Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Retreats

Locations

Joshua Tree :: EarthRise :: Chapin Mill :: Sequoia :: Alliant Internaltional University

Joshua Tree Retreat Center
59700 29 Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Telephone: (760) 365-8371

Joshua Tree Retreat Center is a secluded, peaceful, desert getaway that provides a unique opportunity for contemplation, study and reflection. Within the 420 acres of pristine desert land that comprises the Retreat Center, is the facility known as Friendship Hall and adjoining accommodations that will house the 5-Day Professional Training. Designed by architect Lloyd Wright, in collaboration with his father Frank Lloyd Wright, the building affords desert vistas from nearly all directions and opportunities to explore the surroundings during breaks in the program.

All sessions and meals will be held in newly-remodeled and updated Friendship Hall, which features a marvelous stone fireplace and views across the retreat center, to the desert and mountains beyond. Attendees can wander out onto the deck area to take in a sunset or bask in the warmth of a winter sunrise. Roadrunners and other desert wildlife are frequently visible among the surrounding foliage and in the shadow of the intriguing Joshua Trees scattered across the landscape. Late fall through mid-winter in the desert is typically comfortable and February in the desert is typically comfortable (mid-60s to 70s) during the day, and intermittently windy, and a bit chilly (40s) at night and in the early mornings.

Immediately adjacent to Friendship Hall are the retreat-style accommodations in which participants will be staying during the training. Recently updated and refurbished throughout, the double-occupancy rooms are furnished with single beds and all linens and towels are provided. Most rooms share an adjoining bathroom with another room. If you do not request a specific roommate, we will assign one for you.

We will have this part of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center to ourselves during the 5 days and attendees can wander the facility's labyrinth, medicine wheel and trails during short breaks in the program. While there may not be sufficient time during the workshop, you might want to allow some time before or afterwards to visit nearby Joshua Tree National Monument. Joshua Tree is a spectacular and striking area that is worth exploring.

Distances from nearby airports:

San Diego Lindbergh Field (SAN): 160 miles
Los Angeles International (LAX): 140 miles
Ontario International Airport (ONT): 86 miles
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP): 36 miles

The UCSD Center for Mindfulness will assist in coordinating shuttle rides for those arriving by air.

EarthRise Retreat Center
101 San Antonio Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
Telephone: (707) 779-8224
E-mail: retreatcenter@noetic.org

Map and Directions

The EarthRise Retreat Center is a beautiful collection of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces located on the EarthRise Center in Petaluma, California. Just 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Retreat Center is on 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills. It offers such gifts as pristine live oak woodlands, meandering hiking trails, and endless panoramic vistas of the California landscape.

Most meeting sessions will be held in the spacious West Room, just footsteps from the buildings housing sleeping quarters, all of which are nestled in a hollow overlooking the valley, where a small herd of local blacktail deer are frequently sighted grazing nearby. Attendees are invited to wander the grounds, find a secluded spot to meditate or contemplate the simple elegance of the peaceful surroundings.

A short walk at mealtime through the beautiful oak trees leads to the dining area. The spacious and tastefully designed dining hall at the EarthRise Retreat Center provides indoor seating for groups of up to 120, with outdoor garden dining available most of the year. Local ingredients are the inspiration for the cooking and include luscious organic fruits and vegetables, free range poultry, hormone-free meat and dairy products, and extraordinary cheeses. They use organic produce from local farmers whenever possible and draw upon flavors and techniques from around the world to create a diverse cuisine with alluring flavors. (Those who observe a strictly vegetarian diet will be accommodated. Please note any dietary restrictions when you register to attend.)

During springtime in the northern Bay Area, the landscape is striking in its lush greenery and arrays of colorful blooming wildflowers. The weather is temperate and marked by occasional rain.

Accommodations are retreat-style in that most rooms are double-occupancy, neatly but simply furnished, and have easy access to common bathrooms that are at most a few steps down the hall. If you do not request a specific roommate, we will assign one for you. All bedrooms are carpeted, and feature a desk and clothing bureau. Linens, blankets and towels are provided.

