Meditation has a way of quieting the mind, connecting us to our inner selves, and pulling our consciousness to the present moment. Additionally, this mindful practice provides a host of healthy benefits, including decreased stress, steadied heart rate, balanced emotions, and more restful slumber. Begin your foray into the world of meditation with one of these peaceful retreats near Boulder, Colorado.
Your Inner Compass: “Post” Pandemic Women’s Retreat
When: 8/7, 9:00am-3:00pm
Where: True Nature Healing Arts, Carbondale, Colorado
Make a weekend trip to beautiful Carbondale, Colorado with your best gal pals and join life coach, Lindsay Gurley, for a day-long workshop and retreat. Activities will focus on helping participants uncover their inner compass and learning to trust their inner voice. In this post pandemic climate, we could all use a reset. Your Inner Compass workshop will incorporate positive community connection, yogic philosophy, journaling, and a one-on-one, post-retreat coaching session with Gurley. Bring a yoga mat, journal, lunch, and snacks. Be prepared to listen, ask thoughtful questions, connect openly with new people, and surrender your ego in an effort to find your true self.
September Weekend Sitting
When: 9/3-9/6
Where: Dharma Sangha, Crestone, Colorado
While Crestone is a little further flung, the scenic three and a half hour drive reveals a different portion of the state to those who haven’t frequently ventured south and west. The Dharma Sangha Crestone Mountain Zen Center sits high up in the Sangre de Cristo range, offering a welcome retreat for those wanting to begin or deepen their meditation practice.
September Weekend Sitting is a two-and-a-half-day intensive meditation that includes a Dharma Talk and formal tea. Enjoy a welcome dinner on Friday night followed by an evening meditation. Then, spend Saturday and Sunday in guided, purposeful meditation. Meals will be eaten oryoki style, a mindful way of dining that gives each individual “just enough” and acknowledges the life-giving nutrients before consuming it.
Shambhala Training I: The Art of Being Human
When: 9/17-9/19
Where: Boulder Shambhala Center, Shambhala Training Hall
The Boulder Shambhala Center has long been a pillar in our diverse community, seeking to foster enlightened living. This weekend-long training program touches on meditation instruction, involves long periods of silent meditation, one-on-one sessions that can help clarify the art of meditation, and so much more.
All experience levels are welcome. Shambhala Training I offers a welcoming atmosphere that even the most beginner meditators can step into and feel supported, encouraged, and uplifted. A gentle atmosphere and knowledgeable teachers guide students through a robust retreat that will also include educational elements, such as talks by senior instructors, group discussions, and readings.
Insight Meditation Retreat
When: 12/28-12/31
Where: Sunrise Ranch, Loveland, Colorado
Explore the practice of sitting and walking meditations, conducted in complete silence. Insight Meditation Retreat helps guests connect more deeply with their bodies through meditation and mindfulness. In addition to frequent solo practices, this Loveland retreat will include instruction, dharma talks, movement practices, and group discussions.
Occurring at the end of the year, this retreat focuses on closure and rebirth, collecting what we’ve learned over the last 365 days and preparing to use the knowledge as a foundation while we grow into the new year. Set an intention toward the end of the retreat and take your new meditation skills into 2022.
Take some time to practice a little self-care and sign up for any of these awesome, Colorado retreats. Your mind and body could use a break from day-to-day stressors. Honing your meditation practice under the tutelage of experienced instructors can help cultivate lasting inner contentment.