Tending the Self, Tending the World

Open to experienced and new practitioners

Registration closes on June 25, 2026. If joining after this date, please contact us.

If one knew oneself to be precious,

One would guard oneself with care.

The sage will watch over herself

in any part of the night.

— Dhammapada 157

Tending the Self invites you into a weekend of deep care and recalibration — an opportunity to rest the heart and steady the mind through meditation, qigong, and mindful presence.

This retreat is an exploration of what it truly means to care for ourselves — not as indulgence, but as an act of wisdom. When we tend to the body with gentleness and allow the mind to settle, the natural qualities of the path — compassion, clarity, and ease — begin to shine through. As these qualities unfold, they ripple outward, shaping how we meet the world.

Through releasing the mind from its habitual preoccupations, we allow awareness to rest in its own spaciousness — a profound reset that restores resilience and builds our capacity to engage life with steadiness, grace, and courage.

From the outside, practice might appear quiet or self-focused — how can we sit still when the world is on fire? Yet when we meet ourselves with presence, we are cultivating the very qualities that allow us to meet the world with wisdom and love. Tending the self is not withdrawal; it is preparation for deeper connection. As Dōgen reminds us, the boundary between self and world is only imagined — when one is tended with care, both are healed. And we we tend the self we build more capacity to meet the difficult moments, for ourselves and others.

Each day will include periods of guided and silent sitting and walking meditation, qigong, and Dharma reflections. The retreat will be held mostly in noble silence, with time for guided instruction and shared inquiry.

Even two days of sincere practice can open the heart in unexpected ways. Join us for this nourishing weekend — a chance to rest, rebuild resilience, remember what truly matters, and rediscover the wholeness that connects self and world.

HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM AND TEACHERS

Gullu & Gabrielle were a wonderful mix of calming and humorous. I enjoyed Gullu’s humor and Gabrielle’s grounding and sweet nature. The teachings that touched me through their words were what I needed.

So kind. Patient. Wise- Loved moving first thing in the morning. Two beautiful souls.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT

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

This will be a hybrid online retreat. The teachings in the meditation hall will be live-streamed for online participants. Visit this page to sign up for the online retreat.

Learn more ABOUT RETREAT & SEE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE.

GENEROSITY: Retreat Costs and Fees

Registration fees for this retreat support the cost of developing and offering BBRC programs, which include lodging, meals, and staff compensation. Teacher compensation is not included in your registration fees. We price fees to make programs as financially accessible as possible.

As part of this tradition, many meditation teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer their teachings without set fees or compensation. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “teacher dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. It is encouraged but not required. Learn more about dana here.

Is cost a barrier? Nobody is turned away at Big Bear Retreat Center due to finances. 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 altitude 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