Mindfulness for Everyone

Mindfulness for Everyone is open to experienced and new practitioners.

This meditation retreat will foster a meaningful engagement with ourselves and this world. You’ll have the chance to experience an extended period of meditation that can become a vital part of your practice. It will be grounded in Buddhist teachings and understanding found in therapeutic inquiry.

The invitation is for each of us to find a personal path to connect to our own experience with wisdom and compassion and know the poignancy of the human condition and the capacity of the heart.

There will be periods of sitting and walking meditation, dharma talks, discussion, and inquiry. This form of practice supports our deepest intention to be free.

Registration closes on October 13th, 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, 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. However, it does not include compensation for our teachers.

Rooted in tradition, our teachers share their wisdom without a set fee. Instead, participants are warmly invited to offer dāna (a donation of generosity) directly to the teachers at the close of the retreat.
While deeply appreciated and encouraged, dāna is never required. Learn more about dāna here.

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