Testimonials and Past Retreats

Retreat and Reimagine (R+R), 2020

Empowering Black folx to create space for REST and REIMAGINE our collective future. Learn more.

“Power in our purpose, revolution in our rest.”

Womxn Gather Retreat, 2020

Inward Bound Mindfulness Education (iBme) Retreat for teens and youth, 2019

iBme’s programs guide participants in developing self-awareness, compassion, and ethical decision making, and empowers them to apply these skills in improving their lives and communities. Learn more.

Creating Joy in Community – the first residential retreat for transgender people, 2019

Read the article in Lions Roar to learn more.

“Being in an intentionally mindful space led by and for trans*/GNC/NB folx is sacred and healing. It allowed me to immediately let my guard down to connect with others in our challenges and joys.”

Spanish Speaking Retreat, 2020

A meditation retreat for the Spanish speakers.

“This was a healing experience.”

Organizations and Team Retreats

Our stay at BBRC was exactly what we needed as an organization: restorative, productive, and fun! As a result of our stay with you we feel more aligned and bonded as a team. The center itself was beautiful and functional. The cabins were nicely equipped and all of us felt very comfortable and at home. The BBRC team could not have been more gracious. Thank you for creating a space for us that has strengthened our relationships and catalyzed a fresh energy with which we are approaching our work. I can't tell you how much your support means to us. (2022)

healingdialogueandaction.org

Frances, Operations Manager Healing Dialogue and Action
Big Bear Retreat Center is a centering, calm, and majestic place to stay. As a team who hadn't met one another in person due to COVID, this one of a kind property and lack of distractions gave space for us to bond as a team and understand one another wholly. The team, food, accommodations, and cabins were perfect and we encourage any person or team to experience this beautiful space! (2022)

swipeouthunger.org

Josh, Director of Operations Swipe Out Hunger
The retreat enabled us to look ahead 25 years and do some deep work on our values as well as rest and enjoy the beauty of the place. BBRC’s staff are so responsive and generous and really helped us have a very special time. (2021)

creativeacts.us

Sabra Williams, Executive Director & Co-Founder Creative Acts

Meditation Retreats

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 M.
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!

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

Laura M.
This retreat center is by far the best one I have ever been to. Intimate setting, nestled in the mountains with gorgeous views and hiking trails. For a small retreat center, they attract top teachers. I love Big Bear Retreat Center.

Retreat Participant

General Testimonials about Retreats at BBRC

This was a spectacular experience and one that could be appreciated by novice and experienced mediators and everyone in between. Doing it at home has helped me envision how to live more mindfully throughout my day.

Deb
I felt very connected to the teachers, the teachings and the other participants, even while being on Zoom. As a more experienced practitioner, this felt like such a good fit for where I am at and it met a need to bring mindfulness into my day-to-day home life. I felt BIg Bear Retreat Center did an amazing job with the technical aspects of making sure we felt our questions were being heard and answered, and it just ran very smoothly. I'm so impressed. I feel so fortunate for the experience of getting such a well-curated online/home retreat.

Retreat Participant
Big Bear Retreat Center feels like home. No matter how often I come, each time is special. The land holds us, as does the incredible staff.

Retreat Participant
Big Bear Retreat Center is the perfect container for diving deeper into your practice. From your room, to the food, to the structure and management, every detail feels so intentional, held with care and imbued with practice.

Retreat Participant