Pilgrimage to Silence: A Nature Based Retreat for Rest & Renewal
With Valerie Brown
May 17 - 22, 2026
Please note: This is a dãna-based retreat (see below for details). The registration fee is included in package pricing and does not include teacher compensation.
Deeply immersed in nature and exploring the theme of pilgrimage, this silent retreat is designed to cultivate rest, reflection, renewal, and restoration.
In these times of change, high stress, and high anxiety, we need now, more than ever, to exhale deeply and feel fully nourished in the natural world and a caring community through resilience-building, heart-opening, peace-making mindfulness meditation practices in the Plum Village tradition.
Together, we will create a refuge of belonging, supported by noble silence and immersion in nature. Through practices of mindfulness meditation in the Plum Village tradition and Quaker faith and practice, we will nurture our individual and collective healing and strengthen our capacity to show up with resilience, love, and peace in our lives and communities.
What You’ll Gain
- Rest and renewal through noble silence, nature immersion, and spiritual discernment.
- Alignment of your values with your work for a greater sense of purpose and meaning.
- Engaging mindfulness meditation practice in the Plum Village tradition, as well as spiritual discernment through both Quaker faith and practice and the Center for Courage & Renewal.
- Deep reflection on what matters most.
- Cultivation of body intelligence and body awareness.
- Renewed Self-compassion.
- A practice of self-stewardship while compassionately respecting your limits.
Expected Activities
- Dharma teachings on healing and transformation.
- Guided meditation (both sitting and gently moving) to ground and restore us.
- Mindful walking and movement to connect with the body and the earth.
- Mindful eating to nourish body and spirit.
- Mindful resting to restore balance.
- Dharma writing and reflection to deepen insight and creativity.
- Large group dialogue and small-group sharing to witness and be witnessed in community.
A Note on Dãna
Dãna is an ancient Pali word meaning “giving” or “gift.” Dãna is at the heart of the 2,500 year old Buddhist tradition.
The registration fee you pay to attend this retreat covers the basic retreat costs; none of your registration fee is payment to the teacher leading the retreats. Teachers offer the teachings with a spirit of generosity and trust that their lives and work will be supported by those who are receiving the life-giving teachings. This is a real expression of the truth of interdependence.
You may offer dãna to your teacher directly before, during or after the retreat.
Testimonials
“Valerie created the spaciousness for me to heal, go deeper, be witnessed, learn from others, and explore the covered up places longing for me to come home.” -past participant
“This retreat helped me to see more clearly the hindrances to my deepening/developing relationship to my joy and fullness.” -past participant
“This is a retreat of great wisdom, great people, and a great compassionate leader.” -past participant
Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.
Presenter
Valerie Brown is an author, Buddhist-Quaker Dharma teacher, facilitator, and executive coach specializing in leadership development, Gestalt psychology, Relational Life Therapy, and mindfulness practices with a focus on diversity, social equity, and inclusion. A former lawyer and lobbyist, Valerie transformed her high-pressure, twenty-year career into serving leaders and nonprofits to…
Learn more about Valerie Brown