Meditation and Mystery

This will be a different kind of retreat. Less structured, with lots of room for silence and spontaneity. The idea is to make space for some of the deeper and more personalized movements of practice that come through when we really listen. 

We will explore how meditation supports us, transforms us, and deepens our relationship with each other, and with the mystery and creativity of life. We also look at the practices we’re already running without naming them as such—the walk, the workout, the conversation that clears your head—and learn to recognize the skill already at work there. Several themes carry through the week: the spiritual mystery at the heart of meditation, the different terrain a practice moves through over a lifetime, the importance of community and peer-to-peer sharing of practice, and the place of service and change-making in a world that needs our care and our activism.

As always with Jeff’s retreats, there’s a back-and-forth between seated meditation and more active periods of movement and ceremony and relating. The through line in all activities is an emphasis on the core skills of practice: concentration, clarity, equanimity, and care. Also jokes. Those happen. And joy.

Meditation and Mystery is open to experienced and new practitioners.

Registration closes on February 10th, 2027.

HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND TEACHERS

“You led a meditation on self-compassion on the 10% Happier App that made me cry. I’m new to mindfulness and meditation, I started practicing to help my mental health. And self-compassion is something I’ve never thought to do. It’s like you opened a valve that’s been rusted shut for years. I’ve never felt this sort of emotional release or relief. I can’t thank you enough for introducing me to this. I can already see what sort of amazing changes it’s going to bring to my life.” -P.B.

“It’s not an overstatement to say that your “How to Meditate” practice on the Calm app has saved my life. My mind refused to calm down, and I was becoming so fatigued and worn out that I was questioning whether or not I wanted to be on this planet anymore. If you were to look at my life on paper, it appears amazing. And it is! I know how lucky I am. My mind, however, was making it increasingly difficult to live. Your teaching and direction have given me hope, and the committee between my ears is starting to quiet down.” – Pat B.

“Your manner of guidance seems so personal and as though you are speaking directly to me and has allowed me to develop a solid practice schedule.” – Anonymous 

“I teach retreats because they give me joy, and I love helping people connect to the beauty and majesty of practice. The location (BBRC) is beautiful; that awe sets the tone. Also … the Jeffrey Pines smell like butterscotch. Wild!” – Jeff Warren

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT

Learn more ABOUT RETREAT & SEE ANOTHER SAMPLE SCHEDULE.

GENEROSITY: Retreat Costs and Fees

Registration fees support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, including lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation is included in your registration fees. We price fees to make programs as financially accessible as possible.

Is cost a barrier? Scholarships are available for those with reviewed, demonstrated financial need. Due to limited funds, not all requests can be honored. We ask that financial assistance be prioritized for those who self-identify as BIPOC, hold marginalized identities, or are in financial need. For more information, please contact us at guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org.

SIMPLE YET COMFORTABLE, NESTLED IN NATURE

Accommodations

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

Meals

Our meals are freshly prepared to support your retreat experience.

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.

FEEL WELCOME AND INCLUDED: A PLACE TO BELONG

Our intention is to be as accessible as we can, even in ways that we may not be aware of yet. We hope this is a space of inclusivity where people feel welcome and held. For us, it is a practice of consistent attunement, presence and care to our community. However you identify – race, gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, and so on – it is our wish to meet your needs for belonging.

Please consider this about our environment:

– The center is on a hill with outdoor walkways between dining, gathering, and residential spaces.

– We are located at an elevation of 6,500 feet in a ski town in the mountains of Southern California.

– We experience weather of all four seasons.

– We are located about 2 hours from Los Angeles and near 3 major airports. Learn more about getting here.

– We have a commitment to everyone’s mobility needs. Please contact us about ADA accessibility.

Visit our Planning Your Retreat page to learn more about accessibility and other resources. Contact us if we can support ahead of time.

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