Retreats presented by Big Bear Retreat Center
(note: this is not an InsightLA retreat)
*For any questions or support for registering or preparing for this retreat, contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org*
For more details and to register for this retreat, visit Big Bear Retreat Center: Embodying the Spirit of Ubuntu, November 2023
We are excited to offer this very special healing retreat for all self-identified women of African Ancestry and of the Diaspora. During this retreat we will create a safe container where we can experience connection, compassion and unconditional loving support.
By blending deep embodiment/ somatic work with mindfulness-based meditation practices we can re-learn how to come home to our hearts, rest in our bodies and become truly present for one another.
The word Ubuntu is translated as, “I am because we are” and it’s the spirit of this gathering and a core theme we will weave throughout the retreat. For some, Ubuntu is something akin to a soul force. It is a direct expression of unity, honor and interconnectedness with one another. Ubuntu derives from Nguni and Bantu languages of Africa and in Zulu language of South Africa the word symbolizes being human.
This retreat will be primarily held in “noble silence” outside of the scheduled group work, dharma talks, guided meditations and interactive sessions. Each day will include a full schedule of sitting and walking meditation practice, training in the four foundations of mindfulness, yoga, talks on the core themes, sacred music and deep embodiment work.
“The kind of change we are after is cellular as well as institutional, is personal and intimate, is collective as well as cultural. We are making love synonymous with justice.” – Prentis Hemphill
Retreat Fees:
*retreat fees include all teacher fees for this retreat*
Single room with private bath $2,450
Single room with shared bath $1,1850
Double room with shared bath $1,108
Triple room with shared bath $850
Financial support: In addition, we have available options for those needing financial support. A limited number of scholarship options are available. We ask that these be prioritized for those that identify as marginalized communities. Nobody will be turned away because of cost.
Contact us guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org for more information.
Retreat Schedule:
November 12: 2-4pm Registration and Arrivals
November 18: 11am-12pm Retreat Closing and Checkout
*A detailed arrival-day schedule will be provided around 3-weeks prior to your retreat. A full retreat schedule will be provided upon arrival at registration.
Please plan to attend the entirety of the retreat, leaving early is highly discouraged unless emergency or extenuating circumstances arise. Contact staff if this is the case.
Accommodations:
The Center consists of several single-story buildings and cabins for dining, meditation and sleeping. Our residence cabins are large furnished and comfortable with 3-4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living rooms, a full kitchen and decks outside in nature for shared use. Our residential cabins and rooms are simply furnished with a balance of comfort and simplicity. All beds are twin, and all bedding is provided by the center.
*Rooms are in shared cabin spaces (shared living room and outdoor deck available), with 3-4 bedrooms in each cabin typically shared amongst 3-6 guests.
The Meditation Hall:
Our beautiful meditation hall is a large room that accommodates most meditation and movement retreats. We have supplies for most participants, but guests are always welcome to bring their own supplies (not required). Guests can typically expect to have access to a zabutan (large cushion), zafu (small cushion), yoga mat, blocks, a meditation chair, a blanket and a selection of other yoga and meditation props with limited supplies. If you’re unsure, please contact us or visit our welcome guide for more details.
Meals:
The Center provides fresh, healthy meals made with seasonal and organic ingredients to support a nourishing time in retreat. Meals begin with dinner on arrival evening through to breakfast on departure morning. For this retreat, meals will be offered to support meditation retreat practice with a simple medium breakfast, hearty lunch, and light dinner (typically soup and salad). All meals will be vegetarian, and we accommodate most major dietary restrictions. Snacks will be available in the dining hall 24/7, including teas and coffees. The Center has refrigerators in the cabins and dining area for guests to store their own snacks – please bring any foods that might support your time here.
Teacher Dana:
As part of the Buddhist tradition, many teachers (including the teachers of this retreat) offer the teachings freely with no expectations of fees or payment. As a practice of generosity from the heart, participants are invited to offer “dana” (donations-generosity) to the teachers at the end of the retreat. There are no minimums, expectations, or guidelines. It is not required. Teachers do not receive retreat fees, apart from travel reimbursement support.
Work Meditation: This retreat will include a daily work meditation service period, or “yogi jobs”, around 30-minutes a day. This is an opportunity to practice in service of community and bring your practice into daily roles at the center. More details and a sign up sheet will be shared at registration. It is always an option to opt-out of this, particularly if you have mobility or other concerns.
Rideshare: For this retreat we have set up a self-organized rideshare page that you can visit at anytime before. We will send email reminders closer to the retreat. We encourage ridesharing when possible. https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/0mivbn
Covid Policies: For this retreat we are requiring a rapid test on arrival day + a second test 3 days into the retreat. Masking and vaccines are optional. Guests are asked to bring their own rapid tests (2) or test before travel on arrival day. Tests will be available at center for those that did not bring.
Cancellation Policy: Please visit BBRC’s website for more on the cancellation policy for this retreat- bigbearretreatcenter.org/cancellation-policy
8 weeks $100
4-8 weeks $175
2-4 weeks $300
<2 weeks No Refunds
For any questions please contact guestservices@bigbearretreatcenter.org or visit bigbearretreatcenter.org
