Touching the Earth Nature Retreat with Susie Harrington, Jaya Rudgard and Mia Monos

In September 2026 Susie Harrington, Jaya Rudgard and Mia Monos (assisting) will be offering a nature retreat at the IMS Forest Refuge. A unique opportunity to practice all day outside in the beautiful forest around the retreat center, while having the comfort of sleeping inside.

On this month-long retreat, we will have the opportunity to connect our dharma practice with the natural world. The Buddha practiced, became enlightened, taught, lived, and died outdoors—and throughout history, Buddhist practice has been intimately connected to the natural world as a teacher, a place of practice, and a refuge. Fundamental to our time together is the understanding that through mindfulness and presence, the natural world can be our teacher. Our sitting, walking, dharma talks, and instruction will be outside. The forest, the meadows, and the open sky will be our meditation hall. You will have the opportunity to practice while sitting on a bench near others on the Forest Refuge’s decks, or to find a quiet place along the extensive trails to practice alone in the woods. When weather conditions are less supportive, we will sit in the meditation hall. The instructions and dharma talks will provide context, invitation, and skillful means for deepening your nature practice. Support and guidelines will be offered to address concerns about the challenges of practicing outside.