Mindfulness and Compassion to Awaken the Heart

With Dave Smith and Cheryl Slean

June 2 - 9, 2018

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.

PRICE: We offer a sliding scale structure. Prices for this retreat range from $630-$980 (not including dana). (Learn more)

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

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

SCHOLARSHIP / FELLOWSHIP AVAILABILITY: All awards have been made for this retreat. No longer accepting applications for scholarships or fellowships.

  • Casita Supporting Rate – $1,295.00
  • Casita Actual Rate – $1,015.00
  • Casita Base Rate – $910.00
  • Yurt Supporting Rate – $1,295.00
  • Yurt Actual Rate – $1,015.00
  • Yurt Base Rate – $910.00
  • Tent Cabin Supporting Rate – $980.00
  • Tent Cabin Actual Rate – $840.00
  • Tent Cabin Base Rate – $735.00
  • Tent Camping Supporting Rate – $805.00
  • Tent Camping Actual Rate – $700.00
  • Tent Camping Base Rate – $595.00
Program is fully booked
Program is fully booked

During this 7-day Insight meditation retreat, we will learn to develop a greater sense of care for ourselves and for our world through the revolutionary practices of the Dharma. Using a combination of practices including wise mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion, we’ll discover emotional balance and begin to free ourselves into the heart of wisdom and compassion.

Each day includes periods of silent sitting and walking meditation, Dharma talks, interviews and group process, with plenty of time to mindfully explore the beautiful wilderness setting. Through meditative insight, we see clearly that our thoughts and emotions don’t need to define or control us. In their greatest capacity, they can guide us towards what is most meaningful in our lives. At their most destructive, we’re caught by them: lost in the grip of anger, sadness, fear, or overwhelm. This suffering is natural and human, but we can learn to create more space, choice, and ease in the face of life’s inevitable ups and downs. We hope you will join us in this transformative process.

This silent retreat is suitable for new and experienced practitioners. Please note that Insight retreat practice is conducted in noble silence, except for discussion periods and teacher meetings. We invite our friends working in substance abuse treatment to learn more about fellowships available for healthcare workers. Fellowships are also available for full-time educators and working artists.

About the Teachers

Dave Smith

Dave Smith is an internationally recognized Buddhist meditation teacher, addiction treatment specialist, and published author. His background is rooted in the Insight Meditation tradition and he was empowered to teach through the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. He has extensive experience bringing meditative interventions into jails, prisons, youth detention centers and addiction treatment facilities. […]

Learn more about Dave Smith

Cheryl Slean

Cheryl Slean has been practicing Insight meditation intensively since 1995 and has taught classes and retreats worldwide for 15 years in both spiritual and secular settings. Cheryl is also a writer, filmmaker and climate advocate, and is manager of Sustainability and Storytelling at Netflix.

Learn more about Cheryl Slean