/
Spirituality Retreats in United States/
Spirituality Retreats in Woodacre/
Liberating the Heart: Navigating Seven Gates to Inner Freedom
Liberating the Heart: Navigating Seven Gates to Inner Freedom
August 21 - 28, 2026
Woodacre, CA, United States
7 nights, 8 days
96 person retreat
Highlights
Silent with Specific Conversational Opportunities
Meet the Teachers: Amana Brembry Johnson, Noliwe Alexander, Alisa Dennis, Victoria Cary, Richelle Evelyn Donigan
Details
In the stillness of the heart, the mind finds rest, and a deep and luminous wisdom begins to stir and open to a clarity that can guide us toward healing and inner freedom. In quietude, it is possible to recognize and discard the trappings that lead towards confusion and turmoil. During this retreat, we will attune to the Seven Gates of Awakening. In mindful presence, we will practice investigation with curiosity, and balance wise energy with compassionate rest. As we learn to invite and infuse the heart with joy, the qualities of tranquility, concentration, and mental/emotional calm begin to follow. Our time together will begin with intentional community building and unfold into periods of silent sitting and walking, meditation instruction, daily embodied movement, Dharma talks, and meetings with teachers. Together, we will listen deeply, steady the heart, and open to the possibility of awakening—even in a world that trembles. This retreat is silent except for teacher-led Q&A, small groups, or other practice meetings.
Venue
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
4.5 ★ 145 Reviews
On the land, online, or on-demand, Spirit Rock supports you at every stage of your path to grow a vibrant, nourishing spiritual life. Join us to practice Insight Meditation, Dharma teachings, and mindfulness in a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to the liberation of all beings.
Free Wifi
Garden
Coffee / Tea
Kitchen
Free Parking
Bathroom
Accommodation
Supporter Rate
2 Rooms Left
Private room for 1
$4,270 USD total
Benefactor Rate
2 Rooms Left
Private room for 1
$3,430 USD total
Sustainer Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$2,590 USD / person
Basic Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$1,715 USD / person
Reduced Rate
4 Spots Left
2-person shared room
$1,120 USD / person
1 / 5
Spirit Rock Meditation Center primarily offers dormitory-style accommodations in simple, comfortable rooms for residential retreats. These rooms are typically shared, with some offering single occupancy options. The center also provides facilities for group activities, personal reflection, and connecting with nature.
Meals
Meals provided
Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
Diets catered
Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free
Our meals are sourced from local, sustainable, and organic growers and suppliers, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. We ground all of our cooking decisions in the principle of non-harm. Our menus are built around nutrient-dense whole foods; they are vegetarian, with abundant vegan and gluten-free options. We are mindful of common food allergies and take special care to nourish practitioners with dietary restrictions.
Testimonials
1 / 3
Host
Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Woodacre, CA, USA
Rooted in the teachings of Insight Meditation, Spirit Rock Meditation Center offers retreats, classes, and workshops on-land and online that support both beginners and experienced practitioners in dee...
1 language
English
Teaching for 7 months
Joined Insight Timer in Jul 2025
What's Included
Food
Accommodation
Not Included
Registration fees DO NOT include teacher dana
Flights and Transportation
FAQs
Guest requirements
You must have already completed at least 14 nights of silent residential retreat time. This retreat time must include a minimum of two (2) silent residential retreats, each of six (6) nights or longer.
These retreats must have been led by Spirit Rock, IMS, or IRC teachers, or other recognized Insight Meditation teachers. Previous retreats must be silent residential retreats and have a similar format to this retreat, with instructions, practices, and talks focused on Insight Meditation. Online retreats do not qualify for these retreat prerequisites. When applying, you will need to provide the teachers’ names, dates, location, length (# of nights), and style of the retreats.
Cancellation policy
The remaining balance for the retreat is due 14 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 14 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 14 days before the retreat begins.
