Our Planning Committee has decided on leasing a large house in Crestone, Colorado, a community that is considered a center of spirituality. There will be enough room for 10 residents to stay over the retreat, and the property has a large room for group practice.

This retreat will be for three days, three nights – arriving Friday evening , two full days of meditation and contemplation, leaving on a Monday, afternoon. The curriculum will involve both group meditation, private meditation, and at least one off-property event. It’s agreed that we want this retreat to be simple, non-stressed, with an easy, harmonious flow with some free time for each attendant.

Our date for this retreat is:

Friday, September 11th through Monday, September 14th, 2026.

These dates are during a new moon for excellent stargazing, and is not during a busy holiday which helps keep our retreat affordable and less crowded.

Friday Evening – Sept 11th

• Check in – 3:00 pm – Individual cars arrive. Settle into rooms. 
• 4:00 pm- 5:30 pm – Prepare and eat evening supper – Taco Feast
• 5:30 – 7:30pm – Begin Meditation Mandala creation
• 7:30 pm – Sunset group meditation – Set intention for retreat with prayers
• 8:00 pm – Stargazing ( sunset at 7:30pm) – circle drumming
• 10:00 pm – Lights out

Saturday – Sept 12th, 2026

• 6-9am – Self managed breakfast & private practice (your choice)
• 9:00 am – Morning Group Light meditation – Altar opening in great room 
• 11:00 – 12:00 – Self managed lunch 
• 12:00 – 12:30 – Meditation Mandala creation continues
• 12:30 – 2:00 – Preparation for Ceremony at Stupa of Enlightenment
• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Ceremony at Stupa of Enlightenment – Public
• 4:30pm  – 7 pm dinner in town – Sage’s Hearth (menu provided for pre-order)

Sunday – Sept 13th, 2026

• 6-9am – Self managed breakfast & private practice (your choice)
• 9:00 am – Morning Group Practice – Altar opening in great room & guided meditation
• 10:00 am – Noon – Scheduled tour of Sangdo Palri Temple of Wisdom & Compassion
• 12:00 – 1:30 – Self managed lunch 
• 1:30 – 4:00 – Final Mandala Walking meditation and dissolution 
• 4:00 – 5:30 – A light group dinner – baked chicken, asparagus, small red potatoes
• 5:30 – Observed silence…

During this time, no conversations, tv, cell phones or computers please except for emergencies. Find time to reflect, take a walk, journaling, reading or individual meditation. This is a time to seek peaceful calm abiding within to help bring change to the world around us and in our own lives.

Monday – Sept 14th, 2026

• 6-9am – self managed breakfast & private practice (your choice)
• 9:00 am -Altar opening and final morning group practice
• Dedicate intention. Pack up altar
• 11:00 – Check out – your on your own for lunch and drive back

Rota: During a retreat you are always asked to participate in community chores as part of your practice. You will be asked to help with the house chores such as keeping the bathroom cleaned of clutter, washing your dishes and helping during group meals, taking out trash, sweeping, making your own bed and cleaning up after yourself after breakfast and lunch. This can be a part of our retreat rota that can be considered a perfect time to do mantra or simply practice quiet contemplation.

The house will be smudged to quiet and neutralize the space. Quiet, kind demeanor is appreciated. Any disagreements should be kept respectful and fair and can be taken outside. The house will be considered a calm refuge during our retreat and can help make our stay and experience an excellent memory to look back on and take with us back into the real world.

Consider bringing the following:

• Your own meditation cushion, clearly labeled with your name
• A daypack or small bag
• Water bottle
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Toiletries (laundry on the property)
• Alarm clock (cell phone is acceptable)
• Clothes for changing weather (layers)
• Any medication you need
• Limited first aid kit provided
• Bring your own journal/sketchbook – a small one will be provided for those who would like one.
• Offerings such as fruit, flowers, small crystals, coins, pictures of loved ones deceased, incense or a candle. These will be offered at the stupa with prayers.
• Drums or hand pans for drumming sessions

No candles or open flames are permitted by property owners. Incense can be used outside in consideration of others if closely managed.

Additional Property Owner Rules

$20/night pet fee. No Pets Left Unattended on Property. No Pets on Beds or Furniture. No Shooting on the Property. Please No Candles or Incense. No Outdoor Fires.

Crestone is a very small community with limited shopping and emergencies services. Please plan accordingly.

Learn more about “The Tranquil Lighthouse” where we will be staying
Learn more about Crestone
Learn more about the Stupa of Enlightenment