Natural Freedom: Becoming the Buddha You Already Are (Residential)

Movement Teacher: Laura Sicari

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NDF’s annual silent Dzogchen meditation retreat at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge for the Natural Freedom Practice Group.

Join our annual in-person gathering of the Natural Freedom Practice Group as we explore how to sustain Dzogchen in daily life by deepening into the practice of radical presence within the primordial nature. Topics will include the view, meditation and action of Dzogchen, deviations from the view and their remedies, and how to sustain an enlivened daily practice.

Emphasis will be on deepening into practice, dharma study (Longchenpa’s Basic Space of Phenomena), and cultivating a heartfelt connection to sangha. The intention of the retreat is to reconnect to our nature of vastness and freedom while realizing the path is every moment of life itself.

Anam Thubten Rinpoche will join us one day of this retreat as a Special Guest Teacher to transmit and teach on his own pith instruction The Song of Dzogchen.

Typical Retreat Schedule

(All times are Eastern time zone)

First Day — Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.

Full-Day Schedule — Morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast break 8:30-10:00 am; Lunch break 12:00-2:00 pm; Dinner break 5:30-7:00 pm.

Last Day —The closing session typically ends by 12:00 pm.

These times are just for reference. An expanded schedule will be provided in pre-retreat information emailed during the week prior to the event.

Important: Please put this email address in your Contact or Safe-Send list to make sure you receive our emails:

Important Covid Information

The NDF Health Committee continues to monitor evolving public health conditions and trends, as we keep the safety of our Sangha at the forefront of our decision-making. At this time, COVID-19 testing is no longer required. Masks are optional and encouraged if you are at higher risk.

Scholarships and Fellowships

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge strives to offer retreats in a manner that is inclusive for persons of all means. If the full retreat cost would create an undue financial burden, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. Please visit this page on our website learn more about financial aid.

Depending on the type of work that you do, you may be eligible for a Hemera Contemplative Fellowship. Please click on this link for more information.

Please do not apply for financial assistance until after you have registered for the retreat.

Cancellation Policy

Wonderwell charges a $75 cancellation fee for residential (onsite) retreat cancellations more than 4 weeks before the start of a retreat. Any cancellations between 4 weeks to 11 days prior to the program are charged a $150 cancellation fee. For any cancellations 10 or fewer days prior to the start date of the program, no refunds are offered.

However, if you are feeling ill or feel you might have been exposed to the COVID virus, please cancel your attendance at any Wonderwell retreat even at the last minute. In this case, we will provide a full refund of your payment.

If you decide to transfer from residential to online attendance, any cancellation fee will be determined based on the time remaining before the start of the retreat.

Access to Recordings

NDF offers unlimited access to recordings, which are accessed in your user dashboard (more information about user accounts provided in a pre-retreat letter). If you have a user account, please register with the same email you use to log into your dashboard. If not, an account will be created for you using your registration address.

Availability will vary depending on the type of event and the backlog for our precious resource volunteers. Thank you for your patience.

Wonderwell Mountain Refuge Full Calendar

Click here for more about Laura Sicara.