Beginner's Retreat: Discovering the Simplicity of Meditation (Residential Only)

Name: Beginner's Retreat: Discovering the Simplicity of Meditation (Residential Only)
Start: 2026-12-04
End: 2026-12-06
Location: Natural Dharma Fellowship
Rating: 4

4.002 reviews

253 Philbrick Hill Road, Springfield, New Hampshire, USA

December 4 - 6, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Kathe

Tracie

Kathe McKenna

Kathe McKenna currently serves as President of Natural Dharma Fellowship’s Board of Directors. She is deeply engaged in shepherding this unique, collaborative Buddhist dharma vessel. She helped launch the feisty, multi-faceted human service provider, Haley House, and led it through 50 years of organic growth. Kathe’s roles as mother, wife, and grandmother have enriched her vision and sparked her commitment to breaking down the barriers that solidify inequality – from dusty back roads in Mississippi to chanting and drumming with the Nipponzan Myohoji monks from the Peace Pagoda. Faced with the joint pincers of capitalism and the degraded state of our environment, Kathe is moving her attention in this new direction.

Tracie Palmer

Tracie entered the path after many years of cautious curiosity and quickly found her spiritual home at Natural Dharma Fellowship. She is blessed to be a student of Lama Willa Blythe Baker, Lama Liz Monson, Brendan Kennedy, and Lama Justin von Bujdoss. Tracie has worn many hats at NDF and is currently a meditation teacher and Vice President of the Board of Directors. In 2021, she left the practice of law to attend Harvard Divinity School to pursue a Master of Divinity and a career in hospital chaplaincy. She begins her chaplaincy residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia in September 2024. Tracie’s interests include death and dying, grief, poetry, and ways of honoring our shared humanity across differences. She lives in Philadelphia with her beloved wife Cynthia, dog Rupert, and cat Teddy.

Details of this retreat

Dilgo Khyentse once said,

"Meditation could be described as the
Art of Simplicity: simply sitting,
simply breathing, and simply being."

So simple indeed, but not so easy. Come join us at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge to explore the practice of meditation. This retreat is an invitation to step away from the busyness of daily life and discover what simply sitting, breathing, and being has to offer. Amidst the quiet beauty of New Hampshire's Upper Valley and held in gentle, welcoming community, this beginner-friendly retreat offers an opportunity to experience different types of meditation through guided practice, accessible teachings, and the restorative power of silence.

Learning to meditate is an act of kindness—not only toward yourself, but also toward those you love, and indeed toward the wider world. Nothing is more precious than relaxing into one's essential nature—so close we often overlook it, yet revealed as something that has always been present when we learn to slow down and pay attention.
Please join us to:

Learn timeless meditation practices for everyday life.
Connect with inner stillness and ease.
Cultivate greater kindness toward yourself and others.
Develop a steadier, more compassionate way of meeting the world.

Through meditation practice, we can learn to connect to an inner stillness that offers us a source of refuge available in every moment. In the radical act of "simply sitting, simply breathing, and simply being," we may find ourselves softening, becoming more gentle, and reconnecting with our innate capacity for care. We invite you to join us in this exploration.

Throughout the weekend, Tracie and Kathe will offer different types of meditation, including befriending difficult feelings and resting in open awareness. They will also introduce the dharma teachings of the Himalayan Buddhist lineage tradition, exploring what has drawn people to meditation practice for thousands of years.

Much of the weekend will be held in Noble Silence, a traditional Buddhist practice that supports settling the mind and opening to deeper awareness. The silence will be balanced with periods of teaching, discussion, and opportunities to connect with fellow retreatants.

No previous meditation experience is necessary. Everyone is warmly welcome.

Typical Retreat Schedule
(All times are Eastern time zone)
First Day — Check-in from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.
Full-Day Schedule — Morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast break 8:00-9:30 am; Lunch break 12:00-2:00 pm; Dinner break 5:30-7:00 pm. Evening session 7:00-8:30 pm
Last Day —The closing session end at 12:00 pm.
These times are just for reference and may change. An expanded retreat schedule will be posted at Wonderwell when you arrive.

Important Health Information
COVID-19 testing is no longer required. Masks are optional and encouraged if you are at higher risk. We encourage you to stay at home if you are symptomatic to protect others.

Scholarships

Natural Dharma Fellowship strives to offer retreats in a manner that is inclusive and accessible. 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 to learn more 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 register@naturaldharma.org.

Cancellation Policy
We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away at register@naturaldharma.org. Cancellations affect our ability to offer rooms to others and create additional work for our staff, therefore we charge the following fees to help mitigate these costs.
For cancellations (based on program start date):

> 45 days: 100% refund minus a $75 admin. fee.
31-45 days: 50% refund of the required deposit; or 75% refund if registration 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 at register@naturaldharma.org.

