Events

Apr 11 2025
Spring Meditation Retreat

Reset and Renew: A Spring Meditation Retreat

In person in Namchak Retreat Ranch

About This Event

We invite you to join us for a precious opportunity to learn and immerse in foundational meditation practices in the presence of a supportive community and the beauty of the Namchak Retreat Ranch. Over this in-person weekend retreat, you’ll learn foundational Buddhist meditation practices while enjoying the support and warmth of a like-minded community. Whether new to meditation or looking to refresh your practice, this retreat offers tools to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and resilience in your daily life.

Program Details

In-person at the Namchak Retreat Ranch: Bodhi House

Hot Springs, Montana

Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13, 2025

Throughout the weekend, participants will explore foundational Buddhist meditation practices, including:

  • Shamata (Calm Abiding), to quiet the mind and cultivate focus.
  • Loving-Kindness (Metta), to nurture good will for oneself and others.
  • Tonglen (Compassion practice), to expand our capacity to extend compassion even in challenging situations.

These practices will be paired with “Sangha Skills”—relational exercises developed by Aaron Stern and the Academy for the Love of Learning™. These interactive sessions offer practical ways to bring more awareness, presence, and compassion into daily interactions and relationships.

Together, the meditations and sangha skills provide tools to deepen self-awareness, foster meaningful connections, and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity.

Retreat Format

This retreat is offered in person only to provide an immersive and focused environment, free from distractions. Recordings will not be available to preserve the integrity of the retreat experience.

Meals

Participants will enjoy nourishing meals prepared on-site, including:

  • 2 dinners
  • 2 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • Snacks & tea

Meals are designed to support your practice, with options to accommodate dietary restrictions.

 

 

What Students Are Saying:

“Connecting with others who were, just like me, wanting to learn more about the Dharma, develop a daily practice, and be a part of something special has made this tumultuous and overly uncertain year a lot more enjoyable and gratifying. I loved the weekly conversations, the learning about Tibetan Buddhism and meditation methods, and the camaraderie that grew in spite of and because of our differences. I hold the greatest gratitude for Namchak for hosting these events and I’m looking forward to being a part of many more.” – Laura

“Rachel was wonderful. Her calm and reassuring demeanor made for a perfect leader for this group. She was available and open to questions. Great job 👏 “- Amy

“Rachel is a wonderful teacher and guide!” – Carol

About Rachel:

Rachel has been working with Namchak since 2017, serving on the Community Advisory Board and working as the Community Steward before moving into her current position as Program & Curriculum Specialist. Before her role with Namchak, she worked as an educator in a variety of settings for over 15 years with elementary through college-aged students teaching English, Language Arts, dance, movement, mindfulness, and meditation. Her enthusiasm for teaching inspired her Education degree from Ithaca College, her Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, as well as her training in various mindfulness and meditation programs over the years.

Her exposure to spiritual practice and Buddhism started at a young age from the inspiration of her mother and time spent in nature. It wasn’t until after college that Rachel attended her first Buddhist retreat, which completely changed the direction of her spiritual path. Since then, she has been studying the Dharma and considers herself a devoted Vajrayana Buddhist practitioner.