Meditation, Movement, Mystery

This is a meditation retreat on Cortes Island, British Columbia, led by writer and meditation teacher Jeff Warren at Hollyhock. It is a looser, less structured kind of retreat, with plenty of room for silence and spontaneity, and it suits people at any level of experience, from curious beginners to long-time practitioners. The practice is contemporary and secular, with a strong thread of nature-based work on the land.

What to Expect

Over four nights, seated meditation alternates with more active periods of movement, walking and conversation. The program begins with an evening arrival and an introduction to the retreat and its core skills, then moves through guided meditations, short mindful movement sessions, nature walks, large group discussion and optional small group sharing. It ends on the final day at 1:30 pm.

The throughline is a set of four core skills: concentration, clarity, equanimity and care. These are cultivated in stillness and then applied in daily life, and the group returns to them again and again through guided explorations and sharing. Themes that run through the days include the spiritual mystery at the heart of meditation, the different stages or terrains of practice across a lifetime, the value of community and peer-to-peer sharing, and the place of service and activism in a world that needs care.

Attention extends outward too. Wandering the forest and shoreline is part of the practice, and Jeff's friend Kalen Colson, a nature-based therapist, weaves in specific practices for connecting to the land. There is humor and joy along the way, and the retreat closes with an optional evening dance party.

This is not a typical Buddhist meditation retreat, and it is not a silent one. Conversation and sharing are part of the program, including the option to be social at lunch and dinner. Many people still choose silence for much of the time, and there are quiet areas for meals and silent badges to support that. Precepts are not strictly followed, and Hollyhock sells alcohol at dinner.

About Jeff Warren

Jeff Warren is a meditation teacher and writer known for a fun, accessible style of teaching. He is co-author of the New York Times best-selling Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics and co-host of the Mind Bod Adventure Pod. His Do Nothing Project streams free every Sunday night, and his guided meditations reach millions through the Happier and Calm apps and his Substack, Home Base.

About Kalen Colson

Kalen Colson is a nature-based therapist and a friend of Jeff's. During the retreat, Kalen offers practices designed to help participants connect with the land.

The Setting

Hollyhock sits on Cortes Island, in the Salish Sea region of British Columbia. The surroundings include towering old-growth Douglas-firs and Western redcedars, mossy forest quiet, big-leaf maples, and clean sea air, with the tide smoothing the dark stones along the shore. Meals are shared at Hollyhock, with quiet seating available for those who prefer it. Accommodation options are available on site.

Before You Go

The retreat is appropriate for all experience levels, and no prior meditation training is needed. It is taught in English. It is not intended as treatment for mental health conditions, so anyone unsure whether it suits them is encouraged to contact the Hollyhock registration team.

Included are guided meditations, nature walks, short mindful movement sessions, large group discussion, optional small group sharing and the optional dance party. Participants can also attend the longer morning yoga sessions offered by Hollyhock staff. A detailed daily schedule is emailed about 30 days before the program.