- December 3-8: Ancestors Welcome Here: Healing Practices for Practitioners Committed to Racial Justice with Ream, Kimber and Em
- December 30 – January 4: Awake in the New Year: Dharma and Dance with Deborah Eden Tull and Enrique Collazo
Contact us if finances are a barrier in any way, nobody is turned away due to finances: guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.
Early discounted pricing ends November 30 for Spring 2025 retreats.
Our full 2025 calendar launches December 11th, 2024 – stay tuned for more!
Attend a Retreat
at Big Bear Retreat Center
Testimonials from past retreat guests
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BBRC and InsightLA put on the most incredible silent retreat. I am encouraging all my interested friends to sign up- it is life-changing.
Spring Renewal Insight Meditation Retreat with Christiane Wolf and Celeste Young (InsightLA), April 2022 -
The natural beauty of Big Bear Retreat Center offers the perfect space to feel interconnected to all life and to open to the beautiful teachings we experienced this week. The cabins, meditation hall, food, and staff all supported our opportunity to become still and stable, to open our hearts to all of life. Thank you for this beautiful experience. I'll be back.
Calm Abiding Insight Meditation Retreat with Beth Sternlieb and Eric McCullum (InsightLA), May 2022
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I highly recommend the Big Bear Retreat location due to its beauty, comfort, facilities and ability to go on walks in the forest. Everything was well organized and thoughtful.
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The meals were INCREDIBLE. Hands down the highlight of the whole experience. Honestly, I was blown away by the quality of the food, both taste and health wise.
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I found refuge sitting on the mountain.
Four Foundations of Mindfulness Insight Meditation Retreat with Christiane Wolf and Greg Serpa (InsightLA), May 2022 -
This was an absolutely wonderful retreat experience. The environment at Big Bear Retreat Center is relaxing and beautiful, with hiking trails and serene natural views everywhere. The vegetarian meals were outstanding…each dish seemed prepared with care and love, and full of flavor. The staff was professional yet warm and approachable. I will go back again and again!
Calm Abiding Insight Meditation Retreat with Beth Sternlieb and Eric McCullum (InsightLA), May 2022
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Big Bear Retreat Center has quickly become of my favorite places to teach and retreat. The extraordinary mountains and unspoiled landscape create the perfect container for meditating in a natural environment away from the busyness of urban areas. The staff is professional, attentive and compassionate. The food is delicious and nutritious. I love sitting in the spacious, peaceful meditation hall, hiking the trails and looking out at the long-range views. I recommend Big Bear to everyone who appreciates retreating in nature with a kind, compassionate staff and community.
Teacher, InsightLA
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BBRC and its staff make the retreat experience seamless and magical at every turn. The chefs prepare meals that are the embodiment of love and nourishment for this practice. The teachers are supportive and generous with their time, and find the balance between stimulating and calming the mind with the dharma.
Calm Abiding Insight Meditation Retreat with Beth Sternlieb and Eric McCullum (InsightLA), May 2022 -
The meals at BBRC were top of the line. The food was comparable to restaurant-quality dining. The fact that it was vegetarian and vegan was unbelievable. One of the best parts of the center.
Please note: if registering with InsightLA credit/coupons, please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org before registering.
Retreat Calendar
SUMMER
2024
Finding Freedom and Authenticity in How We Relate:
Relational Mindfulness
Deborah Eden Tull & Enrique Collazo
Relational Mindfulness
Saturday, October 26th
(9:00am – 12:00pm PST)
(9:00am – 12:00pm PST)
Dharma Explorations: Live Q+A
Trudy Goodman & Lisa Ernst
Wednesday, October 2nd
(6:30pm – 7:30pm PST)
(6:30pm – 7:30pm PST)
Finding Insight: Live Q+A
Diana Winston
Saturday, September 21st
(10:30am – 11:30am PST)
(10:30am – 11:30am PST)
The Dharma is Made for These Times:
An Exploration of the 4 Distortions of Perception
Ayya Santacitta and Celeste Young
An Exploration of the 4 Distortions of Perception
Sunday, June 23, 2024 (10am – 1pm Pacific)
Ancestors Welcome Here: Healing Practices for White Practitioners Committed to Racial Justice
Ream & Kimber Simpkins
Saturday, October 5
(10:00am – 12:00pm PST)
(10:00am – 12:00pm PST)
Individual and Group Retreats
Comfortable accommodations, nourishing meals, and limited well-being programming. The perfect solo or small group trip to restore and reconnect with nature.
2-night minimum.
Double room: $150/night
Single room shared bath: $190/night
Single room private bath: $230/night
Entire cabin (3bd, 2ba): $570/night up to 3 people
*$150/person/night for each additional cabin guest
March 14 – 18
Q&A with the Teachers:
Buddhism and recovering from addiction, habitual behaviors, strong emotions and illness
Vimalasara and Kevin Griffin
Buddhism and recovering from addiction, habitual behaviors, strong emotions and illness
Saturday, March 30, 2024 (12pm Pacific)
Half Day Online Retreat:
The Dharma is Made for These Times:
An Exploration of the 4 Distortions of Perception
Ayya Santacitta and Celeste Young
The Dharma is Made for These Times:
An Exploration of the 4 Distortions of Perception
Sunday, June 23, 2024 (10am – 1pm Pacific)
FEBRUARY
[ONLINE DHARMA TALK]
All Up In My Feelings: Developing A Language For Emotional Awareness
Eve Ekman
All Up In My Feelings: Developing A Language For Emotional Awareness
Friday, February 16, 2024 (7pm – 8:30pm Pacific)
[ONLINE HALF-DAY]
Settling, Seeing and Spacious Awareness
Donald Rothberg and Tere Abdala
Settling, Seeing and Spacious Awareness
Saturday, February 24, 2024 (10am – 1pm Pacific)
MARCH
Exploring Emotional Balance:
A Weekend Retreat
Eve Ekman and Ryan Redman
[Hybrid Retreat: In-Person + Online Options]
A Weekend Retreat
Starts: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Ends: Sunday, April 14, 2024
On-land: $800 | $950 | $1,125
Online: $150 | $250 | $300
*teacher compensation included in rates*
Includes teaching sessions, meditation, and periods of silence.
Give it a try! Eve offers a sample of the program here with the Handshake with Emotions Practice:
APRIL
Deep Belonging:
Connecting with Ourselves, Each Other, and the Natural World
a silent insight meditation retreat
Christiane Wolf, Greg Serpa and Jennifer Cho
[Hybrid Retreat: In-Person + Online Options]
Connecting with Ourselves, Each Other, and the Natural World
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Monday, April 15, 2024
Ends: Sunday, April 21, 2024
On-land: $868 | $1,320 | $1,920 | $2,400
Online: $250 | $450 | $650
**In-Person Registration is CLOSED**
**Online Registration Closes Sunday, April 14**
Opening to Inner + Outer Change:
A Life Balance Workshop Retreat
Celeste Young and Ron Ames
A Life Balance Workshop Retreat
Starts: Thursday, April 25, 2024
Ends: Sunday, April 28, 2024
$885 | $1,250 | $1,490
*teacher compensation included in registration fees*
scholarships available
scholarships available
Please note, this is not a silent insight meditation retreat, it is a highly interactive workshop retreat format.
This unique retreat offers you the personal understanding and tools to open to the next phase of your life with clarity, confidence, joy, and deeper Insight.
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Discover a “Path to Well-being” that is beyond getting what you want and getting rid of what you don’t want in life.
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Use the “Journey through Change” as a map to locate yourself in the process of your current change
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Identify your values and intentions so you have a basis for making wise decisions.
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Recognize habits of mind that undermine you and learn practices to disengage from their influence.
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Explore which areas of your life need attention, gain insights about your strengths and challenges in dealing with change, and begin to strategize about next steps.
“The content is a powerful synthesis of frameworks to navigate changes and transitions. The experience is deeply enriched by all the dyad work.”
Settling, Seeing, and Spacious Awareness
a silent insight meditation retreat
Donald Rothberg and Tere Abdala
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Ends: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
$910 | $1,400 | $1,960 | $2,520
**several financial support spaces available**
Entering into the Silence of Recovery
a silent insight meditation retreat
Vimalasara and Kevin Griffin
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Ends: Sunday, May 12, 2024
$444 | $660 | $960 | $1,200
All recovery paths are welcome, whether Twelve Step, Recovery Dharma, Eight Step Recovery, substance, process, behaviors and mind states, or relationship-oriented.
All are welcome to attend this retreat.
**several financial support spaces available**
Kevin and Vimalasara share more about their practice and the retreat in a recent interview and Q&A with the BBRC community:
MAY
The Ease of Letting Go
a silent insight meditation retreat
Celeste Young and Phillip Moffitt
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Ends: Saturday, May 25, 2024
$592 | $880 | $1,280 | $1,600
**several financial support spaces available**
Developing a Deep Intimacy with Our Experience
Meditation Coalition’s 9th Annual Women’s Retreat
a silent insight meditation retreat
Sydney Reece & Mary Stancavage
Meditation Coalition’s 9th Annual Women’s Retreat
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Ends: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
$645 | $730 | $815 | $945
We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who are significantly female-identified. Attendees only need to identify as women in a way that’s significant to them.
Learn more about Mary and Sydney and the intentions of this retreat:
Equanimity + Metta: The Ground of Wisdom
a silent insight meditation retreat
Celeste Young and Dawn Scott
Starts: Monday, June 3, 2024
Ends: Sunday, June 9, 2024
$888 | $1,320 | $1,920 | $2,400
Creating Joy in Community through Gratitude & Equanimity
A Retreat for Trans, Gender Nonconforming, Genderqueer, Non-binary and All Gender Expansive Communities
a silent insight meditation retreat
Fresh “Lev” White and René Rivera
A Retreat for Trans, Gender Nonconforming, Genderqueer, Non-binary and All Gender Expansive Communities
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Ends: Sunday, June 16, 2024
*Sliding scale starting at $200 total*
This retreat will be creating an intentionally multiracial community with the aim of around 50% BIPOC. We will be prioritizing registration from BIPOC folks.
[ONLINE HALF-DAY]
The Dharma is Made for These Times:
An Exploration of the 4 Distortions of Perception
an online half-day meditation retreat
Ayya Santacitta and Celeste Young
The Dharma is Made for These Times:
An Exploration of the 4 Distortions of Perception
an online half-day meditation retreat
Starts: Sunday, June 23, 2024 (10:00am Pacific)
Ends: Sunday, June 23, 2024 (1:00pm Pacific)
Dana-based fees, pay at any amount above zero to attend.
JUNE
Inward Bound SoCal Teen Retreat
Em Morrison and Harry Um
Starts: Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Ends: Sunday, June 30, 2024
Healing the Self, Loving the Self, Forgetting the Self
a silent insight meditation retreat
[Dana-based retreat, at any amount]
Matthew Brensilver
a silent insight meditation retreat
[Dana-based retreat, at any amount]
Co-sponsored by Insight Retreat Center (IRC) and Big Bear Retreat Center
Starts: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Ends: Saturday, July 13, 2024
Dana-based retreat, pay at any amount above zero
JULY
[Online Half-Day Retreat]
The Direct Path to Freedom: Mindfulness of the Body and Feeling Tone
Gullu Singh, Louije Kim and Gabrielle Hammond (Qi Gong)
The Direct Path to Freedom: Mindfulness of the Body and Feeling Tone
Starts: Saturday, July 20, 2024 (10:00 AM Pacific)
Ends: Saturday, July 20, 2024 (2:00 PM Pacific)
Dana-based retreat, pay at any amount above zero
Inward Bound BIPOC Teen Retreat
Travis Spencer, Kamilah Crawley and Anna Johns
Starts: Monday, July 15, 2024
Ends: Saturday, July 21, 2024
AUGUST
You Are Enough: MINDFUL SELF-COMPASSION, SOUNDBATH & MUSIC
a special offering of guided meditation and sound healing
Led by Ofosu Jones-Quartey
Starts: Sunday, August 18, 2024 (10:00 AM Pacific)
Ends: Sunday, August 18, 2024 (12:00 PM Pacific)
Dana-based retreat, pay at any amount above zero
When Awareness Becomes Natural
a silent insight meditation retreat
Led by Leinchi (LC) Tran and Kim Allen
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Monday, August 19, 2024
Ends: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
$990 | $1,530 | $1,980 | $2,610
***Retreat Update: Several financial support spots are available for this retreat. Please contact us if cost is a barrier in any way! guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org***
Dharma Dharma: The Unfolding of Nature
A retreat offered in the Thai forest tradition
(primarily camping options)
Leinchi (LC) Tran
A retreat offered in the Thai forest tradition
(primarily camping options)
Co-sponsored by Insight Retreat Center (IRC) and Big Bear Retreat Center
Starts: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Ends: Sunday, September 8, 2024
Offered dana-based (donation) at any amount above $0.
