Compassion for Couples

This in-person retreat is open to both beginners and experienced couples. Couples sign up together.
Registration for this retreat closes on July 11, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. If looking to join after this date, please inquire at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

Compassion for Couples is a wonderful opportunity for you and your partner to build a strong and healthy foundation for your relationship and develop the skills to help navigate the difficulties that arise within us and between us.

There’s a Buddhist belief that a genuinely loving relationship is the practice for which all other practices are preparation. It’s likely that you already know how much we all need healthy, well connected relationships to thrive…but also that relationships can be really challenging.

Compassion for Couples is a wonderful opportunity for you and your partner to build a strong and healthy foundation for your relationship and develop the skills to help navigate the difficulties that arise within us and between us. Compassion can help us hold ourselves and others with kindness, even in the midst of difficulty. And that creates the resilience we need for our relationships to thrive.

During this weekend we will practice utilizing mindfulness and compassion to build relational skills through a combination of meditation, experiential exercises, didactic learning and discussion. You’ll spend time cultivating compassion with your partner, and you’ll also have time to share what you are learning in the supportive community of other couples learning alongside you. You may be surprised to find you are not alone and you’ll likely be inspired by this community. Michelle and Megan, experts in compassion training in the context of relationships, will be with you every step of the way supporting you as you learn to deepen the foundation of kindness and compassion in your relationship so that what once divided you can actually bring you closer.

With compassion at the core of our relationships we can risk being vulnerable with each other. After all we need to be seen and accepted for who we truly are for connection and intimacy to flourish. Find your way back to each other or safeguard the connection you already have by joining us for Compassion for Couples.

WHAT IS A RELATIONAL RETREAT?

Mindfulness and nature-based Relational Retreats and Workshop Intensives at BBRC are a different style of retreat than a silent meditation retreat. They are more interactive while still holding similar themes of connection with self, each other, and nature. The intention is to cultivate a mindful awareness that can be integrated into our everyday lives. Read more here on what to expect and sample schedule.

GENEROSITY

Retreat Cost & Fees:
Registration fees for this retreat support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, which include lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation for this retreat is included in your registration fees. We price fees to make programs as financially accessible as possible.

Is cost a barrier? Nobody is turned away at Big Bear Retreat Center due to finances. We ask that financial assistance be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or are in financial need. For more information, please contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.

Please consider this about our environment:

• The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.
• We are located at an elevation of 6,500 feet altitude in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.
• We experience weather of all four seasons.
• We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.
• We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.

See our FAQs for more detailed information on accessibility to our campus and programs.

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Simple and elegant lodgings to support rest and renewal. Our rooms are uniquely designed to offer comfort, convenience, and simplicity. All of our cabins are surrounded by nature with forest sights and sounds. Lodgings are a short walk from spaces for dining and gathering. See a video tour of a cabin.

Our Meditation Hall is spaciously designed to provide an atmosphere that feels deeply integrated with nature and the surrounding forest. The versatile space is conducive for meditation, movement, workshops, training, and other community gatherings.

Food that nourishes to support healing, restoration, and community. Our organic and seasonally inspired menus feature creative and nourishing vegetarian meals, tailored to support meditative practices. We use fresh and locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Lunch is the most substantial meal of the day and dinner is lighter. Our indoor and outdoor dining hall is open 24/7 with self-service coffee, tea and healthy snack options.

HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER

Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila

I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!!

Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura