We Are All the Stars in One Sky

We Are All the Stars in One Sky

In this retreat, we will support our mindfulness practice, deepen our understanding of the Dharma, and cultivate the virtues of peace and understanding. Terry Cortés-Vega, an inspiring Dharma teacher ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh, will share key teachings and mindfulness practices throughout the retreat, which will also feature sustained periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, noble silence, mindful eating, heart-centered Dharma discussions and play with fellow practitioners of Awakening Valley Sangha. 

About the teacher

Terry Cortés-Vega began her training in mindfulness in 1998 with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, and in 2012, she was ordained as a Dharma Teacher in his Order of Interbeing. She explains the Dharma by sharing her experiences and insights at public talks, days of mindfulness, and meditation and mindfulness retreats.

Terry has been described as an “insightful, heartfelt and creative” teacher of the Dharma whose talks are “humorous and relatable, simple yet  profound.”

Retreat Format 

This residential retreat is designed for both beginning and experienced practitioners. It will center on periods of sitting and walking meditation and Dharma talks by our teacher. Small-group Dharma discussions, meal meditations,  and active, mindful work practice will also occur. Periods of silence will deepen and enrich the experience by allowing time for personal reflection. Early Sunday morning, we will have a 5 Mindfulness Trainings ceremony for those wishing to receive them formally. 

Location  

A beautiful log cabin near Sundance Mountain Ski Resort with charming spots to sit and relax in the crisp spring mountain air. It will comfortably sleep 14 with three king-size beds, one queen bed, and six twin beds. There will be an option to bring your sleeping bag and sleep in a shared space or commute daily (carpooling is recommended as parking at the cabin is limited). 

For those staying overnight, it is suggested that you park at the Sundance Mountain Ski Resort's parking lot; we plan to have a shuttle to the cabin from the parking lot running on Friday evening between check-in times of 5 pm and 6:30 pm. 

Accommodations

Your registration cost includes lodging and all meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast. Registration fees vary based on the type of room selected and are calculated per bed, not per room. If you plan on sharing a bed, please list the other person's name and email address on the registration page. 

Room requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Note about Sleeping Bag (indoor) Option: This option allows you to sleep in your provided sleeping bag in a common area (main floor living room). Guests must provide their own sleeping bags.

Note about Commuting: To avoid the least interruptions, please plan on arriving promptly each morning before 6:00 a.m. Parking is limited at the cabin, so you are encouraged to meet at the Sundance Ski Resort's parking lot and carpool to the cabin. 

(** A shuttle from the parking lot to the cabin may be available each day; we will explore this option the closer we get to the retreat**)

​Meals

The retreat price includes vegetarian meals on Saturday through breakfast on Sunday morning. Each participant will be responsible for their dinner on Friday night. We regret that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests.

Dana 

Buddhist teachings are considered priceless, and teachers do not charge for their services. Dana is the practice of giving. It manifests the fundamental interconnectedness of life and is a way for us to support the life and work of the teacher. You will have an opportunity to make a donation to Terry either with your registration or at the retreat. For commonly employed people, $25 per day or $50 for the retreat is suggested and can be paid online during registration or at the retreat.

Arrival/Departure 

Check-in will be from 5:00 – 6:30 PM on Friday, April 26th. The retreat will end at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 28th.

Scholarships 

Partial scholarships may be available based on registration donations. Consider donating to the scholarship fund if you are able. For those needing financial support, ask your local community/sangha first. To apply for funding from retreat donations, contact info@awakeningvalleysangha.org for an application or apply online here. When applications are approved, you will be notified and given a scholarship recipient code for registration. The scholarship application deadline is April 14th. (A twin bed has been set aside and will become available for a scholarship when needed.)

For retreat-related questions, contact info@awakeningvalleysangha.org