Participants must submit an application, interview with the teacher, and be approved to attend.
This unique retreat will be offered by Leinchi (LC) Tran as a more informal week of practice in community and nature following the more traditional practices of the Thai forest tradition. Retreatants will be camping (1-2 bedroom spots available), following their own practice routine, and have daily interviews with the teacher. Access to one indoor cabin common space (kitchen and restrooms) is available. Only lunch will be served (self-service breakfast will be available) and no dinner will be served.
Gathering of Western Region Retreat Centers
Regeneration & Resiliency
Led by Big Bear Retreat Center and the Whidbey Institute
Regeneration & Resiliency
Starts: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Ends: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Join us for an exploration on the topic of bio-regional resiliency and connection amongst peers in our regions. We hope to make this joyous, playful, informative, and nourishing!
*Registration is reserved for retreat center leaders and staff from the western region.
Note: we’re defining ‘Western region’ as anyone in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and BC Canada.
SEPTEMBER
Love and Rest
a silent insight meditation retreat
Led by Beth Sternlieb and Matthew Brensilver
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Ends: Monday, September 30, 2024
Awakening Mindfulness and Compassion
a silent insight meditation retreat
Diana Winston, Leslie Booker and Vadan Ritter (movement)
**Due to the recent fires in Big Bear, this retreat has shifted to ONLINE ONLY
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Ends: Sunday, October 6, 2024
*fees include teacher compensation
Registration closes October 1st at 3:59pm PST
[Online Special Event]
Ancestors Welcome Here: Ancestral Healing Practices for White Practitioners Committed to Racial Justice
Ream and Kimber Simpkins
Ancestors Welcome Here: Ancestral Healing Practices for White Practitioners Committed to Racial Justice
Starts: Saturday, October 5, 2024 (10:00 AM Pacific)
Ends: Saturday, October 5, 2024 (12:00 PM Pacific)
Dana-based retreat, pay at any amount above zero
The Rhythm of Connection:
Embracing Quietude and Mindful Communication
a relational mindfulness retreat
Ofosu Jones-Quartey, T Maes and Devon Sangster Rath
Embracing Quietude and Mindful Communication
a relational mindfulness retreat
Starts: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Ends: Sunday, October 13, 2024
This retreat will be creating an intentionally multiracial community with the aim of at least 50% BIPOC. We will be prioritizing registration from BIPOC folks.
Led by a teaching team with a combined 30+ years of experience leading Relational Mindfulness at Harvard, UCLA, Spirit Rock, iBme, and other practice communities.
The Sure Heart’s Release
a silent insight meditation retreat
Dave Smith and Jameson
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Monday, October 14, 2024
Ends: Saturday, October 19, 2024
*several financial support spots available
In this interview with Dave the teachers share more about this retreat, their teaching style and what inspires their teaching:
OCTOBER
Weaving Ourselves Back Into the Fabric of Life:
An Exploration of the Four Distortions of Perception
a silent insight meditation retreat
[Dana-based retreat fees, at any amount]
Ayya Santacitta and Celeste Young
An Exploration of the Four Distortions of Perception
a silent insight meditation retreat
[Dana-based retreat fees, at any amount]
Starts: Sunday, October 20, 2024
Ends: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Dana-based retreat, pay at any amount above zero
Three Views for Freedom
a silent insight meditation retreat
Anushka Fernandopulle
a silent insight meditation retreat
In collaboration with Insight San Diego
Starts: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Ends: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
$600 | $800 | $900
The Limitless Heart:
Cultivating Mettā in Turbulent Times
a silent insight meditation retreat
Gullu Singh, Yong Oh and Gabrielle Hammond (movement)
Cultivating Mettā in Turbulent Times
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Ends: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
$888 | $1,320 | $1,920 | $2,400
The Direct Path to Freedom: The Foundations of Mindfulness
a 5-day silent mindfulness meditation retreat
Led by Gullu Singh, Louije Kim and Gabrielle Hammond (Qi Gong)
a 5-day silent mindfulness meditation retreat
Starts: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Ends: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
The Retreat meets the requirements for teacher training and certification at the Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute, University of California at San Diego, the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare and Society, University for Massachusetts and the Center for Mindfulness Studies, Toronto, Canada.