The UCSD Center for Mindfulness will assist in coordinating shuttle rides for those arriving by air at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The retreat center is about a 90 minute drive north from SFO.

For further directions, see the retreat center website at http://www.noetic.org/retreat/directions.cfm.

Chapin Mill Retreat Center
7 Arnold Park
Rochester, NY 14607-2082
Telephone: (585) 473-9180
Fax: (585) 473-6846
E-mail: receptionist@rzc.org

Map and Directions

Chapin Mill is situated on a 135-acre country estate donated to the Rochester (New York) Zen Center by a former member. The grounds include a spring-fed mill pond and the original grist mill built in 1811. Perennial flower beds line many of the walkways that wind within the grounds, and large open meadows, a simple labyrinth, a swimming area, orchard and walking trails are some of the highlights of this idyllic location.

The multi-building complex includes a commercial kitchen, magnificent gathering spaces with reclaimed beams, and dormitory accommodations for more than 50 people. The crown jewel of the facility is the zendo: for the first time in the Center’s more than 40-year history, members are able to sit in a space that was designed specifically for meditation. With dozens of windows opening to the fresh air and tranquil sounds of the countryside, the Chapin Mill zendo provides an ideal setting for quieting the mind and engaging in a meditation retreat training.

During springtime in upstate New York, the landscape is striking in its lush greenery and arrays of colorful blooming wildflowers. The weather is temperate and marked by occasional rain, but is generally pleasant and comfortable.

Accommodations are retreat-style in that most rooms are double-occupancy, neatly but simply furnished, and have easy access to common bathrooms that are at most a few steps down the hall. If you do not request a specific roommate, we will assign one for you. All bedrooms are carpeted, and feature a desk and clothing bureau. Linens, blankets and towels are provided.

The UCSD Center for Mindfulness will assist in coordinating shuttle rides for those arriving by air at the Rochester or Buffalo airports.

For further directions, see the retreat center website at http://www.rzc.org/node/25.

The Sequoia Retreat Center
11445 Alba Road
Ben Lomond, CA 95005
Telephone/Fax: (831) 336-5060
E-mail: diane@sequoiaretreatcenter.com

Map and Directions

The Sequoia Retreat Center is a beautiful collection of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces located in Ben Lomond, California. Built by a community of individuals dedicated to personal and social transformation during the 1970s, all buildings have recently undergone renovation. The Sequoia is just 45 minutes west of the San Jose airport, but a world away as it is nestled amid acres of majestic coastal redwoods [Sequoia sempervirens], madrones, and tan oaks.

Your training sessions will be held in the spacious Las Alas Lodge, next to Pixie’s Patio Garden, an outdoor ceremony circle. The Lodge and Circle both offer picturesque views of the surrounding Sequoias. Just below the lodge you’ll find the Seven Generations Statue Installation a wonderful spot to contemplate. The Lodge has free wireless access and excellent cell phone reception.

The spectacular setting is enhanced by our friendly staff who will work with to coordinate your retreat needs, create delicious meals and ensure your expectations are exceeded. Warm hospitality is matched to delicious California-style meals with an emphasis on fresh, organic and local foods. (Those who observe a strictly vegetarian diet will be accommodated. Please note any dietary restrictions when you register to attend.)

The central coastal mountain range of the Bay Area home to the tallest trees on earth, Sequoia Sempervirens. The Sequoias are an evergreen tree living for up to 2,200 years. These trees only grow on the California coast from Big Sur to the Oregon border. At The Sequoia Retreat Center, you’ll find young examples of these special trees. You will also find wild roses, ferns and iris. Be on the look our Yerba Buena, a aromatic herb. The weather is temperate and marked by occasional rain.

Accommodations are small cabins nestled in the woods most are triple or double-occupancy, neatly and simply furnished. All cabins have heaters and full bathrooms with showers. Linens, blankets, soap, shampoo and towels are provided.

The UCSD Center for Mindfulness will assist in coordinating shuttle rides for those arriving by air at San Jose International Airport. The retreat center is about a 45 minute drive west from San Jose.

Alliant International University
10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego, CA 92131
Phone: (866) 825-5426

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