Awakening the Heart of Love: Choosing a Life of Kindness & Courage

This silent meditation retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, is a week devoted to awakening the heart of love and choosing a life of kindness and courage. Taught in the Insight Meditation tradition by Heidi Bourne, with movement teacher Heather Lear, it is open to newcomers and experienced practitioners alike. It runs for five nights in Noble Silence, in the mountains of northern Colorado.

What to Expect

The teaching centers on the four Brahma Viharas, the heart practices from the Buddha's teachings: lovingkindness (metta), compassion (karuna), joy (mudita) and equanimity (upekkha). Together or separately, they are offered as steady ground for meeting daily life with clarity, balance, commitment and care.

The schedule is relaxed. Each day includes sitting and walking meditation, gentle mindful movement, a dharma talk, and unhurried time for your own contemplative practice. That time might go to a hike, art, writing, or a nap, and rest is encouraged. Small group discussions offer further support, and there are regular opportunities to check in with the teachers, who welcome questions at any time.

A sample day begins with early morning movement at 6:30 and sitting at 7:00, followed by breakfast at 8:00. Instructions and sitting come at 10:00, walking meditation at 11:00, and another sit at 11:45. Lunch is at 12:30, and the afternoon opens with meditation, personal time and small groups at 1:30. A sit at 4:00 leads into the dharma talk at 4:30, with dinner at 6:00. The evening closes with gentle movement and chanting at 7:30 and a final sitting at 8:00. Arrival is the first afternoon, and the retreat ends with closing reflections and departure by 12:30 on the last day.

Noble Silence is central. By refraining from speaking, everyone helps create a safe, peaceful and spacious atmosphere, a chance to settle the mind and nervous system away from constant noise and screens. The teachers acknowledge that silence can be challenging and will guide and support you through it. Please consider whether it is right for you before registering.

About Heidi Bourne

Heidi Bourne is a meditation teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition and the founder and guiding teacher of Pacific Mindfulness. She has taught since 2005, offering classes, series courses, nature retreats, and trauma-informed and resiliency-focused professional programs. Past participants describe her teaching as clear and warm, with humor and compassion, and many return to her retreats year after year.

About Heather Lear

Heather Lear, MA, is the movement teacher. She was born and raised with the Dharma in a family of Insight Meditation practitioners. She studies and teaches at the intersection of heart-centered Dharma, embodiment practices including Radiant Heart Qigong, and community-centered racial awakening and DEIA work. She serves as Program Manager at Spirit Rock Meditation Center.

The Setting

Drala Mountain Center sits near Red Feather Lakes, and the retreat is meant to be held within the beauty and support of the natural world. Lodging comes in several forms:

- Dormitories: gender-segregated rooms for up to seven or eight people, with shared bathrooms and showers down the hall.
- Monk Rooms: private rooms with a bed, closet, large window and desk, using a shared bathroom.
- Single and Double Rooms: more space, a dresser and closet, and an attached bathroom with toilet, sink and shower.
- Junior Suites: a queen bed, sitting area, desk, dresser, closet and private bath with a tub.

Three meals a day and drinks are provided, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Share any dietary needs when you register.

Before You Go

No prior meditation experience is needed, and the retreat is taught in English. Registration covers lodging and meals. The teachers are supported through dana, a generosity-based practice traditional since the time of the Buddha. Travel to the center and personal toiletries are your own to arrange.

A digital fast is strongly encouraged for the duration. If you need to keep your phone nearby for an important reason, such as a medical one, that is understood. You are welcome to continue taking regular medication.