Natural Dharma Fellowship Full Calendar

Getting Here

Natural Dharma Fellowship, 253 Philbrick Hill Road, Springfield, New Hampshire, USA

Directions

From Boston and points East
By Car: Wonderwell is a 2 hour drive from Boston. Take Highway 93 North to Highway 89 North. Take Exit 12A. At the bottom of the exit ramp, take a right turn. When that road T’s take a left onto Route 114. Take Route 114 past Lake Kolelemook (to your right). After going through the small town of Springfield, turn right on Philbrick Hill Road. Wonderwell is at the top of the hill, on the left.

*By Bus: The Dartmouth Coach runs from Boston (from Logan Airport and South Station) to New London (the Wonderwell stop) many times a day, and is a quick, efficient way to travel here. The Coach has wifi on board. Tickets can be purchased online or at South Station in Boston.

From NYC
*By Bus: The Dartmouth Coach runs from New York City to Lebanon, NH. The coach is a direct and comfortable way to travel between NYC and New Hampshire. For more information, see the Dartmouth Coach website.

From the Upper Valley
By Car: Wonderwell is 30 minutes south of Lebanon, NH on Highway 89. Take Highway 89 South to exit 13 (Grantham). At the bottom of the exit ramp, take a right turn. Continue past the Post Office until you intersect 114, and take a left. Take Route 114 for about 4 miles until Philbrick Hill Road and take a left. Wonderwell is at the top of the hill on the left.

*See our website for information on getting picked up at a bus stop.

Accommodation

We offer a variety of accommodations, from dormitories for women and men, to double shared rooms some with private bath, some with shared bath, private rooms with private or shared baths, and a lovely Benefactor Suite at some retreats. We also offer the possibility of camping in warmer months, and all retreats also have a non-residential option, if you are commuting from home or staying at a local B&B or motel.

Benefactor Suite

The Vajra Suite is a spacious, private retreat space featuring a king bed, ensuite bath, and a deck perfect for stepping outside into the fresh mountain air. It also includes a separate meditation room with expansive western views, a kitchenette, and both a private entrance and direct access to Wonderwell’s living room. Adorned with beautiful thangkas and thoughtful details throughout, the suite offers a sense of sanctuary from the moment you arrive. Linens and towels are provided, and the bedroom is air-conditioned for added comfort.This suite may be reserved for two guests. You may share the king bed, or one guest may use the twin bed in the meditation room for additional space and privacy.By choosing this Benefactor room option, you are not only offering yourself a deeply supportive and restorative space—you are also helping sustain Wonderwell Mountain Refuge and Natural Dharma Fellowship as a whole. Your support directly contributes to the care and stewardship of our historic buildings and grounds, and helps make retreat practice more accessible for others. In this way, your stay becomes part of a wider circle of generosity that allows the sangha to flourish and be of benefit in a world that needs the dharma. Thank you. Your support is deeply appreciated.Double OccupancyIf booking for two guests, please select “2 guests” during registration. The room price will automatically adjust for the second person. The second guest will receive an email with a link to complete their personal registration details. Registration is not considered complete until each guest has submitted their personal information.

Private Room w/Queen Bed & Ensuite Bath

These comfortable private rooms feature a queen bed and a private ensuite bath. They may also be reserved by couples staying at Wonderwell. There are two rooms located on the second floor and one on the third floor. The queen bed includes pillows, a blanket, and a bedspread. In support of our energy and water conservation efforts, we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and towels.Rentals are available for those flying in or unable to bring them ($10 for bed linens, $5 for a bath towel)—please select these add-ons during registration.Room temperatures can vary with the season. Fans and heaters are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that will support your comfort.All retreatants are welcome to enjoy Wonderwell’s shared spaces throughout their stay, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.Multiple GuestsIf booking for two guests, please select “2 guests” during registration. The room price will automatically adjust for the second person. The second guest will receive an email with a link to complete their personal registration details. Registration is not considered complete until each guest has submitted their personal information.

Private Room w/Queen Bed & Hall Bath

These comfortable private rooms feature a queen bed and a shared hall bath on the same floor as your room. They may also be reserved by couples staying at Wonderwell. One room is located on the garden level and one is on the third floor. The queen bed includes pillows, a blanket, and a bedspread. In support of our energy and water conservation efforts, we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and towels.Rentals are available for those flying in or unable to bring them ($10 for bed linens, $5 for a bath towel)—please select these add-ons during registration.Room temperatures can vary with the season. Fans and heaters are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that will support your comfort.All retreatants are welcome to enjoy Wonderwell’s shared spaces throughout their stay, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.Multiple GuestsIf booking for two guests, please select “2 guests” during registration. The room price will automatically adjust for the second person. The second guest will receive an email with a link to complete their personal registration details. Registration is not considered complete until each guest has submitted their personal information.

