Open Practice: A Nature-based Long Weekend (Residential Only)

4.002 reviews
Location icon
253 Philbrick Hill Road, Springfield, New Hampshire, USA
Date
June 18 - 21, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

 

This retreat is supported by Hildur Palsdottir and Shemaleiah Geremia-Smylie.



Open Practice Weekends offer both beginner and experienced meditators an opportunity to deepen their practice while attuning to the natural beauty of the season at Wonderwell. We invite you to join us for this three-night retreat over the Summer Solstice weekend. At the height of light and the turning of the year, this is a time to settle into meditation, connect with the rhythms of the natural world, and deepen your relationship with your own experience.

Please join us to:

Deepen your practice within a supportive community
Connect with the land through outdoor and walking meditation, sky-gazing, and quiet presence
Rest and reflect in Wonderwell’s many peaceful nooks, with access to a rich library of Buddhist texts

This retreat includes optional dharma talks and meditation sessions, with opportunities to practice outdoors on Wonderwell’s new porch and to engage in silent walking meditation through the woods and fields. Lama Liz will offer an opening teaching, and the weekend will conclude with a hybrid Dharma Sunday from her Forest Teachings series, exploring the interwoven nature of mind, form, and relationship—inviting us to recognize our inseparability from the living world.

Held over both the summer solstice and Juneteenth weekend, this time offers a natural threshold for reflection—on cycles of light, history, and our shared belonging within a larger field of connection.

You are welcome to follow the offered structure or create your own rhythm of practice and rest. 

This residential retreat includes vegetarian meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as access to tea and snacks throughout the day. Held on Wonderwell Mountain Refuge’s verdant campus in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley, the land itself becomes a companion in practice—offering space, beauty, and steady support for your time of retreat.

The retreat will conclude with a hybrid Dharma Sunday offering: Forest Teachings, Part Seven — Your Mind as a Celestial Star Map of Interconnection, taught by Lama Liz.



Typical Retreat Schedule
(All times are Eastern time zone)
First Day — Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.
Full-Day Schedule — Optional morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast 8:00 am; Lunch 12:00 pm; Dinner 5:30 pm. Optional evening session 7:00 pm.
Last Day —The retreat ends at 12:00 pm after Dharma Sunday and will be followed by a light potluck lunch.
These times are just for reference. A detailed schedule will be provided upon arrival. 




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

Location icon 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

Accommodation
The Vajra Suite is a spacious, private retreat space featuring a king bed, private ensuite bath, and a private deck. It also includes a separate meditation room with expansive mountain views and a private kitchenette. Linens and towels are included and the king bedroom is air-conditioned.This suite may also be reserved for two guests. In this case, guests may share the king bed, or one guest may sleep in the king bed while the second guest uses the twin bed located in the meditation room.If booking for two guests, please select “2 guests” during registration. The room price will automatically adjust for the second person. The second guest will then receive an email with a link to complete their personal registration questions; registration is not considered complete until those are submitted.By choosing this Benefactor room option at a higher rate, you are directly supporting Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in the care and improvement of our historic buildings and grounds, and helping make retreat practice more accessible for others. 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: Queen Bed & Ensuite Bath

Accommodation
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 queen 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: Queen Bed & Hall Bath

Accommodation
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 queen 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

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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: Twin Bed & Ensuite Bath

Accommodation
These comfortable rooms have two twin beds and a private ensuite bath, shared only with your roommate. 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.

Shared Room: Twin Bed & Hall Bath

Accommodation
These comfortable rooms have two twin beds and a shared hall bath located on the same floor as your room. They are located on the third floor.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.

Women's Dorm

Accommodation
The Women’s Dorm is located on the second floor and includes six 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.

Men's Dorm

Accommodation
The Men’s Dorm is located on the second floor and includes three 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.

Camping: Tent or Vehicle

Accommodation
Please click “More Details” below to review camping options. Campers 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.Please indicate in the comments section of your registration form whether you plan to camp in a tent or a vehicle.TENT CAMPINGThe tenting area is located in the yard behind the main building (not visible from the road).* Campers should be experienced and comfortable camping in a range of weather conditions.* Please bring all necessary equipment, including (but not limited to): tent, stakes, rain fly, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, flashlight, and bug protection.* Tents may only be set up in the designated area behind the building (not on the sides of the house or visible from the road).* There is no staff available to assist with setup; please arrive prepared to be fully self-sufficient.As we are in a rural, wooded environment, wildlife (including bears) is occasionally present. Do not store food, scented items, or toiletries in your tent. Please keep all such items secured in your vehicle or as otherwise directed.Shared Tents: If two people are sharing a tent, each person must register separately and list their tent mate in the roommate field.Bathrooms & Showers: Bathroom and shower access is available in the garden level and the second floor. Night access to the building is available via the entrance marked “Camping Bathroom Access.” Upgrading Accommodations: If you wish to move indoors during the retreat (for any reason), upgrades to dorm or shared rooms may be available. Please speak with the Retreat Manager first. The cost is the difference between the camping rate and the new accommodation.VEHICLE CAMPINGVehicle camping is limited and we request that you check with before registering. If you plan to shower in your vehicle, you may register as a commuter/self-contained vehicle camper (with prior approval). If you will not be showering in your vehicle, you will be assigned access to shared indoor bathrooms during the retreat.Requirements:* Vehicles must be self-contained, with holding tanks for both gray and black water.* No dumping is permitted on-site; all waste must be disposed of at an appropriate off-site facility.* Maximum length: 25 feet.* Vehicles must have four rigid sides (no pop-ups, rooftop tents, or sleeping in standard cars, trucks, or minivans).* No leveling devices (jacks) are permitted; parking is in the lower lot only.* Generators are not permitted at any time.* Outdoor cooking is not permitted.* Except in emergencies, vehicles must remain parked between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am.Shared Vehicles: If two people are sharing a camper or van, each must register separately.Thank you for your cooperation in helping maintain a safe and supportive retreat environment!

Commuter

Accommodation
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 InnTwin DoorsSunapee 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 BreakfastOne campground in Lebanon (30 minute drive) Mascoma Lake Campground

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon 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

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

3.0
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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.

5.0
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Stellar!
Lama Liz and the Natural Dharma Fellowship community is so incredibly welcoming and kind. I have never seen a community so unbiased and open in my life! This is a community for new and experiences practitioners of Buddhism and is tremendously welcoming to all variations of faith of practice.

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