April 19, 2026 | location: marin

slowing down in spring: half-day retreat to restore in nature

Join us for a contemplative day in Marin, a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and take refuge in nature.

Spring often arrives with a sense of momentum. Life begins to buzz again, schedules fill, and energy rises. This day is an invitation to come together in community to recalibrate to our own deeper rhythm and to natures rhythms. It has been my experience that slowing down can be hard to do, and doing it anyway, outside, in the support of nature and community and guidance is such a gift.

When we slow down in nature, something shifts.

Our breath deepens, our nervous system settles, and our senses reawaken. We begin to notice what is usually missed. Birdsong, light through the trees, the feeling of the earth beneath our feet.

We will spend the day immersed in the beauty and awareness of the natural world. Through simple sensory practices, yoga, and mindfulness based meditations, we will gently recalibrate. We will connect with what nature does best: soften, regulate, and ground us.

There will be guided yoga and meditations, walking, short reflections, relational and small group practices. The retreat will be mostly held in silence. There will be space to wander. Space to feel. Space to simply be.

This day is meant to be cleansing, grounding, and gently awakening.

No previous meditation experience is needed. All are welcome.

While we will mostly remain in one area, participants should feel comfortable walking hills to get to where we set up.

Schedule

9:30 Arrival and orienting

9:45 Guided mindfulness in nature meditation (30 minutes)

10:15 Yoga

11:00Dharma talk

11:30 Guided mindfulness in nature meditation (30 minutes)

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Relational mindfulness practice in small groups

1:00 Walking meditation

1:30–2:00 Closing

Final logistics will be shared closer to the event, as the location may shift depending on weather.

Possible locations are Mt Tam in Mill Valley, Stinson Beach and China Camp. Again depending on weather, warmth, wind, and various factors, we will decide the week before on location.

Limited to 15 participants so we can keep the space intimate and connected.

We will be together from 9:30am to 2pm, and we will send more details about the location the week of the event. Please plan to dress according to the weather and pack a lunch.

Early rate $125 until April 10, $155 after.

There will be two spaces available for partial or full scholarship. Please reach out if that applies to you.