Fall Mindfulness Retreat
Solid as a Mountain / Free as a White Cloud
A REGIONAL MINDFULNESS RETREAT
In the Plum Village Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh
SEPTEMBER 17, 18, 19 AND 20, 2026
This year we will offer some added time for less structured practice. Starting on Thursday morning we will enjoy lots of space for rest and personal practice, with meditation instruction available as needed. We will have morning, midday and evening practice together. On Friday, we will continue in this manner with morning and midday practices.
Our formal weekend of practice will begin Friday evening, those who did not stay Thursday will have had dinner elsewhere. We will gather together at 7:30 PM for orientation and greeting. We will enjoy a weekend of sitting and walking meditation, practice songs and chanting, noble silence, mindful meals, movement and other activities. We will conclude around 2 PM after lunch on Sunday.
There will be an opportunity to receive the 5 Mindfulness Trainings. We will offer optional BIPOC, Young Persons and LGBTQ+ affinity groups during Dharma sharing.
We will enjoy the wisdom and musicality of ordained Dharma Teacher Joe Reilly; Joe has been a student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh since 2004 and is often found singing and writing songs on spiritual retreats. He currently lives in Detroit, where he co-leads the Building Beloved Community Sangha. He is of Cherokee, Choctaw, Italian, and Irish descent and identifies as Native American.
Camp Skyline offers acres of serene woods, walking trails, a labyrinth and beautiful views. Lodging options include bunk beds in shared rooms and camping.
Food for Thursday and Friday will be stone soup – with everyone encouraged to bring a vegan soup ingredient for the making of true collective meals. Food for Saturday and Sunday will be potluck, with everyone encouraged to bring a vegetarian contribution for either one dinner, one breakfast or something for the snack table. Please see Retreat Details for more information.
