Dayna says, "I spent a day at Clear Sky attending two different meditation courses, one in the morning and a different one in the afternoon. Both sets of teachers were so open and lovely." See more
Dustin says, "Arrived on a sunny day with big smiles and hugs in the reception area. Flowers and forest and ocean. What more could I ask for other than... Incredible garden sourced food, net level facilities, and a staff that truly cares about m well being." See more
Betsy says, "I very much enjoyed the class with John McQuade. I felt supported in exploring my own attempts at Haiku and appreciated the depth of knowledge expressed in each class." See more
Marley says, "A truly special place that will forever hold a place in my heart." See more
Katka says, "Super fun a amazing workshop, I learn fast because Sarah explained everything very good 🤩🥳 thank you" See more
Peter says, "A wonderful opportunity to meet like minded people and to participate in goal setting activities for The |haven and for myself." See more
Theodore says, "The Cedar Song Center is in gorgeous, varied land that is tended with care: a perfect place for the nature-based explorations of land and psyche. I recently attended the Wild Mind Immersion, led by Stephanie Marchal and Sarah Frizelle." See more
A retreat absolutely can spark profound transformation - yet the real magic lies not in the retreat itself, but in how it creates space to recognize what's already present within. Traditional wisdom paths from Zen temples to desert monasteries have long known that stepping away from daily patterns allows inner clarity to naturally emerge. At a typical meditation retreat, participants often experience deep insights simply by sitting quietly and turning attention inward. Yet it's essential to understand that a retreat acts more like tilling soil than planting new seeds - it creates fertile conditions for accessing innate wisdom and wholeness that were there all along. Some seekers notice immediate shifts in perspective or behavior, while others find subtle realizations unfold over months or years after returning home. The key lies in approaching retreat time with genuine openness rather than forcing specific outcomes. When combined with skilled guidance and integration support, retreats can illuminate fresh possibilities while revealing that true change flows from touching what's eternally unchanged at our core.
Retreats can last anywhere from a half-day gathering to months-long immersions, with most spiritual centers offering programs between 2-10 days. Traditional Buddhist vipassana retreats often run for 10 days, while many modern meditation and yoga retreats opt for more accessible 3-5 day formats. Some seekers find that weekend retreats provide just the right pause from daily life, while others feel called to deeper practices like the traditional 3-year retreats found in Tibetan traditions. At established retreat centers in the West, 5-7 day programs have emerged as a sweet spot - long enough for meaningful inner work yet manageable for those with work and family commitments. The most important consideration isn't the duration, but rather choosing a length that aligns with your current life circumstances and spiritual readiness. Some practitioners find profound shifts in an afternoon of practice, while others need extended periods of silence and contemplation. The perfect length is the one that allows you to fully arrive, settle in, and open to what's already present.