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Spirituality Retreats in United States/
Spirituality Retreats in Woodacre/
Nature of Dharma: Nature as Refuge, Teacher, Beloved



Nature of Dharma: Nature as Refuge, Teacher, Beloved
September 27 - October 2, 2026
Woodacre, CA, United States
5 nights, 6 days
96 person retreat
Highlights
Silent with Specific Conversational Opportunities
Meet the Teachers: Mark Coleman, Victoria Cary, Kirsten Rudestam
Details
Like the Buddha, people for millennia have sought refuge, clarity, and wisdom in nature. On this silent, outdoor retreat set in the serenity of the hills and meadows at Spirit Rock, we explore potent awareness and sensory-based meditations that open us to insight, interconnection, and peace. With receptive, embodied mindfulness, we’ll attune to nature’s quiet teachings on change, letting go, and the deep interdependence of all life. As we listen closely, nature reveals not only joy and wonder, but also our innate capacity for resilience and compassionate action. During our time together, there will be nature-based stillness and movement practice, Dharma talks, and group meetings, as well as time to explore the beauty of nature with contemplative presence in community. Be prepared for unexpected delight, mystery, silence, and illumination. This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
Venue
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
4.5 ★ 145 Reviews

On the land, online, or on-demand, Spirit Rock supports you at every stage of your path to grow a vibrant, nourishing spiritual life. Join us to practice Insight Meditation, Dharma teachings, and mindfulness in a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to the liberation of all beings.
Free Wifi
Garden
Coffee / Tea
Kitchen
Free Parking
Bathroom
Accommodation
1 / 4
Spirit Rock Meditation Center primarily offers dormitory-style accommodations in simple, comfortable rooms for residential retreats. These rooms are typically shared, with some offering single occupancy options. The center also provides facilities for group activities, personal reflection, and connecting with nature.
Meals

Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free
Our meals are sourced from local, sustainable, and organic growers and suppliers, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. We ground all of our cooking decisions in the principle of non-harm. Our menus are built around nutrient-dense whole foods; they are vegetarian, with abundant vegan and gluten-free options. We are mindful of common food allergies and take special care to nourish practitioners with dietary restrictions.
Testimonials
1 / 3
Host

Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Woodacre, CA, USA
Rooted in the teachings of Insight Meditation, Spirit Rock Meditation Center offers retreats, classes, and workshops on-land and online that support both beginners and experienced practitioners in dee...
1 language
English
Teaching for 9 months
Joined Insight Timer in Jul 2025
What's Included
Food
Accommodation
Not Included
Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana
Flights and Transportation
FAQs
Guest requirements
You must have already completed at least 14 nights of silent residential retreat time. This retreat time must include a minimum of two (2) silent residential retreats, each of six (6) nights or longer.
These retreats must have been led by Spirit Rock, IMS, or IRC teachers, or other recognized Insight Meditation teachers. Previous retreats must be silent residential retreats and have a similar format to this retreat, with instructions, practices, and talks focused on Insight Meditation. Online retreats do not qualify for these retreat prerequisites. When applying, you will need to provide the teachers’ names, dates, location, length (# of nights), and style of the retreats.
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.




