We are living in a time of unraveling systems, once thought secure. Instead of dwelling on collapse, we are called to place our attention on what is possible—our bright, just, and interconnected intentions and dreams for our lives and our world. This is the practice of mindful attention to focus on what we can do to create goodness for all beings, including ourselves.
Rooted in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, this retreat invites us to slow down, nourish our body and spirit, and gently focus on what truly matters. Together, we will explore mindfulness not just as a practice, but as a way of being—through sitting, walking, movement, and eating meditation.
Creativity and being in touch with our beautiful environment will serve as our companions on this path. Creative expression is a sacred tool for deepening awareness, fostering connection, and bringing meaning into our everyday lives. Through simple, accessible practices—like mindfully observing nature, and creative explorations—we will open to the wisdom that arises when we are fully present.
We’ll be held by the beautiful landscape of the San Luis Valley and its surrounding majestic mountain peaks and supported by noble silence, nourishing food, and a community that dares to dream together. There will be time outdoors and community connection as we turn toward a vision of the world rooted in compassion, justice, and joy.
This retreat welcomes adults of all identities and backgrounds. Newcomers to mindfulness and experienced practitioners are welcome. Come as you are. Leave with renewed clarity, connection, and a dream for the world you wish to help create.
Registration fees include lodging and delicious, nourishing food throughout the retreat.
Donations for our dharma teachers will be gratefully accepted on-site.
Low cost rooms are available Contact us if you need scholarship support, after you check the registration link.
Take a tour of the Blazing Mountain Retreat Center
Register here: https://shorturl.at/qhAJT
About our Teachers:
Dr. Peggy Rowe Ward has her EdD in Adult Education and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology. She is a dharma teacher and the founder of the Lotus Institute. She co-authored Making Friends with Time and Love’s Garden. She is also certified to teach Gentle Yoga. Peggy’s joyful spirit enables her students to discover and embody their most creative and authentic selves. She offers a path of deep insight through methods such as movement, writing, art and ritual.. She has taught in graduate schools of social work, psychology and counseling psychology. Her Doctoral research is in dreamwork. She has had a private therapy practice for many years and now offers consultations with a spiritual direction focus.
Viviane Ephraimson-Abt, MS, M.Ed, LPC, became a dharma teacher in 2018. She is an interculturalist, educator, counselor, and artist. Viviane loves creating opportunities to deepen our relationship with ourselves and to strengthen connection, community and collective care. "Be Beautiful, Be Who You Are" is one of her favorite practice gathas. Viviane develops initiatives and teaches for faculty, staff and students at Colorado State University, as the Manager of Wellbeing. She serves on the leadership team of CSU’s Center for Mindfulness. She has practiced with the Plum Village Community since 1998. In 2002, she co-founded a local and a regional OI sangha in Colorado. Viviane was a founding member of the ARISE Diversity Sangha (2015-17) and serves on the North American Dharma Teachers Nourishment and Life Committee. She enjoys teaching with the Embrace Trauma Informed Sangha, the Lotus Institute , and for a variety of sanghas and community groups.
Sample Schedule:
Noble silence will be encouraged from 8:30pm to noon and at meals. Mindful communication is invited at other times.
Wednesday
03:00 PM- 5:00 PM Check-in
05:30 PM Welcome/Opening Circle/Dinner
07:00 PM Orientation
08:15 PM Sitting and Walking Meditation
Enter Noble silence
09:00 PM Wind down time and prepare for bed
10:00 PM Lights Out
Thursday to Saturday
05:30 AM Wake up
06:00 AM Sitting/Walking Meditation (20 min sitting, 20 walking, 20 sitting)
07:30 AM Breakfast in Silence
08:30 AM Personal Time
09:30 AM Dharma Talk
11:00 AM Mindful Movements
11:45 AM Community Circles/ Creativity Sessions./ Outdoor Time
01:00 PM Lunch in Noble Silence
02:30 PM Total Relaxation
3:30 pm- Community Circles/ Creativity Sessions./ Outdoor Time
06:00 PM Dinner
7:00- 8:30 pm - Facilitated Community Sessions and Evening Meditation
Enter Noble Silence
09:00 PM Wind down time and prepare for bed
10:00 PM Lights Out
Sunday
05:30 AM Wake up
06:00 AM Morning meditation
07:00 AM 5 Mindfulness Trainings Transmission Ceremony
900 AM Brunch
10:00 AM Closing Circle/Dedication of Merit
11:00 Am finish packing up
12:00 Noon- Goodbyes
Transportation Information:
Airports and driving directions to Blazing Mountain
Car Pool offers and requests. Crestone is in a remote location. We appreciate support for retreatants who need rides.
Take a tour of Crestone