Retreats

Discover a Deeper Way of Living Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center offers a retreat for almost everyone. Our schedule carries a...
  • Casita (Highest Rate) – $1,170.00
  • Casita (Middle Rate) – $990.00
  • Casita (Lowest Rate) – $840.00
  • Yurt (Highest Rate) – $1,170.00
  • Yurt (Middle Rate) – $990.00
  • Yurt (Lowest Rate) – $840.00
  • Tent Cabin (Highest Rate) – $930.00
  • Tent Cabin (Middle Rate) – $780.00
  • Tent Cabin (Lowest Rate) – $630.00
  • Hermitage (Highest Rate) – $2,250.00
  • Hermitage (Middle Rate) – $1,950.00
  • Hermitage (Lowest Rate) – $1,650.00

Date & Time Details: Check-in is from 3:00-5:00 on the first day of the retreat. The retreat will close mid-morning on the last day of the retreat. (Learn more)

PRICE: We offer a sliding scale structure. Prices for this retreat range from $630-$2,250 (Tent Cabins $630/$780/$930, Casita or Yurt $840/$990/$1170, and Hermitage $1650/$1950/$2250). These prices do not include teacher dana and add-on items. (Learn more)

DANA: This is a dana-based retreat. (Learn more)

SHUTTLE SERVICE: Shuttle Service is available for this retreat. (Learn more)

NOBLE SILENCE: This retreat will be held in noble silence. (Learn more)

SCHOLARSHIP: Scholarships are available on a limited basis. (Learn more)

Email us about program

Serenity in Surrender: Discovering the Power of Letting Go

With Carol Cano and Amana Brembry Johnson

June 1 - 7, 2025

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, get more and be more, what if contentment lies in “doing” the opposite – slowing down, turning inward, and letting go?

For some, the idea of letting go might feel abstract, confusing, or even overwhelming; however, thanks to the ancient and bountiful teachings of both nature and Buddhism, we can find the lessons to guide us. This retreat offers a chance to attune to the mountains, trees, water, and wildlife while we gather in community to explore letting go. Join Carol and Amana for guided meditations, gentle movement, Dharma talks, and small group meetings. Together, we’ll learn how to steady the mind, nurture the heart, and reconnect with the natural world – inside and outside of us.

This retreat would be ideal for beginners and we welcome all levels of practice.

 

 


Cancellation Policy:

  • 45 days prior to retreat: Full refund, minus a $150 nonrefundable fee
  • 44-22 days prior to retreat: 50% refund
  • 0-21 days prior to retreat: No refund

 

 

Teachers

Carol Cano
Carol Cano, M.A., began her practice over 30 years ago at Wat Kow Tahm in Thailand and has actively engaged in building communities and teaching Dharma internationally. Carol is Founder and Executive Director of Braided Wisdom, a BIPOC led cross-cultural mindfulness organization. She is a graduate of the 2017-2020 Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Teacher Training program and a teacher at Spirit Rock often. She is a core teacher and a former board member of East Bay Meditation Center. Carol co-founded Philippine Insight Meditation Community in the Philippines. Her unique teachings are deeply grounded in Basque, Native American and Buddhist influences…
Learn more about Carol Cano
Amana Brembry Johnson
Amana Brembry Johnson is a dedicated meditation teacher and community leader with over four decades of contemplative practice across multiple spiritual traditions. She serves as a Core Teacher at the East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC) in Oakland, California, and is a coordinating teacher for residential retreats at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Amana is one of the founding teachers of EBMC’s Spiritual Teacher and Leadership (STL) Training and a former mentor for emerging mindfulness teachers through the Mindfulness Meditation Training Certification Program (MMTCP). Her work integrates spirituality, social justice, body awareness, and intuitive creativity, offering a holistic approach to individual and…
Learn more about Amana Brembry Johnson