NOVEMBER
The Dharma of Desire:
From Longing to Loving Presence
a silent insight meditation retreat
Trudy Goodman and Lisa Ernst
From Longing to Loving Presence
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Ends: Sunday, November 17, 2024
DECEMBER
Ancestors Welcome Here
Ancestral Healing Retreat for White Practitioners Committed Racial Justice
Ream, Kimber Simpkins, Em Morrison
Ancestral Healing Retreat for White Practitioners Committed Racial Justice
Starts: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Ends: Sunday, December 8, 2024
*sliding scale registration fees with flexible pricing options
Ream and Kimber offered a half-day online retreat on this topic. Learn more about their practices and approaches:
Awake in the New Year:
A Dharma & Dance Retreat
Interactive + Silent Retreat for transitioning into the New Year
Deborah Eden Tull and Enrique Collazo
A Dharma & Dance Retreat
Interactive + Silent Retreat for transitioning into the New Year
Starts: Monday, December 30, 2024
Ends: Saturday, January 4, 2025
*Teacher compensation included in rates*
“Energy is our most precious resource, for it is the means through which we transform our creative potential into meaningful action.” Tarthang Tulku
2025
MARCH
The Sacred Path of Connection & Belonging:
A Women’s Nature Retreat
Heidi Bourne & Laurie Cousins
A Women’s Nature Retreat
Starts: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Ends: Sunday, March 9, 2025
**Early registration discounts end November 30th**
This in-person Women’s Springtime Nature Retreat is open to both beginning and seasoned practitioners, to all female-identified persons over the age of 18, including LGBTQIA+.
“I treasure the retreats with Heidi Bourne & Laurie Cousins. Their dedication and love for the practices, their clear and warm teaching styles, their knowledge, compassion, and humor deeply enrich my life and keep me coming back year after year.” Melissa R.
“It’s hard to put into words just how precious and sacred it is to spend time with other women in a silent retreat surrounded by nature and supported by Laurie Cousins and Heidi Bourne. They are very skilled teachers with expansive warm hearts. Time in retreat nurtures my whole being and helps me meet my life in all its complexities with steadiness, compassion, and wisdom. Retreats with Laurie and Heidi are one of my favorite times of the year.” Ally Z.
APRIL
Ethics and Love in Interpersonal Life
a silent insight meditation retreat + dharma program
Matthew Brensilver
[Hybrid Retreat: In-Person + Online Options]
*Retreat followed by 6-week online class series (included)
a silent insight meditation retreat + dharma program
*Retreat followed by 6-week online class series (included)
Co-sponsored by Insight Retreat Center (IRC) and Big Bear Retreat Center
Starts: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Ends: Sunday, April 20, 2025
Retreat fees are dana-based, donations at any amount above $0 to register.
This retreat is followed by a 6-week online class series only for those that attend the retreat.
Simplicity and Stillness:
Cultivating the 5 Spiritual Strengths
a silent insight meditation retreat
Celeste Young & Devon Hase
[Hybrid Retreat: In-Person + Online Options]
Cultivating the 5 Spiritual Strengths
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Ends: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
**Early registration discounts end November 30th**
MAY
Coming Home to Our Senses
a silent insight meditation retreat
Trudy Goodman, Gullu Singh, and Gabrielle Hammond (movement)
[Hybrid Retreat: In-Person + Online Options]
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ends: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
**Early registration discounts end November 30th**
Entering the Silence of Recovery
a silent insight meditation retreat
Vimalasara Mason-John & Kevin Griffin
a silent insight meditation retreat
Starts: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Ends: Sunday, May 25, 2025
This retreat pricing is offered sliding scale with flexible pricing options. All are welcome.