Summer Invitational: Peace in Action
July 7 - 9, 2025
Peace in Action: Transform Overwhelm into Focus, Clarity, and High Performance
(voluntary contribution-based pricing, pay at any amount)
Monday July 7th, 2025- Wednesday July 9th, 2025
*we ask that everyone plan to attend the entire retreat
Please register by June 30th 11:59PM Pacific
A 2-day invitational retreat featuring guided workshops, quiet reflection, interactive sessions and restoration in nature.
This July Big Bear Retreat Center has partnered with Groundwork to host a transformative 2-night workshop-style retreat. Our hustle-and-grind culture pushes professionals with demanding schedules and goals to get things done but leaves them feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and burnt out. Groundwork shows you another way. Join us to learn proven systems and practical behaviors to reduce stress, avoid burnout, and unlock your full potential. YYou’ll discover what hundreds of other high performers like you already have—that high performance and personal peace can, and do, work together using Groundwork. This invitational is offered to guests free of charge with the option to offer a contribution to the center at registration.
“Working with Amrita is like a cocoon for metamorphosis – unlike anything I’ve experienced – completely spiritual while being completely practical. I finally have the tools to gain freedom from the treadmill, tame my calendar, inbox and to-do list and center my biggest dreams.” – Cathy Salser, Founder, A Window Between Worlds
What to expect?
During this retreat, you’ll learn how to:
- Understand your stress response and how it impacts your productivity.
- Access stillness and clarity in moments of overwhelm.
- Reduce stress and improve focus with mindfulness-based practices.
- Apply a simple way to manage your inbox, to-do list, and calendar.
- Implement a system for goal prioritization task management.
- Regain your work-life balance, succeed in your job, & enjoy your life.
Through a blend of guided workshops, quiet reflection, and interactive sessions, you’ll leave equipped with a practical toolkit for both inner and outer transformation. The retreat schedule may also include guided movement practice, sound healing and time for rest and walks in nature.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for anyone who feels stretched between their desire for peace and performance:
- Professionals, creatives, executives, entrepreneurs or anyone balancing demanding schedules
- Those experiencing burnout or seeking more purpose in their work
- Individuals ready to cultivate inner calm while optimizing their external results
You don’t have to be an executive or entrepreneur to benefit—if you’re navigating the complexities of modern life and want to find harmony between achievement and well-being, this retreat is for you.
“Groundwork has made a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. It is a brilliant tool that has changed the way I approach my work, and has brought more balance and flow to my life.” – Taran Ghatrora, CEO & Co-Founder, BLUME
Who is invited?
We’ll host leaders and team members in community based organizations and the philanthropic sectors. Folks working in CBOs (community-based organizations) and in philanthropy in the SoCal region. For this retreat we are prioritizing invites to those that have not yet attended our gatherings at Big Bear Retreat Center. Invites will open up to return guests in June. If you have attended before, we encourage you to let us know if you would like to recommend someone.
Who else could we invite?
We’d love your suggestions and recommendations on who to invite to this invitational and expand our reach. Please send a list of anyone you would recommend to programs@bigbearretreatcenter.org.
Schedule:
Sunday, July 7th: 10am – 12pm Check-ins and Arrivals
*we ask everyone arrive by lunchtime, beforehand is preferred*
*lunch will be followed by a brief welcome walk, and an orientation session*
Wednesday, July 9th: 1pm Retreat Close and Lunch
“A truly inspirational gathering of people! There was so much intentionality and kindness. I feel truly grateful and rejuvenated. Thank you for opening this transformational experience up.” – Winter Invitational 2024 Participant
Your Stay with us Includes:
- A private bedroom in a shared retreat cabin (up to 3-4 rooms), with wifi, a kitchen, living room, central heat, and a shared deck with views of nature
- Three healthy freshly prepared meals
- Daily center guided wellness, mindfulness and dialogue activities
- Access to center amenities and natural environment and trails
“Coming to the BBRC retreat was one of the best things I could’ve done for myself. Everything from the space, grounds, exceptional staff, incredible food and activities. Made the experience special. This has definitely left an imprint and I am looking forward to coming back soon.” -Arnali, Late Summer Invitational Aug 2023
Activities and what to expect:
- Workshops centered around creativity, arts and self-connection
- Additional activities hosted and organized by the center including morning meditations, hikes in nature, and mindful movement.
“I can think of no better way to spend a week than to take in the breathtaking beauty of BBRC. This is the place to learn how to truly appreciate life. Everyone I have encountered there has been nothing but kind and helpful.” – Retreat Guest, May 2023
Accommodations:
The Center consists of several single-story buildings and cabins for dining, meditation and sleeping. Our residence cabins are large furnished and comfortable with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living rooms, a full kitchen and decks outside in nature for shared use.
The Meeting Hall:
This beautiful multi-purpose space accommodates most workshop, meditation and movement retreats. We have meditation and movement supplies for most participants, but guests are always welcome to bring their own supplies (not required). Guests can typically expect to have access to a zabutan (large cushion), zafu (small cushion), yoga mat, blocks, a meditation chair, a blanket and a selection of other yoga and meditation props with limited supplies.
Meals:
The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with lunch on arrival through to lunch on departure afternoon. We can accommodate most major dietary restrictions. Snacks will be available in the dining hall 24/7, including teas and coffees. The Center has refrigerators in the cabins and dining area for guests to store their own snacks – please bring any foods that might support your time here.
Planning your trip: If you are booking a flight for your trip our recommendation is to search for flights to the Ontario Airport (ONT) whenever possible. If your travel plans require you to land at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) we highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to your arrival at BBRC for retreat. Registration opens on Arrival day from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Most retreats close by noon or later on departure day so please allow yourself adequate time for travel to the airport.
Please visit our Getting to Big Bear page on our website for more detailed travel recommendations.
Ride-share: Ride-sharing / Carpooling is highly encouraged, and is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Big Bear Retreat Center. For this retreat we have set up a self-organized ride-share page that you can visit at anytime before, we will send email reminders closer to the retreat. Visit the ride-share page
Covid Policies: We require everyone to provide proof of a negative Covid test taken on the day of arrival, preferably before travel. If you are unable to test before you travel, we will provide a rapid test on arrival.
For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit our website bigbearretreatcenter.org
Cancellation Policy: For this retreat, we ask that you do not cancel if you have booked. However, we understanding that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If that is the case, please notify us as soon as possible.
We look forward to hosting you soon!