The Winter Retreat

The Winter Retreat is a four-day spiritual retreat at The Land in Philo, California, set among redwoods, gardens and river near Mendocino. It is built around the turning of the year: a time to take stock of what the past twelve months gave you and to make room for what you want next. The days combine Eros philosophy classes with senior faculty, Tibetan practice, movement, and optional Orgasmic Meditation practice, and the retreat is open to newcomers.

What to Expect

The days follow a simple, steady rhythm. Morning begins at 6:30 with optional Orgasmic Meditation practice, followed by Tibetan practice at 7:30. Breakfast, with seva (shared service), runs from 8:30 to 9:30. From 10:00 to 12:00 there is class or activity time, which is where the Eros philosophy curriculum, led by senior faculty, takes shape.

After lunch, also with seva, there is free time from 1:00 to 2:30, then a long movement session from 2:30 to 4:45. A short break leads into optional evening Orgasmic Meditation practice at 5:10. Dinner with seva is at 6:00, and the evening activity from 7:00 to 8:30 is given to fireside conversation.

Between the scheduled sessions there are long walks into the old-growth grove and time beside the river. Winter on The Land is quiet. The meadow turns deep green, the frogs come out after the first rains, and the pace invites you to slow down enough to hear yourself.

The Setting

The Land is 160 acres of redwoods, organic gardens and river in Philo, in Northern California's Mendocino region. The retreat runs four days and three nights.

Meals are made from the land's own harvest by the resident chefs: warming, farm-fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner, served at long shared tables.

You can choose between two kinds of lodging. The Wilderness Cabins are rustic outside, with contemporary design and interiors, and are available for single or double occupancy. Communal accommodations are shared rooms for guests who prefer a lower-cost, group-oriented stay.

Before You Go

No prior experience is required. Daily meditation and movement are part of the schedule, and the Orgasmic Meditation practice is optional, with training offered to anyone who has not practiced it before. The seva at meals is part of the rhythm of the day.

The price includes three nights of lodging in a cabin or shared room, the Eros philosophy curriculum, daily Tibetan practice and movement sessions, and all meals.