Private Room: Twin Bed & Ensuite Bath

These comfortable private rooms feature a twin bed and a private ensuite bath. They are located on the second and third floors.The twin bed includes a pillow, blanket, and a bedspread. In support of our energy and water conservation efforts, we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and towels. Rentals are available for those flying in or unable to bring them ($10 for bed linens, $5 for a bath towel)—please select these add-ons during registration.Room temperatures can vary with the season. Fans and heaters are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that will support your comfort. Room requests are welcome, though not guaranteed.All retreatants are welcome to enjoy Wonderwell’s shared spaces throughout their stay, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.

Private Room: Twin Bed & Hall Bath

These comfortable private rooms feature a twin bed and a shared hall bath on the same floor as your room. They are located on the garden level and second floors. The twin bed includes a pillow, blanket, and a bedspread. In support of our energy and water conservation efforts, we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and towels. Rentals are available for those flying in or unable to bring them ($10 for bed linens, $5 for a bath towel)—please select these add-ons during registration.Room temperatures can vary with the season. Fans and heaters are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that will support your comfort. Room requests are welcome, though not guaranteed.All retreatants are welcome to enjoy Wonderwell’s shared spaces throughout their stay, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.

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. If you prefer a specific roommate, please mention their name in the comment section of the registration form. Each shared room in this price range contains two twin beds (couples may want to reserve a private room with a queen bed) and an ensuite bathroom. The bathroom is only used by the two people assigned to the room. All but one of Wonderwell's shared rooms with ensuite baths are located on the second and third floors. Each twin bed comes with a pillow, a blanket, and a bedspread. The room on the first floor is handicap accessible; please contact the registrar for availability. Out of concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent bed linen 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. If you prefer a certain roommate, please list their name in the comment section of the registration form. Please know, that by selecting this room option, you will have a roommate. You understand that others have various sleeping habits and can snore. If this is of concern, we recommend choosing a private room. If you have a favorite room, you may request it in the comment section of the registration form. No guarantees!

Shared Room: Twin Bed & Hall Bath

These comfortable rooms have two twin beds and a shared hall bath on the same floor as your room. Most rooms are located on the second and third floors, with one accessible first-floor option available upon request.By selecting a shared room, you agree to share the space with another retreat participant (we do not assign unrelated men and women to the same room). If you prefer to room with a specific person, please list their name in the comment section of the registration form.Each bed includes a pillow, blanket, and a bedspread. In support of our energy and water conservation efforts, we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and towels. Rentals are available for those flying in or unable to bring them ($10 for bed linens, $5 for a bath towel)—please select these add-ons during registration.Room temperatures can vary with the season. Fans and heaters are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that will support your comfort. Room requests are welcome, though not guaranteed.All retreatants are welcome to enjoy Wonderwell’s shared spaces throughout their stay, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.If you are sensitive to noise or prefer more privacy, a private room may be a better fit. Room requests are welcome, though not guaranteed.Group BookingsIf you are reserving beds for multiple guests, please note that each additional member of your party will receive an email with a link to complete their personal registration details. Registration is not considered complete until each guest has submitted their personal information.

Men's Dorm

The Men’s Dorm is located on the second floor and contains three comfortable twin beds, along with a private ensuite bathroom and a cozy eastern-facing window nook.Each bed includes a pillow, blanket, and bedspread. In support of our energy and water conservation efforts, we ask guests to bring their own twin bed linens and towels. Rentals are available for those flying in or unable to bring them ($10 for bed linens, $5 for a bath towel)—please select these add-ons during registration.By selecting dorm accommodations, you acknowledge that you will be sharing the space with multiple people, and that others may have different sleeping habits, including snoring. Please come prepared with this in mind.Room temperatures can vary with the season. Fans and heaters are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that will support your comfort.All retreatants are welcome to enjoy Wonderwell’s shared spaces throughout their stay, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.Group BookingsIf you are reserving dorm space for multiple guests, please note that each additional member of your party will receive an email with a link to complete their personal registration details. Registration is not considered complete until each guest has submitted their personal information.

Women's Dorm

The Women’s Dorm is located on the second floor and contains six comfortable twin beds. With a western-facing view, this room offers a lovely vantage for Wonderwell’s sunsets and moonsets over the mountains. The dorm has a dedicated hallway bathroom with double sinks, two privacy stalls, and one shower. Each bed includes a pillow, blanket and a bedspread. In support of our energy and water conservation efforts, we ask guests to bring their own twin bed linens and towels. Rentals are available for those flying in or unable to bring them ($10 for bed linens, $5 for a bath towel)—please select these add-ons during registration.By selecting dorm accommodations, you acknowledge that you will be sharing the space with multiple people, and that others may have different sleeping habits, including snoring. Please come prepared with this in mind.Room temperatures can vary with the season. Fans and heaters are provided, and you are welcome to bring anything that will support your comfort.All retreatants are welcome to enjoy Wonderwell’s shared spaces throughout their stay, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.Group BookingsIf you are reserving dorm space for multiple guests, please note that each additional member of your party will receive an email with a link to complete their personal registration details. Registration is not considered complete until each guest has submitted their personal information.

