The World is Made of Stories: An Insight Meditation Retreat
Description
Join Pamela Weiss, Renda Madrigal, and Maura Singer for an Insight Meditation retreat that invites you to explore how stories shape the way we see ourselves, one another, and the world around us. With meditation practice and Qigong woven throughout the retreat, this gathering offers space for reflection, stillness, and embodied awareness in a supportive setting.
To help make retreat attendance as accessible as possible, a sliding-scale pricing model is available along with a range of housing choices. All accommodations are single occupancy, and pricing includes meals and lodging unless otherwise noted.
Supporter Rate
This rate covers the full retreat cost and also helps support others who need financial assistance to attend. The difference between this amount and the actual rate is tax-deductible, and your generosity helps expand access to practice at Vallecitos.
Standard Rate
This option reflects the actual cost of the retreat. All accommodations are single occupancy, and meals and lodging are included.
35% Scholarship Rate
This option provides a 35% scholarship off the actual retreat cost. All accommodations are single occupancy, and meals and lodging are included.
If you need more scholarship support than this rate provides, please choose this housing option, complete your registration, and then submit the scholarship application using the instructions provided after registering.
Additional Housing and Scholarship Options
Several additional housing choices follow the same pricing structure: a supporter rate that helps fund access for others, a standard rate covering actual retreat costs, and a 35% scholarship rate. If further assistance is needed, register first and then submit the additional scholarship application as directed after registration.
Hermitage Option
The Hermitage is a secluded cabin with views of the mountains, meadows, and the Vallecitos River, designed for a more private retreat experience. 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.
This housing choice also supports land stewardship efforts and helps maintain access for retreatants who need additional assistance. The difference between this rate and the actual Hermitage rate is tax-deductible.
Camping Option
An economical option for experienced campers only, this choice requires you to bring your own tent and camping gear, as Vallecitos does not provide tents. Weather conditions can vary widely, precipitation should be expected, and complete self-sufficiency is required. This option is strongly discouraged for anyone new to Vallecitos. As with all housing at Vallecitos, camping spaces are single occupancy only; tents or camping spaces may not be shared. Meals are included.
Additional Items
- Comfort Pack — includes bedding and towels
- Round Trip Shuttle — see website for more details
- One Way Shuttle — see website for more details
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 moreRenda Madrigal
Maura Singer
Place
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Contact Information
Wed, Aug 26