Creating Joy in Community Through the Practice of Gratitude and Equanimity

A Retreat for Trans, Gender Nonconforming, Genderqueer, Non-binary and all gender expansive communities

A Silent Meditation Retreat

Wednesday, June 12th – Sunday, June 16th
Registration closes June 4th at 11:59pm Pacific Time

This 4-day retreat will be a space grounded in self-care and compassion supporting our healing and resilience at this time in this world.

We will offer meditation, mindful movement, and heart-centered practices based on Buddhist principles. Silence will be gently balanced with small and large group discussions. We will cultivate and deepen connections that support our resilience and  joy.

This retreat, grounded in the Dharma, is open to all practitioners, and is available for all levels of meditation experience. It is a wonderful opportunity to practice in a space led and held by Trans and gender expansive individuals.

This retreat will be creating an intentionally multiracial community with the aim of at least 50% BIPOC. We will be prioritizing registration from BIPOC folks. With this intention, the retreat will have an application process to prioritize registration from BIPOC folks. We also encourage other under-represented groups, such as trans femme, rural folks, and people with disabilities, to apply to create a diverse group reflective of our vibrant community. You will receive an email after you register with more information and confirmation when you are offered a space.

Cost:

Retreat fees do not include dana (donations) offered to the teachers. There will be an opportunity to offer financial support to the teachers at the retreat.

Registration Fees: Sliding scale starting at $200, please pay at the highest tier in order to support accessibility for the greatest number of people. Your Generosity is appreciated.

Accessible Rate: $200

Sustainer Rate: $600

Benefactor Rate: $1,008 or more

Are finances a barrier to attend? We strive to make retreats as accessible as possible to anyone. Contact us if finances are a burden in any way, we have several options to make these retreats financially accessible to you. We ask that these be prioritized for those that identify as BIPOC, trans women, and trans femmes. Contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information.

*Registration will be limited to folks that identify as BIPOC first, to ensure 50% BIPOC at this retreat. 

   

Accommodations:

The Center consists of several single-story buildings and cabins for dining, meditation and sleeping. Our residence cabins are large furnished and comfortable with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living rooms, a full kitchen and decks outside in nature for shared use. Our residential cabins and rooms are simply furnished with a balance of comfort and simplicity. All beds are twin, and all bedding is provided by the center.

The Meditation Hall:

Our beautiful meditation hall is a large room that accommodates most meditation and movement retreats. We have supplies for most participants, but guests are always welcome to bring their own supplies (not required). Guests can typically expect to have access to a zabutan (large cushion), zafu (small cushion), yoga mat, blocks, a meditation chair, a blanket and a selection of other yoga and meditation props with limited supplies. If you’re unsure, please contact us or visit our welcome guide for more details.

Meals:

The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with dinner on arrival evening through to breakfast on departure morning. For this retreat, meals will be offered to support meditation retreat practice with a simple medium breakfast, hearty lunch, and light dinner (typically soup and salad). All meals will be vegetarian, and we accommodate most major dietary restrictions. Snacks will be available in the dining hall 24/7, including teas and coffees. The Center has refrigerators in the cabins and dining area for guests to store their own snacks – please bring any foods that might support your time here.

Teacher Dana: 

As part of the Buddhist tradition, many teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer the teachings freely with no expectations of fees or payment. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. There are no minimums, expectations, or guidelines. It is not required. Teachers do not receive retreat fees, apart from travel reimbursement support. Learn more here about the practice of dana.

Work Meditation: This retreat will include a daily work meditation service period, or “yogi jobs”, around 30-minutes a day. This is an opportunity to practice in service of community and bring your practice into daily roles at the center. If you have mobility or health concerns please reach out and we will find alternative accommodations.  More details and a sign up sheet will be shared at registration.

Planning your trip: If you are booking a flight for your trip our recommendation is to search for flights to the Ontario Airport (ONT) whenever possible. If your travel plans require you to land at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) we highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to your arrival at BBRC for retreat. Registration opens on Arrival day from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Most retreats close by noon or later on departure day so please allow yourself adequate time for travel to the airport. Please visit our Getting to Big Bear page on our website for more detailed travel recommendations.

Ride-share: Ride-sharing / Carpooling is highly encouraged, and is one of the most convenient ways to travel to Big Bear Retreat Center. For this retreat we have set up a self-organized ride-share page that you can visit at anytime before, we will send email reminders closer to the retreat.  Visit the ride-share page

Covid Policies: For this retreat we are requiring a proof of a negative rapid test on arrival day for all yogis, teachers and staff. A re-test will be required on the third day by dinner. Masking and vaccines are optional.

Guests are asked, when possible, to bring their own rapid tests or test before travel on arrival day. Tests will be provided by the center by request only.

For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit our website bigbearretreatcenter.org

Cancellation Policy: Please visit our website for more on the cancellation policy for this retreat- bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy