LGBTQI Meditation Retreat: Recognizing Yourself as Part of Nature: Buddhist Liberation Practices for the LGBTQI Community

A Four-Night Silent Insight Meditation Retreat

Thursday, October 5th – Monday, October 9th
registration closes Sunday Oct 1st at 11:59pm Pacific Time

If you self-identify as queer, intersex, transgender, genderqueer, bisexual, lesbian or gay, join us to explore practices of presence and freedom on this silent meditation retreat.

Stepping away from technology, entertainment, recreational drugs and alcohol will support us to cultivate wisdom and love. We will engage in contemplative practices of mindfulness and compassion as a community while sitting, walking, eating and in daily life activities. The retreat is supported by guided meditation, dharma talks, time for questions and small group meetings.

Note: If you have recently experienced a significant trauma or are having difficulty with psychological stability, silent intensive residential meditation retreat like this one is not recommended.

Cost:

*retreat fees do not include teacher dana-donations: more information below*

Single room with private bath $1,940

Single room with shared bath $1,620

Double room with shared bath $1,060

Triple room with shared bath $860

Financial support: In addition, we have available options for those needing financial support. A limited number of pay-what-you-can (dana-based) options are available. We ask that these be prioritized for those that identify as marginalized communities. Contact us for more information. 

Retreat Schedule:

Oct 5: 2-4pm Registration and Arrivals

Oct 9: 11am/12pm Retreat Closing and Checkout

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. Our residential cabins and rooms are simply furnished with a balance of comfort and simplicity. All beds are twin, and all bedding is provided by the center.

The Meditation Hall:

Our beautiful meditation hall is a large room that accommodates most meditation and movement retreats. We have 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. If you’re unsure, please contact us or visit our welcome guide for more details.

Meals:

The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with dinner on arrival evening through to breakfast on departure morning. For this retreat, meals will be offered to support meditation retreat practice with a simple medium breakfast, hearty lunch, and light dinner (typically soup and salad). All meals will be vegetarian, and we 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.

Teacher Dana: 

As part of the Buddhist tradition, many teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer the teachings freely with no expectations of fees or payment. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. There are no minimums, expectations, or guidelines. It is not required. Teachers do not receive retreat fees, apart from travel reimbursement support. Learn more here about the practice of dana.

Work Meditation: This retreat will include a daily work meditation service period, or “yogi jobs”, around 30-minutes a day. This is an opportunity to practice in service of community and bring your practice into daily roles at the center. More details and a sign up sheet will be shared at registration.

Rideshare: For this retreat we have set up a self-organized rideshare page that you can visit at anytime before. We will send email reminders closer to the retreat. We encourage ridesharing when possible. https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/86ekob

Covid Policies: For this retreat we are requiring a rapid test on arrival day. Masking and vaccines are optional.
Guests are asked, when possible, to bring their own rapid tests or test before travel on arrival day. Tests will be available at center for those that did not bring.

For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit our website bigbearretreatcenter.org

Cancellation Policy: Please visit our website for more on the cancellation policy for this retreat- bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy