiss, Renda Madrigal and Maura Singer (Qigong)

August 26 - September 2, 2026

Date and Time Details: Check-in is from 3:00-5:00 on the first day of the retreat. The retreat will close mid-morning on the last day of the retreat. (Learn more)

PRICE: We offer a sliding-scale pricing structure, ranging from $2,625 - $665. These prices do not include add-on items. (Learn more)

DANA: This is a dana-based retreat. (Learn more)

SHUTTLE SERVICE: Shuttle Service is available for this retreat. (Learn more)

NOBLE SILENCE: This retreat will be held in noble silence. (Learn more)

SCHOLARSHIP: Additional scholarships are no longer available for this retreat.

  • Casita Benefactor Rate (I am resourced and can help another) – $1,750.00
  • Casita Actual Rate (I can cover myself) – $1,470.00
  • Casita Scholarship Rate (A lower rate would help me attend) – $980.00
  • Yurt Benefactor Rate (I am resourced and can help another) – $1,750.00
  • Yurt Actual Rate (I can cover myself) – $1,470.00
  • Yurt Scholarship Rate (A lower rate would help me attend) – $980.00
  • Tent Cabin Benefactor Rate (I am resourced and can help another) – $1,435.00
  • Tent Cabin Actual Rate (I can cover myself) – $1,190.00
  • Tent Cabin Scholarship Rate (A lower rate would help me attend) – $770.00
  • Hermitage - Supporting scholarships and land stewardship – $2,625.00
  • Hermitage - Supporting scholarships – $2,275.00
  • Hermitage - A secluded cabin – $2,065.00
  • Tent Camping – $665.00

Use special discount code STORIES40 to receive 40% off the retreat booking fees.

 

“The world is not made of atoms, but of stories.”   —Muriel Rukesayer

This silent meditation retreat will weave instructions on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and teachings on the Four Great Elements—earth, air, fire, and water—with ceremony, story, and Qigong. Our time together will include periods of silent sitting and walking, guided meditation instruction, Dharma talks, ceremony, Qigong, and ample time to explore and be held by the land at Vallecitos. The teachers will share stories from Buddhist and Indigenous Peoples that illuminate the power of our intimate connection to ourselves, each other, and the planet. Cultivating the capacity for embodied listening, we will discover how the truth of our innate relatedness is the medicine needed to respond to the cries of the world.

This retreat is appropriate for both new and experienced practitioners. It will be held in Noble Silence except for ceremonies and meetings with teachers. All are welcome.

 

 

 


Cancellation Policy:

  • 45 days prior to retreat: Full refund, minus a $150 nonrefundable fee
  • 44-22 days prior to retreat: 50% refund
  • 0-21 days prior to retreat: No refund

About the Teachers

Pamela Weiss

Pamela Weiss is a Buddhist teacher in two traditions—Zen and Theravada. After living as a monastic at Tassajara Zen Mountain Monastery for five years, she completed comprehensive training through Spirit Rock Meditation Center to become an Insight meditation teacher. She teaches at Spirit Rock, San Francisco Zen Center and Tassajara, and is a guiding teacher […]

Learn more about Pamela Weiss

Renda Madrigal

Renda Dionne Madrigal, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Registered Drama Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Author, and Performance Artist. She is President of the Luke Madrigal Indigenous Storytelling Nonprofit and a UCLA certified Mindfulness facilitator and Stanford Certified Compassion Cultivation Educator . She is enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Her […]

Learn more about Renda Madrigal

Maura Singer (Qigong)

Maura Singer Williams, MA is an interfaith minister trained at Naropa University and the Chaplaincy Institute. She was the chaplain and Spiritual Care Coordinator at the Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center where she designed and implemented the spiritual care program, provided spiritual counseling to patients and staff, and created rituals for the Cancer Center […]

Learn more about Maura Singer (Qigong)