What?

The UnRetreat 2!

Last year saw the dawn of a revolutionary new approach to group spiritual practice, free from the out-of-date and counter-productive problems of the traditional retreat. Based on personal purpose, autonomy and mastery, the UnRetreat is the first of its kind: a 21st Century group practice that honours the shared values, authenticity and discipline that naturally arises when we come together as a community to explore our relationship with the mystery of life.

Come and learn from enlightened teachers without the usual dependency and submission inherent in traditional power structures, and even feel free to lead a teaching session yourself. At the UnRetreat, it’s up to you to decide when and what you will learn and practice, supported by an innovative structure that promotes your best intentions. As part of a community of like-minded individuals with great conversation (and even greater food), the UnRetreat is an opportunity to explore deep spiritual realization in the only way that makes sense: as fellow human beings taking the same journey.

(For more details about the UnRetreat principles and rules, please see Unretreat Details)

Scheduled teachers and their topics include:

• Alan Chapman: An introduction to the UnRetreat, and daily sessions in contemplation and devotion.
• Ellen Tynan: Exploring Wild Presence in the great outdoors.
• Karen Gifford: Heart-based meditation.
• Nathan Rosquist: Meditation and creative process.
• Michael Highland: Morning Yoga.

Other activities include: Qi gong, art making, waterfall hikes, sharing feelings in hot tubs, bear sightings, swimming in rivers, the ping pong tournament of champions, fun yakking, fancy picnics, and leaf-peeping with Treebeard!

When?

May 28th to June 6th 2013

If you’re planning to attend the Contemplative Development Mapping Project conference in Barre, MA prior to the UnRetreat you’re welcome to arrive early and assist with preparations.

Where?

Wind Rising Over Babbling Stream Lodge, Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, USA

Waterville Valley, the “town at the end of the road,” is nestled deep in the White Mountain national forest in central New Hampshire. Michael Highland has offered his family’s vacation home there as a venue for the retreat. We have a small number of beds and floor space in the house, but there is plenty of camping space and many good local hotels for those who want them.

During the winter months the town bustles with skiers, but in the Summer things are more mellow. There are over 100 miles of hiking trails accessible from the town, with plenty of rivers, ponds, and waterfalls to swim in. The average day temperatures will be in the low 70s, and at night it cools off just enough light up the fire pit. There is also golf, mountain biking, a town square with shops and restaurants, as well as an athletic center with two 25m pools, jacuzzis, saunas, tennis courts, and gym (all within walking distance!).

For those coming by air, Boston MA is about 2 hours and Manchester NH is 1.5 hours by car.

And hereʼs the address:

49 Valley Road
Waterville Valley
NH 03215