The Awakening Heart

A Spring Retreat at Breitenbush Hot Springs

In the freshness of springtime, the awakening forest emerges from winter, providing a perfect setting to explore the landscape of our awakening heart.

This April, we are offering a retreat at Breitenbush with practices that integrate heart, mind, and body to ground our awareness in the spacious field of compassion. Stepping away from our usual roles and routines, we will share silent sitting, contemplative practices, interactive processes, and dharma reflections to open our hearts in the timeless present moment.

In this way, a simple ease warms us like the morning sun, rekindling a deep sense of belonging to life. We'll also enjoy ample personal time to relax, hike, soak in the natural healing waters, and be nourished by the beauty and goodness of the forest around us. 

The gentle presence of the awakening heart refreshes the clarity, creativity, and compassion that are our essential nature. Dipping into this deep pool, we find greater kindness, equanimity, and lightness of spirit with which to enhance all we do for peace, justice, beauty, and balance in the world.

Registration deadline is March 28. Early-registration deadline is March 1.

Retreat Cost: Lodging plus $75. Space is limited. Later registrations will depend on availability.

Lodging includes a cozy heated cabin shared with one other person; shared bathing and plumbing facilities are in central locations. A limited number of cabins include private plumbing. Dorm cabins accommodate four people in bunk beds. All accommodations also include three scrumptious vegetarian meals each day, use of hot springs, sauna, sanctuary, trails, lodge, and tubs. A bed with fitted sheet is provided; bring your own pillow, blankets, and towel, or rent from Breitenbush for $22 at time of registration.

Arrival time for the retreat is 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 11; Departure is 3:00 pm on Wednesday April 14.

Dietary restrictions: Please email Living Earth at time of registration regarding any special dietary restrictions.

Transportation: Living Earth will connect participants by email by March 28 to facilitate carpooling, but we are not responsible for participants' transportation arrangements to or from Breitenbush.

See www.breitenbush.com for facility details and other ride-share possibilities.

Cancellation policy: Cancellations prior to 3/20 are subject to 50% of retreat fee. No refunds are possible for cancellations after 3/20; Breitenbush will extend lodging credit for one year.

Betsy Toll has been engaged in spiritual practice that integrates compassionate awareness and conscious service for more than three decades. She leads community programs, contemplative circles, and workshops with Living Earth, especially grateful to Ram Dass, Joanna Macy, and Catherine Ingram for their wisdom, insight, and generous spirits.

Lodging Rates and Online Registration

 

Standard shared cabin: 3 nights @ $68/night + retreat registration:
$279.00.

Shared cabin w/plumbing: 3 nights @ $84/night + registration:
$327.00

Dorm cabin: 3 nights @ $50/night + registration:
$225.00

Bedding/towel = $22 (or bring your own sleeping bag/blankets/towel).