Being Nature: Embodying the Four Elements
Description
Join a retreat rooted in the living wisdom of the natural world, where practice is guided by the four elements and supported by an experienced teaching team: Pamela Weiss, Rev. Shinmu Tamori Gibson, Gina LaRoche (Trainee), and Kate Siber (Trainee).
To make participation as accessible as possible, this retreat offers sliding-scale pricing alongside several housing choices. All accommodations are single occupancy, and pricing includes meals. The options are designed to support a range of financial circumstances while also helping sustain access for others in need of assistance.
Supporter rates help cover the full cost of the retreat and contribute to financial aid for other participants. The difference between these rates and the actual retreat cost is tax-deductible.
Standard rates cover the actual cost of the retreat. Scholarship rates offer a 35% reduction from the actual retreat cost. All of these options include single-occupancy lodging and meals.
For a more private experience, the Hermitage offers a secluded cabin overlooking mountains, meadows, and the Vallecitos River. This octagonal cabin includes a queen-size bed, night stand, desk, chair, shelves, sink, and counter, with a private outhouse nearby. It is a heated, single-occupancy space, and the price includes meals and lodging.
Hermitage support rates also help sustain land stewardship efforts while expanding access for retreatants who need additional financial support. The difference between this rate and the actual Hermitage rate is tax-deductible.
An economical tent camping option is available for experienced campers only. Participants must bring their own tent and camping gear, as Vallecitos does not provide tents. Conditions can vary widely, precipitation should be expected, and campers must be fully self-sufficient. This option is strongly discouraged for anyone new to Vallecitos. As with all housing choices here, tent camping is single occupancy only, and meals are included.
Cancellation Policy: 45+ days = full refund, less nonrefundable $150 fee; 45-22 days = 50% refund; 0-21 days = no refunds. This policy applies to all registered guests, including scholarship recipients.
Accommodation Options
Tent Cabins
The tent cabins at Vallecitos offer a simple, yet comfortable, low-cost accommodation. The tent cabins are on wooden platforms with canvas walls. Each has a bed, a small table and chair. There are zipper windows in the tent cabins and the front opening can be spread wide to invite in sunlight. All tent cabins have a small propane heater. Tent cabins are single occupancy, stand-alone structures. Please note that tent cabins tend to be colder in the shoulder seasons (May and September/October).
Tent Camping
An economical option intended only for experienced campers. You are required to bring your own tent camping gear, as Vallecitos does NOT supply a tent. Temperatures are highly variable, precipitation is to be expected, and you are expected to be fully self-sufficient. This option is strongly discouraged for anyone new to Vallecitos. Please note that our tent camping spaces, like all Vallecitos housing options, are single occupancy. You may not share a tent or camping space with other retreat participants. Pricing includes meals.
Tent Cabin Benefactor Rate
This option covers retreat costs and helps support others who require financial assistance to attend. The difference between this rate and the actual rate is tax-deductible. We greatly appreciate your help in supporting access to practice on retreat at Vallecitos. All accommodations are single occupancy. The price includes accommodation and meals.
Tent Cabin Actual Rate
This rate covers the actual costs of the retreat. All accommodations are single occupancy. The price includes accommodation and meals.
Tent Cabin Scholarship Rate
This option is a 35% scholarship of the actual costs of the retreat. All accommodations are single occupancy. The price includes accommodation and meals. If you require additional scholarship assistance above this rate, please select this housing option. Complete your registration, and then submit an additional scholarship application (directions are provided after registering).
Hermitage - A secluded cabin
A secluded cabin overlooking mountains, meadows and the Vallecitos River, the Hermitage is the perfect setting for a more private retreat experience. The octagonal cabin is furnished with a queen size bed, night stand, desk, chair, shelves, sink, and counter. A private outhouse for the hermitage is nearby. The hermitage is a single occupancy heated space. The price includes meals and lodging.
Teachers
Board Dharma teacher Pamela Weiss brings a rare depth of experience to her work, drawing from dual Buddhist lineages in Soto Zen and Theravada. Known for her thoughtful approach to practice and leadership, she has been a pioneer in weaving Buddhist principles into organizational transformation, helping individuals and groups align insight with meaningful action. Her teaching reflects both spiritual depth and...
Read more
BiographyRev. Shinmu Tamori Gibson (心無 田守 ギブソン), formerly Jozen, is devoted to studying, nurturing, and sharing contemplative heart-body-mind practices rooted in compassionate wellness, anti-oppression, and interdependent liberation for all beings through the Buddhadharma.Ordination and LineageShinmu is a Sotō Zen monastic priest, ordained on November 12, 2023 by their teacher, Osho Zenju Earthlyn Manuel of the Suzuki Roshi lineage. They honor...
Read moreGina LaRoche
Kate Siber
Gina LaRoche (Trainee)
Kate Siber (Trainee)
Place
Place map
Categories
Contact Information
Tue, Jun 23