The Middle Way: A Buddhist embodiment journey exploring stillness, movement and interpersonal mindfulness
With Enrique Collazo and Pablo Das
July 31 - August 4, 2026
Open to experienced and new practitioners
Registration closes on July 24, 2026. If joining after this date, please contact us.
In the Buddhist tradition, the phrase “the middle way” points to a kind of presence that resists the impulse to unconsciously escape, sugarcoat, deny or numb the full range of human experience. Instead, we practice responsive presence with what is. Through Buddhist contemplative practices, movement, and interpersonal mindfulness practices, we will draw our attention inward, with a particular invitation to be present with our bodies with equanimity, kindness, and compassion. This retreat will be led by Buddhist Meditation teachers Enrique Collazo and Pablo Das, with assistance from Ben Daniel, who works at the intersection of sound, movement, and embodied awareness.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THIS RETREAT
We will offer periods of sitting and walking meditation, as well as wisdom talks. There will be periods of movement and dance as well as facilitated relational mindfulness practices.
The retreat will be held mostly in “noble” silence, except during talks, instructional periods, meetings with teachers, and interpersonal practices. The silence is there to support people to be more present with themselves. The retreat will be conducted with an awareness of sensitive nervous systems and trauma.
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
About the Teachers & Facilitators
Enrique Collazo
Enrique Collazo is a compassionate and contemporary Mindfulness Meditation teacher rooted in the Buddhist Vipassana tradition since 2005. His practice, founded in the principles of Insight Meditation, extends to empowering people of all ages in Los Angeles and the Bay Area through daylongs, workshops, and classes since 2009. Enrique is well-loved and respected for his […]
Learn more about Enrique Collazo
Pablo Das
Pablo Das is a secular Buddhist teacher living in Los Angeles who offers a non-dogmatic, street level delivery of Buddhist principles and practices. He currently teaches at InsightLA. He was an original member of the New York City Dharma Punx sangha and was trained as a founding member of the teachers council at Against the […]
Learn more about Pablo DasCategories : Meditation, Open Reg