Commuter

Commuters enjoy full access to the retreat experience while staying off-site. They are included in all meals and participate fully in the program. During breaks, you are welcome to relax in shared spaces throughout the building, including cozy book nook libraries, multiple dining rooms, a comfortable living room, and quiet lounge areas with couches and chairs for rest and reflection. The covered porch offers a peaceful place to sit with the mountain air, and guests are invited to wander the surrounding grounds and hiking trails.Please register as a commuter only if you plan to attend the entire retreat in person at Wonderwell. Occasional exceptions (such as weather) may be considered on a case-by-case basis.Vehicle Camping Note:If you are staying in a self-contained vehicle that meets Wonderwell’s requirements and includes full bathroom facilities—and you will not be using indoor showers—you should register as a commuter. Please review the Vehicle Camping section for full details and approval requirements.Local Lodging:While Wonderwell cannot guarantee availability, verify quality, or assist with booking, there are a number of lodging options in the surrounding area.Stay with local sangha members and friendsGrantham: Home of sangha member (with Barbara P)Wilmot: Home of sangha member (with Phil M)New London, NH (15 to 20 minute drive) The New London InnMaple Hill FarmLamplighter Motor InnInn at Pleasant LakeSunapee, NH (15 to 20 minute drive)The LodgeDexter's InnSunapee Harbor CottagesEnfield, NH (20 minute drive; 30 minutes in winter)The Enfield Shaker Museum - The Enfield Shaker Museum offers a 10% overnight room discount for guests who are attending programs at Wonderwell. Just use the code “wonderwell” when checking out. Shaker Hill Bed and BreakfastShaker Farm Bed and BreakfastCampground in Lebanon (30 minute drive) Mascoma Lake Campground

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Located on twenty-five acres of rolling hills in Springfield, New Hampshire, Wonderwell was originally built as a summer home in 1911. Tranquil and serene, surrounded by woods, meadows, gardens, and century-old stone walls, Wonderwell’s stately main building offers a comfortable and spacious setting in which the transformative potential of meditation—for work, community and daily life—can be explored and realized. Recently, due to its many unique features, the building has been recognized as a New Hampshire state historic site.

The house is situated on a west-facing hillside with sweeping views of sky and mountains. On one end of the building is the Great Room, now the meditation hall, which can accommodate groups of up to 100 people. The hall has an oak balcony encircling the room above and two fieldstone fireplaces. Other features of this historic building include a large covered porch for outdoor practice, a kitchen with industrial appliances, dining facilities, 13 bathrooms, and 15 bedrooms of varying capacities sleeping up to 36 people. We have been working tirelessly, with a successful major capital campaign and continuing renovations, to bring Wonderwell into the 21st century, and complete the work necessary to keep this lovely historic building code-compliant, safe, and sustainable.

The house is partially shielded from a country road by majestic, old oak trees, and is framed by well-established perennials, with multiple garden spaces. Behind the house is an acre of open field that gives way to sloping forested land with excellent trail system potential and sites for several retreat cabins. The back of the house faces west toward jaw-dropping, sky-gazing views of Mount Croyden, behind which the sun sets in the evening.

For the many volunteers and benefactors who support Wonderwell, as well as for the people who work there, caring for Wonderwell has become a practice of sacred stewardship. For all of these people, Wonderwell is not just a building; it is a community.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in your accommodation fee. Our kitchen is dedicated to providing local fresh and/or organic foods whenever possible and we enjoy relationships with Kearsarge Food Hub, and other farmers in the area. All meals are vegetarian, with gluten-free and dairy-free options available at every meal. Meals are served buffet style. Snacks such as fresh fruit, toast and crackers, nut butters, jams, nuts, and dried fruit are available 24 hours a day. Coffee is offered, usually until lunchtime, and hot water and all kinds of teas are always available. The fee for the commuter registration option also includes all meals.

Customer Reviews

4.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Anonymous • Sep 24, 2024

3.0

Verified

Fall Equinox celebration (zoom)

This was my first experience with WonderWell.

I was disappointed that over an hour of the 90 min session was the music group playing. I did not really know what to do during this time, perhaps because I am such a novice.

The guided meditation near the end with Lama Liz was wonderful.

Kristen • Aug 12, 2021

5.0