The Art of Being: A Multidisciplinary Exploration of Zen Practice, Embodiment, and Creative Aliveness

This four-day Zen retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, brings meditation together with somatic movement and creative practice. It is led by Brooke McNamara, a poet and Zen teacher, and Lauren Beale, a choreographer and contemplative teacher. It is open to anyone curious about presence, embodiment and creative expression, and no experience in meditation, movement or art is needed.

What to Expect

The retreat begins on a Thursday afternoon with arrival, orientation, dinner and an evening of welcome and intention setting. It ends Sunday after a final morning of practice, integration and lunch.

The two full days share a rhythm. Mornings open with breakfast, then movement and meditation, followed by a longer session of inquiry and creative practice. After lunch comes time for nature exploration and open creative work, when you can follow your own curiosity and receive individual support. Late afternoon brings another session that weaves movement, meditation and creative practice, and the day closes after dinner with a quieter evening offering. Friday evening is restorative movement and visualization. Saturday evening is an optional community circle with open mic, storytelling and creative sharing.

Each session carries its own theme: courting creative aliveness, playing with imagination and impulse, working with contraction and expansion, folding in shadow and light, and on the last morning, revision and tending the garden. The practices include Zen meditation, contemplative inquiry, improvised movement, facilitated dialogue, guided writing, visual art play and imaginative prompts.

There is no required outcome. You are not asked to produce finished work, and sharing with the group is always by invitation. Movement and meditation can be adapted, and you can rest or observe whenever you need to.

About Brooke McNamara

Brooke McNamara, MFA, is an award-winning poet, meditation guide and Zen teacher. She trained in the tradition of Diane Musho Hamilton Roshi and is president and a founding Sensei of Dragon Lake Zen. She is the author of two poetry collections, Bury the Seed and Feed Your Vow.

About Lauren Beale

Lauren Beale is a performing and visual artist, choreographer, improviser, contemplative teacher and yoga instructor. She holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Colorado Boulder, with an emphasis on collaborative, interdisciplinary performance and creative practice.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Drala Mountain Center in the Colorado high country near Red Feather Lakes. Time outdoors is part of the schedule, with unstructured hours set aside for nature exploration.

Two nights of lodging are included, and you choose the accommodation. Options are:

- Dormitories: shared rooms with beds for seven to eight people, separated by gender, with a shared bathroom down the hall.
- Monk Rooms: an affordable solitary option, each with a bed, closet, desk and large window, and a shared hall bathroom.
- Single and Double Rooms: private rooms with a dresser, closet and attached three-quarter bathroom.
- Junior Suite: a lodge suite with a queen bed, sitting area, desk and private bathroom with a bathtub.

Extra nights can be added at half price. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks are included, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Before You Go

The retreat is offered in English and designed for all levels. Tuition covers instruction in meditation, movement and creative practice, along with meals, drinks and the two nights of lodging. Transportation to Drala Mountain Center is not included.

Wear clothing you can move in comfortably. Yoga mats, blocks, straps and blankets are available on site. You are welcome to bring a favorite meditation cushion and any personal art supplies you like to work with.