Pilgrimage to Silence: A Nature Based Retreat for Rest & Renewal

Deeply immersed in nature and exploring the theme of pilgrimage, this silent retreat is designed to cultivate rest, reflection, renewal, and restoration. At these times of change, high stress, and high anxiety, we need now, more than ever, to exhale deeply and feel fully nourished through resilience-building, heart-opening, peace-making mindfulness meditation practices and a caring community.

Together, we will create a refuge of belonging, supported by noble silence and immersion in the natural world. Through practices of mindfulness meditation in the Plum Village tradition and Quaker faith and practice, we will nurture our collective healing and strengthen our capacity to show up with resilience, love, and peace in our lives and communities.

The retreat includes:

• Dharma teachings on healing and transformation,
• Guided meditation (both sitting and gently moving) to ground and restore us
• Mindful walking and movement to connect with the body and the earth
• Mindful eating to nourish body and spirit
• Dharma writing and reflection to deepen insight and creativity
• Small-group sharing to witness and be witnessed in community

Learning Outcomes

• Cultivate rest and renewal through noble silence, nature immersion, and spiritual discernment.
• Explore the lost art of pilgrimage.
• Engage mindfulness meditation in the Plum Village tradition, spiritual discernment through both Quaker faith and practice and the Center for Courage & Renewal.
• Reflect on what matters most with inspiring Dharma talks, soul-amplifying questions, creative practices, small and large group dialogue and more.
• Align your values with your work for a greater sense of purpose and meaning.
• Cultivate body intelligence and body awareness.
• Show yourself real kindness through self-compassion.
• Practice self-stewardship while compassionately respecting your limits.

Expected Activities

• Dharma teachings on healing and transformation,
• Guided meditation (both sitting and gently moving) to ground and restore us
• Mindful walking and movement to connect with the body and the earth
• Mindful eating to nourish body and spirit
• Dharma writing and reflection to deepen insight and creativity
• Small-group sharing to witness and be witnessed in community

Testimonials

‘This retreat provided so many excellent opportunities for inward journey and identified ways that my energy, spiritual journey may be blocked.’

‘This retreat helped me to see more clearly the hindrances to my deepening/developing relationship to my joy and fullness.’

‘This is a retreat of great wisdom, great people, and a great compassionate leader.’

‘Opportunity to rest and reflect in a warm and welcoming community.’

‘Valerie created the spaciousness for me to heal, go deeper, be witnessed, learn from others, and explore the covered up places longing for me to come home.’

‘Sweet & lush’

What You’ll Gain

Who This Program is For

Why This Program Matters

Daily Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.