Sacred Sound, Insight, and Silence: Meditation and Music in the Deep Woods

With Jennifer Berezan and Erin Treat

July 9 - 13, 2023

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 structure. Scholarships are available, see below. Prices for this retreat range from $392-$1,100 (not including teacher dana and 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: Aside from teacher-led periods of chanting and song, this retreat will be held in noble silence. (Learn more)

SCHOLARSHIP / FELLOWSHIP AVAILABILITY: Scholarships are available on a limited basis for Hemera, BIPOC, and Needs Based. (Learn more)

SAFETY: We are committed to providing a safe environment for gathering. We have created multiple precautions to hold our time together. (Learn more)

  • Casita Supporting Rate – $740.00
  • Casita Actual Rate – $580.00
  • Casita Base Rate – $520.00
  • Yurt Supporting Rate – $740.00
  • Yurt Actual Rate – $580.00
  • Yurt Base Rate – $520.00
  • Tent Cabin Supporting Rate – $560.00
  • Tent Cabin Actual Rate – $480.00
  • Tent Cabin Base Rate – $420.00
  • Hermitage – $1,100.00

The retreat will combine two ancient spiritual practices — meditation and music — as a path to opening one’s heart and uncovering one’s true nature. There will be guided instruction in the fundamentals of mindfulness meditation and dharma practice, including periods of sitting and walking meditation in silence.

Woven throughout the meditation practice, participants will engage in a wide range of musical experiences, from traditional and contemporary traditions, including sessions of chant, song, and deep listening. The meditation practice and musical experience are all designed to create equanimity, joy, and healing, and both will be offered in a safe, lighthearted, and sacred environment. Each afternoon will be spent practicing sitting and walking meditation in the woods, as well as chanting and sacred sound, with guided walks in the beauty of the old growth La Manga forest surrounding the ranch.

This retreat will mostly be held in Noble Silence.  This retreat is suitable for all, including those new to the practice of meditation or music!


COVID Safety Measures: Please review our current COVID Safety Measures, which are subject to change. We are creating this web page in January and retreats will not begin until late May. We very much understand how much things can change between now and the start of our retreat season.  Our Medical Committee is actively and regularly updating our protocols. 

About the Teachers

Jennifer Berezan

Jennifer Berezan is a unique blend of singer/songwriter, producer, and activist. Over the course of ten albums, she has developed and explored recurring themes with a rare wisdom. Her lifelong involvement in environmental, women’s, and other justice movements as well as an interest in Buddhism and earth-based spirituality are at the heart of her writing. […]

Learn more about Jennifer Berezan

Erin Treat

Erin’s love for wild nature, her passionate commitment to serving collective liberation, and decades of working as a bodyworker are all palpable in her Dharma. Erin is Guiding Teacher at both Vallecitos and the Durango Dharma Center, and is a Core Teacher at Spirit Rock.  She served as core faculty of the sixth Community Dharma Leaders […]

Learn more about Erin Treat