Awake Where You Are

Life is happening right now — in your hands, your breath, the weight of your body in the chair. Most of us miss it. Desire pulls us forward, distraction pulls us sideways, and amidst our habitual and chronic restlessness, we easily lose ourselves and the moment we are living through. The moment that is living through us.

This retreat is an invitation to presence. To ease and awakeness, to a deep curiosity and a profound care for what is happening. It is about coming to our senses, to being at ease in our skin, at home in this body where everything actually happens: the clench before the reaction, the warmth when something opens, the quiet that shows up once we stop chasing it.

Together we’ll explore what gets in the way of our ‘natural state’, our Buddha-nature. We’ll bring meditation, embodiment, and emotional/psychological inquiry into the same room, so your own history and conditioning become part of the practice. And we’ll explore love in its four flavors — kindness, compassion, joy, and openness — the natural resting places of a free heart.

No Buddhist background needed. Just a willingness to listen, to feel, and to find out what’s here. You’ll leave with practices you can carry home — a way of living freely, from the inside out.

Awake Where You Are is open to experienced and new practitioners.

Registration closes on November 23, 2027.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT

ABOUT SILENT RETREATS & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.

This is a silent mindfulness retreat, alternating sitting and walking meditation, instruction, dharma talks, work meditation, relational mindfulness, and practice discussion with the teachers.

GENEROSITY: RETREAT COST AND FEES

We strive to keep our retreats as financially accessible as possible. Your registration fee directly supports BBRC’s operations, covering your lodging, meals, and our dedicated staff. Teaching compensation is also included in your fees for this retreat.

IS COST A BARRIER?
Scholarships are available for those with reviewed, demonstrated financial need. Due to limited funds, not all requests can be honored. Contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Preparing for your retreat

We offer several resources and information to best help you plan your time on retreat with us.

Getting to BBRC

We have several resources to support your travel. Visit Getting to BBRC & Rideshares and Shuttles for more.

Accommodations

We offer several lodging choices nestled in nature for each retreat.

Meals

Our meals are freshly prepared to support your retreat experience.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our goal is to create a deeply inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. Whatever your race, gender, sexuality, ability, or background, it is our wish to provide a space where you belong.

As you plan your trip, please consider our unique environment:

• We are at 6,500 feet of elevation in a mountain town that experiences all four seasons.

• Our facilities are spread across a hillside, with outdoor walkways between buildings.

• We are located two hours from LA and near three major airports. Learn more about getting here.

• We are committed to accessibility. Please contact us to discuss any ADA needs.

Check out our Planning Your Retreat page for more resources, and contact us if we can help you prepare for your stay.

HEAR MORE ABOUT BIG BEAR RETREAT CENTER

Big Bear Retreat Center is exceptional in every way. The accommodations are outstanding, food exceptional, staff very responsive and helpful and the teachers are always so loving and knowledgeable. Just a top notch retreat experience!! – Sheila

I love Big Bear Retreat Center. It’s my dharma home away from home. Everything about it – staff, teachers, food, accommodations, setting – is exceptional. A true gift to the community!!

Big Bear Retreat Center is indeed a refuge. A safe space to open your heart. – Laura