When we develop the qualities of wisdom and compassion, life becomes more meaningful. Yet the non-stop influences of technology, social media and other stressors can feel overwhelming, pushing us in the opposite direction. How do we navigate the world we are living in with all of its hardships and gifts to discover a greater sense of purpose and connection?

During this week-long retreat, we’ll use the Buddha’s teachings as a foundation for developing the heart and mind. Together we’ll explore the cultivation of moment by moment awareness, in a relaxed and natural way–leading us to an embodied sense of connection, clarity and ease.

The retreat format will include daily instructions on developing a natural awareness throughout the day. There will also be group meetings with the teachers as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. There will be both scheduled and unscheduled periods of practice to support the different rhythms of cultivating a relaxed awareness. The retreat will be in silence as well as occasional group exercises to explore practicing in community.

This retreat will be team-led by Keri Pederson, Shelly Graf and Matthew Hepburn. We look forward to sharing the week with both new and experienced meditators. All are welcome, and all belong.

CANCELLATION POLICY & REFUND INFORMATION:
The usual cost of a 7-day retreat at Cloud Mountain is on a tiered scale of $490-$630, so this subsidized fee represents a significant gift from our donors. The retreat cost of $250 does not include dana offerings to teachers and staff.

Please be aware that last minute cancellations for non-emergency reasons or cancellations with no notification to the center will in all likelihood prevent someone else from accepting the opening. Please give us as much notice as possible if you need to cancel.

The cancellation policy and refund schedule differ from other retreats due to its subsidized nature:
• The retreat fee, less a $150 cancellation fee, will be fully refunded if Friends of Cloud Mountain is notified 6 or more weeks prior to the retreat.
• The full amount of the retreat fee will be forfeited if FOCM is notified less than 6 weeks prior to the retreat.

The following attendance prerequisites are currently in place as of this writing in order to provide the safest possible retreat environment under covid-19 conditions. In order for your registration to be accepted, we require that you:

1. Currently follow all covid-19 health and safety protocols recommended by the CDC, including mask-wearing, social distancing and hand hygiene.
2. Agree to abide by all covid-19 health and safety protocols in place at Cloud Mountain.

Attendance will likely be capped between 24 – 30 participants. The retreat container will be constructed in accordance with the current covid-19 conditions at the time to maximize individual and group health.  We reserve the right to amend these prerequisites and policies according to changing covid-19 conditions. PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT OUR COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS.

Scholarship funds are available on all retreats to assist those with financial challenges. For more information, read the Scholarship section of our overview information.