Important

Retreats typically begin in the afternoon of the first scheduled day, with check-in between 2:00 and 4:00pm. Please confirm these times with the specific retreat you are attending

Arrival

Upon arrival, retreatants check-in, complete the registration process, sign up for working meditations, set-up their spot in the meditation hall, and move into an assigned room. A light dinner is served at 5:00pm and is followed by working meditation task trainings and after-dinner clean-up. An orientation given by the teacher(s) and Big Springs staff begins at 7:00pm.

Please give yourself ample time to get here and allow time to enjoy the beautiful drive.

Departure

The majority of retreats end late morning of the last scheduled day, typically no later than 11:30am. Please check your confirmation information with your specific retreat for the exact timing.

We encourage carpooling to minimize environmental impact. Please consider offering a ride! We will help with the coordination, but we do not offer any rides

• A variety of loose, comfortable, casual, layered clothing

• Warm clothing/jackets as we are at elevation with cold nights.

• Rain attire and umbrella

• Outdoor walking shoes (and hiking shoes if you intend to hike)

• Slip-on shoes and indoor slippers if you need them. No outdoor shoes are allowed in the meditation hall or cabins

• Hat and scent-free sunscreen

• Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries (our campus is quite dark at night!)

• Wristwatch, if you intend to hike and/or are camping

• Earplugs, if you’re a light sleeper

• Shawl or lap blanket (for use during meditation practice)

• Checkbook, cash, or credit card, for dāna contribution.

• Water bottle. Filtered water is available onsite in several places. We have water bottles available for purchase.

• Epi Pen, if you require one

• If you are camping, you will need to bring your own tent, sleeping pad, bedding/sleeping bag, head lamp, and wristwatch (for alarm)

• Optional: Sleeping bag or your own personal linens. Linens (towels and bed sheets), blankets, and a pillow are provided.

• Optional: Sitting cushion(s) or bench. If you have special sitting supports or you require a large number of pillows, consider bringing your own supply so there are enough cushions for everyone. The meditation hall has zafus (round sitting cushions), zabutons (floor mats), and chairs available. You may also want a sitting cushion that you can use to sit outdoors.

• Optional: Hiking poles

• Optional: Personal scent-free soaps, if you prefer. We provide fragrance-free shampoo, conditioner, and body soap in each shower of the dorms.

• For yoga retreats only: If you have specific blocks, straps, or other yoga equipment that you need, you may want to bring them along.

• All technology besides phones, including computers, tablets, and other devices.

• Silence all notifications on smartphones and watches if you bring them.

• Printed books, ebook readers, magazines

• Intoxicants: plant, chemical, or alcohol. (But DO bring prescription medications and continue taking your prescribed medications through the retreat.)

• Scented personal hygiene products.

• Candles or incense

• Food and beverages