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Dilgo Khyentse once said, “Meditation could be described as the Art of Simplicity: simply sitting, simply breathing, and simply being.” So simple indeed, but not so easy. Come join us at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge to explore the practice of meditation. This retreat is an invitation to step away from the busyness of daily life and discover what simply sitting, breathing, and being has to offer. Amidst the quiet beauty of New Hampshire’s Upper Valley and held in gentle, welcoming community, this beginner-friendly retreat offers an opportunity to experience different types of meditation through guided practice, accessible teachings, and the restorative power of silence. Learning to meditate is an act of kindness—not only toward yourself, but also toward those you love, and indeed toward the wider world. Nothing is more precious than relaxing into one’s essential nature—so close we often overlook it, yet revealed as something that has always been present when we learn to slow down and pay attention. Through meditation practice, we can learn to connect to an inner stillness that offers us a source of refuge available in every moment. In the radical act of “simply sitting, simply breathing, and simply being,” we may find ourselves softening, becoming more gentle, and reconnecting with our innate capacity for care. We invite you to join us in this exploration. Throughout the weekend, teachers Tracie Palmer and Kathe McKenna will offer different types of meditation, including befriending difficult feelings and resting in open awareness. They will also introduce the dharma teachings of the Himalayan Buddhist lineage tradition, exploring what has drawn people to meditation practice for thousands of years. Much of the weekend will be held in Noble Silence, a traditional Buddhist practice that supports settling the mind and opening to deeper awareness. The silence will be balanced with periods of teaching, discussion, and opportunities to connect with fellow retreatants. No previous meditation experience is necessary. Everyone is warmly welcome.

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Venue

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge at Natural Dharma Fellowship

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Wonderwell Mountain Refuge is located in New Hampshire's beautiful Upper Valley. As Natural Dharma Fellowship's meditation retreat center, our programs are dedicated to bringing the practices of Tibetan Buddhism into the contemporary world in accessible, relevant, and creative ways. Our retreatants cultivate mindfulness, nature-based practices, wisdom, and compassion to promote courageous, loving action in the world. Set on a west-facing hillside with sweeping views of forest, sky and mountains, the house and grounds provide a calm and peaceful oasis. The graceful building has been beautifully restored and lovingly maintained to serve as a home for the Dharma. Natural beauty embraces the living tradition of Buddhist practice and teaching that resonates here. It is a place for those who wish to connect more deeply with their own innate wisdom and compassion and source themselves for courageous loving action in the world. Wonderwell’s 200 acres include lawns and gardens around the main building, with fields and forest below. Our 15,000 square-foot facility can accommodate up to 40 overnight guests – each guest room is unique, and many have private baths. The meditation hall features our Tara shrine, two original fieldstone fireplaces, a suspended balcony, and seating for 100. Simple yet delicious meals are prepared in our commercial kitchen and served buffet-style in the adjoining serving and dining areas. Small sitting nooks around the building provide quiet spaces for reading, meditation, and contemplation.

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Yoga Studio

Garden

Housekeeping

Coffee / Tea

Restaurant

Kitchen

Free Parking

Balcony

Bathroom

Meals

Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Nut Allergy Friendly · Diabetic Friendly · Kosher

Wonderwell’s meals are provided by our talented chefs. As much as possible, we select local and organic foods to provide well-rounded and nutritious vegetarian meals which include gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Healthy snacks are available between meals. Brewed coffee is available in the morning. Tea and instant coffee are available around the clock. If you have severe food allergies or special dietary needs, please provide this information on your registration form. We have limited ability to accommodate special diets beyond the options listed above. People with special dietary needs are encouraged to bring any supplemental food they may need. A separate refrigerator and food storage area are provided for this.

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