Wild Awakening: Embodying the Wisdom of the Elements (Residential Only)
Description
From the shamanic lineages of South America to the Buddhist and Dzogchen traditions of Tibet, many spiritual paths have looked to the natural world as a source of liberation and insight. In the height of autumn, this residential retreat invites you to honor the deep interconnection of all living things while hiking through New Hampshire’s lakes, rivers, caves, forests, and rocky mountaintops.
Across cultures and centuries, recognizing the bond between human life, the more-than-human world, and the living earth has been a foundational practice. Meeting nature with openness can awaken clarity, deepen understanding, and remind us of our true nature and purpose.
This retreat explores the five elements not simply as material forces, but as living teachers that reflect the mind’s vast, luminous quality. Ground into the steadiness of earth, move with the flexibility of water, meet the transforming energy of fire, breathe with the openness of air, and rest in the spaciousness of space.
Please Join Us To:
- Hike and meditate daily in the natural beauty of New Hampshire
- Explore how the five elements can support recognition of your true nature
- Experience the world as a living teacher
- Deepen your sense of belonging within the greater ecology of being
Join Lama Liz and Shemaleiah in New England’s autumn splendor as we awaken to the living wisdom of earth, water, fire, air, and space. Through guided outdoor meditation, silent hiking, and contemplative observation, we will relax into a fuller integration with the natural world.
Informed by the Tibetan contemplative traditions of Dzogchen and Mahamudra, these practices reveal the inseparability of the mind’s innate clarity and the elemental world. By engaging the five elements, we come to know the interconnectedness of life and embody awareness more fully in daily living. As we remember our deep connection with nature, we also rediscover the spacious, luminous, and awake qualities already present within us.
Within this web of relationship, we see that freedom from suffering and the ability to realize our aspirations are not about escaping the human condition, but about discovering the freedom already inherent within it.
This wilderness retreat, inspired by Dzogchen and Mahamudra, uses Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space as gateways to recognizing who we truly are. Through mindful connection with the land, both in stillness and in motion, you will learn to rest in presence and experience the world as a living expression of mind itself. By awakening our cellular memory of primordial awareness, you return home with greater clarity, balance, and belonging within the great ecology of being.
This retreat is open to both beginners and experienced practitioners. Each morning and evening, we will gather in Wonderwell’s historic Meditation Hall for practice and teaching. Weather permitting, our days will take place outdoors in the brilliance of rural New Hampshire’s autumn landscape, extending meditation into walking, hiking, and other forms of mindful movement.
Vigorous activity is an essential part of this retreat. Participants should be prepared to hike approximately 3–5 miles each day over moderate mountainous terrain. Daily participation in the hike is expected, and alternative on-site activities will not be available.
Please note that registration is first-come, first-served. There will be no lottery this year.
Typical Retreat Schedule
(All times are Eastern time zone)
First Day — Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.
Last Day — The closing session typically ends by 12:00 pm.
These times are provided for reference only. A fuller schedule will be shared in pre-retreat information emailed during the week before the event.
Important Health Information
COVID-19 testing is no longer required. Masks are optional and encouraged for those at higher risk. If you are symptomatic, we ask that you stay home to help protect others.
Scholarships
Natural Dharma Fellowship is committed to making retreats more inclusive and accessible. If the full retreat cost would create a financial burden, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. Please visit the website page for more information about financial aid options.
Please do not apply for financial assistance until after you have registered for the retreat. If the required deposit would be an obstacle, please contact us.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that personal circumstances may require cancellation. In those cases, please contact us right away. Because cancellations affect room availability for others and create additional administrative work, the following fees apply:
- > 45 days: 100% refund minus a $75 admin fee
- 31–45 days: 50% refund of the required deposit; or 75% refund if registered and paid in full
- 21–30 days: 50% refund of total registration cost
- < 21 days: nonrefundable
If you must cancel due to an emergency or extenuating circumstances, please contact us.
Accommodation Options
Suite/Benefactor
The Vajra Suite is a spacious, air-conditioned private bedroom with private deck and bath, furnished with a king bed. This accommodation also includes a separate meditation room with spectacular views of the mountains and a private kitchenette. By choosing this Benefactor room option and paying at a higher rate, you are supporting Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in our efforts to maintain and improve our historic building and the grounds and to make retreat practice more accessible for all. Thank you.
Private Room w/Queen Bed & Ensuite Bath
This private room selection provides a queen size bed and en-suite bath. There are two rooms located on the second floor and one on the third floor. These rooms can also be used by couples staying at Wonderwell. In that case, please select "2 guests," and an adjustment is automatically made in the room price for the second person. The second guest will then receive an email with a link to complete the personal registration questions and will not be considered registered until those questions are answered and received. The queen beds come with 2 pillows, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own queen bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat - $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it. The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort. We ask that guests bring their own queen bed linens and bath towels. Fireplaces in bedrooms are not to be used and no candles please.
Shared Room w/Ensuite Bath
If you register for a shared double room, you must accept sharing the space with someone you don't know. Each shared room in this price range contains two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom.
Shared Room w/Hall Bath
If you register for a shared double room, you must accept sharing the space with someone you don't know. Each shared room in this price range has two twin beds with a hallway bathroom shared with another room.
Teachers
Organization
Lama Liz Monson
Shemaleiah Geremia-Smylie
Place
Place map
Categories
Contact Information
Tue, Sep 29