From Doing to Being Fall 2026 Retreat
In Buddhism, we are often instructed to "let go", to simply rest and receive. A lot of us are tired, and this sounds appealing. Yet, in a fast-paced world bent on productivity, actually stopping can feel impossible. When the compulsion to “do” consumes us, it becomes a distraction from the work of getting free.
On this retreat, we will clearly identify the value of rest, investigate the obstacles to getting it, and learn how and why rest is liberating. Indeed, liberation is the ultimate rest! We’ll explore methods for practicing deep resting so that we can experience a spaciousness that helps us sense into the essence of things (including ourselves).
As we explore the shift from doing to being, we see that this transition does not deaden us in the face of a world in need. Instead, we see how deep surrender transforms us so that we can live from a place of profound love and trust rather than one of fear and control. When we open to the world, the world opens to us.
On this retreat, we will clearly identify the value of rest, investigate the obstacles to getting it, and learn how and why rest is liberating. Indeed, liberation is the ultimate rest! We’ll explore methods for practicing deep resting so that we can experience a spaciousness that helps us sense into the essence of things (including ourselves).
As we explore the shift from doing to being, we see that this transition does not deaden us in the face of a world in need. Instead, we see how deep surrender transforms us so that we can live from a place of profound love and trust rather than one of fear and control. When we open to the world, the world opens to us.
Location
Adamant Music School
Haggett Road, Adamant, VT, USA
Haggett Road, Adamant, VT, USA
Date & Time
October 23, 2026, 3:00 PM -
October 25, 2026, 1:00 PM
October 25, 2026, 1:00 PM
Your teachers for this retreat
Cara Lai
Cara is a meditation teacher, artist, and writer who helps people step out of the cycle of suffering and into the fullness of life. She is authorized to teach in the Theravada Buddhist Lineage through IMS/Spirit Rock, and she teaches at centers across the country, for the Happier app, Ten Percent Happier, Hatch, and more.
Zac Ispa-Landa
Zac is a mindfulness teacher and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Vermont. At the University, he teaches courses on ecology, environmental justice, mindfulness in the Anthropocene; honeybee biology and beekeeping; and sustainability. He teaches mindfulness at Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Inward Bound Mindfulness, MIT Sloan School, the Burlington Dharma Collective and Bhumisparsha.
Event Schedule
Black = silence
Blue = not in silence
Friday
3:00-5:00 Arrival and settling in
5:00-6:00 Welcome and Meditation
6:00-7:00 Vegetarian Potluck Dinner (Soup and Bread will be provided by the retreat)
7:00-8:30 Intro to retreat
8:30-10:00 Optional tea and quiet community time
Saturday
7:00-8:00 Meditation
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-12:30 Practice period
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:30 Rest
2:30-5:00 Practice period
5:00-6:00 Dinner
6:00-7:00 Practice period
7:00-8:00 Dharma Talk with Cara and Zac
8:00-9:00 Practice Period
9:00-10:00 Mantra/chanting
Sunday
7:00-8:00 Meditation
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Practice Period - Closing
12:00 Light Lunch
12:30 Clean Up/Leave
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Creative Campus at Goddard is a portion of the former Goddard College. The campus offers private bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Bedrooms are small and sparce, often only large enough for a bed and dresser. Beds sizes range from twin to full. All guests will share a bathrooms and showers. Bedding will be provided. Please bring your own towel for bathing.
MEALS
All meals are lovingly prepared by volunteer staff. Food is light and nutritious vegetarian fare that may include dairy and eggs. Food is served buffet-style. Coffee and tea are available all day. While we will try to have a variety of foods suitable for those with sensitivities to gluten and dairy, if you have special dietary needs you may wish to bring some or all your own food. All are welcome to bring snacks and other items to supplement the provided fare; note that refrigerator space in the kitchen is limited. All meals are included. If you are able and would like to, please to bring a vegetarian dish to share for the Friday evening Potluck dinner. Alcohol is not permitted.
PAYMENT
The $395 per person is all inclusive for the retreat weekend. Credit card payment is required at time of registration. Up to (4) tickets can be purchased in a single transaction. If you do not have access to a credit card, or if you would prefer to pay with an alternative method, please email the address below and we will arrange take another form of payment.
Refund policy:
A full refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by September25, 2026.
50% refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by October 9, 2026
No refund after October 10, 2026
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If you require financial assistance, please send an email to the address below and let us know what your ability to pay is. If we are able, we will offer partial scholarships.
For more information please email:
[email protected]
The Creative Campus at Goddard is a portion of the former Goddard College. The campus offers private bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Bedrooms are small and sparce, often only large enough for a bed and dresser. Beds sizes range from twin to full. All guests will share a bathrooms and showers. Bedding will be provided. Please bring your own towel for bathing.
MEALS
All meals are lovingly prepared by volunteer staff. Food is light and nutritious vegetarian fare that may include dairy and eggs. Food is served buffet-style. Coffee and tea are available all day. While we will try to have a variety of foods suitable for those with sensitivities to gluten and dairy, if you have special dietary needs you may wish to bring some or all your own food. All are welcome to bring snacks and other items to supplement the provided fare; note that refrigerator space in the kitchen is limited. All meals are included. If you are able and would like to, please to bring a vegetarian dish to share for the Friday evening Potluck dinner. Alcohol is not permitted.
PAYMENT
The $395 per person is all inclusive for the retreat weekend. Credit card payment is required at time of registration. Up to (4) tickets can be purchased in a single transaction. If you do not have access to a credit card, or if you would prefer to pay with an alternative method, please email the address below and we will arrange take another form of payment.
Refund policy:
A full refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by September25, 2026.
50% refund, minus a $50 processing fee, is available if canceled by October 9, 2026
No refund after October 10, 2026
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If you require financial assistance, please send an email to the address below and let us know what your ability to pay is. If we are able, we will offer partial scholarships.
For more information please email:
[email protected]
Location
Adamant Music School
Haggett Road, Adamant, VT, USA
Haggett Road, Adamant, VT, USA
We look forward to hosting you!