"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” -John Muir

Contemplative Outdoor Retreats

Many of us have had experiences in nature that are eye-opening.  When we venture outside, we can experience moments when we more clearly see the next steps on our life path, where we feel more relaxed with the natural flow of our lives, or we just generally feel refreshed and more prepared to take on the challenges of day-to-day life in our busy, high-tech world.  

This kind of adventure is not about going higher, farther, or faster than the last time, but about being fully present with whatever lessons nature offers  us moment to moment.  Join me for an incomparable journey into the wild - both inside and outside!   

My Background

Since being trained as an Adventure Based Counselor and Wilderness Guide in 1996, my adventures have led to work with at-risk adolescents in wilderness therapy as well as to leading numerous contemplative outdoor retreats in Colorado, Utah, and California that integrate hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, meditation, and mindful movement.  I have the good fortune to have led programs sponsored by Outward Bound USA, Balanced Rock Foundation, Shambhala Mountain Center (and various Shambhala Meditation Centers), Far Horizons Retreat Center, and Aspen Achievement Academy.  I am a Certified Wilderness First Responder.

"Kay has such a calming and reassuring presence that it's a pleasure to be with her" - Jesse

"Kay's program is simple, beautifully paced, and very effective in deepening our experience of our bodies, our natural world, and ourselves.  Deep connection; deep change." - Stephen

"Kay helped push me through a door that I opened long ago, but never got around to truly stepping through and on to the other side - the door of self-discovery and acknowledgment" - Judy

"It was transforming...I have slowed down a lot and do walking meditation daily" - Martha

---

2021 Program Schedule

---

Mindful Hiking: Weathering Life's Storms
Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, CO

 
August 6-8, 2021

A wildfire still shocks us with its sheer power and voracity, whether we’ve watched its approach from afar, or it unexpectedly ignites nearby. The experience can leave us feeling quite vulnerable in nature’s vast web. Such a primal wake-up call also offers an opportunity to tap into our innate resiliency, shift our perspective, and learn skills to adapt to whatever life’s storms may bring.


As citizens of the earth, many events of the past year have illuminated the preciousness of this human life and offered an opportunity to reflect on how we’ve been living it. At this moment we have a choice: to be lulled back into comfortable, familiar patterns, or to meet each new moment with greater mindfulness and awareness.


Join us for a rejuvenating weekend of meditation and mindful movement, including hiking through both pristine forest and areas regenerating from past fire. With nature as our guide, we’ll explore our potential for greater harmony with each other and the natural world while celebrating the life with which we’ve been blessed.


Please review and understand SMC’s current COVID-19 policy before visiting SMC.

For more information or to register, call (888) STUPA-21 or click here.

---

Custom Mindfulness Adventures

Perhaps we find ourselves with physical or emotional challenges (or a lack of experience) that make wilderness travel seem out of reach.  However, with the companionship of an experienced guide and a supportive group, it can be possible to access the healing power of nature that can transform and inspire our lives. 

I can help you create custom mindfulness adventures for individuals, couples, families, and groups that are tailored to meet your unique interests.  Click here or call (510) 817-2717 today to get started on planning your next adventure.