“Changing Aging” for Women 50ish and Beyond

Location icon
191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, New York 12566, USA
Users icon
Up to 15 in group
Date
March 20 - 22, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
  • Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
  • Shamatha and guided meditations
  • Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
  • Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
  • Extensive library of dharma books
  • Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
We live in a society that offers us only the “Declinist Paradigm” for aging. It’s time to change that! As Women, we are often defined by our roles in relation to others: mother, wife, daughter. But many of those roles begin to change as we age. When these external ways of defining ourselves begin to shift, spiritual practice can help uncover what we know to be true, that our soul is eternal. Let’s age with grace, joy and resilience, even in the face of the change that inevitably comes.
Anne is an inspiration as a teacher and a friend. She motivates me to be the best version of myself, and to work on my practice. Going with her to the beautiful Dharmakaya Center was just what I needed!
DUAL PROGRAM: Pair with Anne's program, Journey Within Silent Retreat, March 22-25, and save 20% off both programs if you register by January 15. REGISTER HERE


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Now over 65, Anne Sussman is happier and feels better in her body than ever before. The best can be yet to come for you. too. Throughout this weekend you will connect with other women 50-ish and beyond. Together, you will:

Meditate, including Guided Meditations
Experience a “Life Review” journey
Engage in small and large group discussion and sharing
Create vision boards
Journal
Practice gentle yoga and movement

Anne Sussman is a graduate of “Wise Aging” taught by the late Rabbi a Rachel Cowan, founder of “The Institute for Jewish Spirituality “ in New York City

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Shamatha and guided meditations
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna


OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all women 50 years young and beyond. Come alone or bring a friend.


SCHEDULE
(subject to change)

Thursday, March 20




3:00 PM
Check in begins


4:00 PM
Welcome and Introduction



Initial Discussion


6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner


7:15-9:15 PM
Evening Program



Guided Meditation



Gentle Yoga



Friday, March 21




7:30-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional


8:00-8:45 AM
Breakfast


9:00-11:00 AM
Morning Learning and Meditation






12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch






1:30-3:00 PM
Afternoon Learning and Meditation


3:30-4:45 PM
Gentle Yoga


4:45-6:00 PM
Personal Reflection


6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner


7:30-8:15 PM
Evening Learning and Meditation



Saturday, March 22




7:30-8:00 AM
Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional


8:00-8:45 AM
Breakfast


9:00-10:30 AM
Vision Boards


10:30-11:00 AM
Gentle Yoga


11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Sharing Circle



Closing Circle


12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch






1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure



 

 

 

Schedule

7:30-8:00 AM Morning Salutations and Meditation, optional
8:00-8:45 AM Breakfast
9:00-11:00 AM Morning Learning and Meditation
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch
1:30-3:00 PM Afternoon Learning and Meditation
3:30-4:45 PM Gentle Yoga
4:45-6:00 PM Personal Reflection
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner
7:30-8:15 PM Evening Learning and Meditation
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, 191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, New York 12566, USA

Directions

CAR. You will find a link for driving directions on our website. The parking lot is immediately to your left when you enter the Center grounds. You may drive up and drop your luggage at the Welcome Center, but may not leave your car unattended there; someone will be happy to shuttle you back down to the parking lot.

TRAIN. From Newark, La Guardia and Penn Station, you can take the Metro North train into Middletown, New York, approximately a 30-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

BUS. From New York City, you can take the Shortline Bus into Ellenville, New York, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

PLANE. Newark, La Guardia and Stewart Airports all offer convenient services. From Newark or LaGuardia you can complete your trip by train; from Stewart you may rent a car or take a taxi service.

Accommodation

Our two residence halls offer a simple, peaceful environment that supports your retreat experience, with rooms for those on both personal and solitary retreats. Each room has a meditation cushion and zabuton. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner with the resident community, as well as towels and housekeeping. All guests are welcome, but not required, to join the daily meditation and other activities (although separate tickets are required for all ticketed events). • Our junior suites have a double bed, private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. • Our private rooms have a double bed and room for private meditation, with a shared bath. Rooms may be shared by those in a committed relationship.

Commuter

Accommodation
Our Commuter Fee covers the costs of all meals during your retreat and the use of all our facilities.

Private Room: Single

Accommodation
This comfortable room has a double bed and ample room for meditation. It is outfitted with a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object; it shares a bath with one or two other rooms. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room rate includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day; in addition, there is a tea station on every hall.

Private Room: Couple

Accommodation
This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.

Junior Suite: Single

Accommodation
These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.

Junior Suite: Couple

Accommodation
This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
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
Perched atop a wooded hillside in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is surrounded by 90 acres of forest. The Center opened in 2017 and was purpose built to support retreats. With only 20 bedrooms, our retreats are small, keeping the retreat experience intimate. People regularly comment both on the cleanliness of the buildings and on the total sense of peace that envelopes you when on campus.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

Ancient wisdom describes food as a source of prana, or life force. The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing was founded on the premise that nourishing food is integral to wellbeing. Our chefs are passionate about creating meals that are both flavorful and healthy. We use the freshest, most nutritious, least processed foods available; when possible our ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your accommodation fee. To promote good health, we serve delicious, varied, nutritious vegetarian food, with options at every meal. All our meals are served on a buffet, with ingredients listed next to each dish, enabling guests to avoid dairy, as well as glutens, nuts and other allergens.

What's Included

  • Comfortable accommodations with queen bed in every room
  • All linens
  • Three delicious, farm-fresh vegetarian meals a day
  • Tea station and fruit bowl always available
  • Large Meditation Hall and private Meditation Room
  • Extensive library of dharma books
  • Cozy chairs and fireplace
  • 90-acre campus with walking trails and outdoor meditation spots
  • Fire pit
  • Outdoor practice pavilion

What's Not Included

  • Travel to the Center

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Peace in a comfortable environment
From the moment I arrived I was impressed with how peaceful and immaculate the entire facility is. The rooms had exactly what I needed with a comfortable bed and pillows, meditation table and cushions, and a desk. Towels were provided as well. Vegetarian meals were delicious. I was able to immerse myself in the silent meditation retreat and focus on deepening my practice. This is a perfect place for me and I’m already planning my next retreat.

5.0
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Beautiful spot
Dharmakaya Center is a beautiful & peaceful spot. Highly recommend! The center is immaculate and well maintained. Great staff and facilities.

5.0
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Amazing place Amazing experience
If you are looking for a place to unwind and grow spiritually while eating the best food this place is for you. Brand-new beautiful facility, super friendly stuff and relaxing atmosphere - I don’t know the better way to spend a weekend. I enjoyed my stay and I’m coming back!

5.0
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fantastic experience
I was in a wonderful art work shop and it was amazing. Accommodations where beautiful. Food was delicious and fantastic.
Beautiful grounds lovely walking experience. . The staff was delightful.

5.0
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Easeful Setting
I felt at ease and at home, right from the start. The program teacher was phenomenal, the retreat center director capable and down-to-earth, and the staff was truly kind and accessible. I can't wait to come back. I wanted to give Dharmakaya a good review, though I also like that it's a small and intimate setting. -- Lucia D

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