Nature's Portals: Take a Journey to the Heart of Nature

A Spiritual Living Retreat

“Look at the beautiful earth and how nature keeps it in balance–how there is a plan, an Intelligence behind everything in creation.”

— Paramahansa Yogananda

Come experience the beauty of autumn and the many portals through which nature encourages us to come into our own balance. The energy of the changing season encourages us to let go, breathe deeply, and remember our connection to the living world.

Throughout the weekend, we’ll explore the many ways immersing ourselves in nature helps us expand our awareness, adjust our perspective, and awaken our spirit. We’ll drop into the present moment and relax into nature’s flow through guided experiences, playful discovery, and peaceful reflection.

As the forests surrounding Song of the Morning are transformed by vibrant color, you’ll be invited to step into nature not simply as an observer, but as a participant in its restorative power.

Whether walking beneath the colorful canopy, sitting beside the river, or gazing into an endless sky, you’ll find opportunities to reconnect with nature–and yourself.

Touched by River and Sky

Experience the nurturing presence of the natural world through practices that cultivate wonder, awareness, and gratitude. Slow down and awaken your senses through Forest Bathing, I Am the Cloud, Listening to Nature, and the Trail of Beauty, discovering the sacred that surrounds us in this special season as you relax into the flow.

Experience Deep Nature Play

Rediscover curiosity, joy, and childlike wonder through creative experiences that deepen your relationship with the earth. Activities include Meet a Tree, Silent Sharing Walk, Camera Game, the playful UnNature Trail, Animal Ears & Sound Map, inviting you to see, hear, and experience nature in fresh and unexpected ways.

Find the Quiet Nature Offers

Nature speaks most clearly when we become still enough to listen. Through Stillness Meditation, Water Is Like the Mind, Expanding Circles, and opportunities for quiet reflection, you’ll discover how silence, presence, and the gentle rhythms of the natural world can calm the mind—a calm, uncluttered mind is one of the best remedies to ease the stresses in life, and the forest will gently remind you to let your cares drop off like autumn leaves.

Whether this is your first visit to Song of the Morning or you’re returning to Nature’s Portals, we welcome you to take a journey to the heart of nature with us. We trust you’ll leave with a renewed sense of wonder, a deeper connection to the natural world, and simple practices you can carry into your everyday life.

Registration Details

• All-Inclusive: Prices are all inclusive and reflect your accommodations, meals throughout the retreat, access to all retreat programs, and the $150 retreat fee.
• Lodging Fee: By clicking the Register Now button, you will be able to pay for your lodging, which includes meals and the retreat fee. The $150 retreat fee helps make these programs sustainable far into the future, and we are grateful to keep this cost as accessible as possible through the generosity of our donors. It is included automatically when you register. Dormitory-style lodging is available for those on a budget, with a sliding scale for those in need. Please reach out to our office for sliding scale and partial work-trade opportunities.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Weekend Schedule | Nature’s Portals: Take a Journey to the Heart of Nature

Please note: These times and locations may change slightly. You will receive your final schedule at check-in.

Friday

2:00–4:00 p.m. – Arrive and get settled
5:00 p.m. – Dinner
6:15 p.m. – Coming Together (Walk to the Tipi)
8:00 p.m. – Meditation with the Clear Light Community (Lodge)

Saturday

8:30 a.m. – Meditative Morning Walk (Meet at the Domes)
10:00 a.m. – Brunch
11:15 a.m. – Forest, River, and Sky Activities
    (Meet near the Lodge under the tall tree. Bring a water bottle.)
2:30 p.m. – Snacks and Free Time to rest, relax, or enjoy nature on your own
3:30 p.m. – Golden Lotus Hatha Yoga class (Domes)
5:00 p.m. – Dinner
6:30 p.m. – Reflection and Sharing Inspiration Activity (Wheelhouse)
8:00 p.m. – Community Meditation (Lodge)
9:15 p.m. – Campfire, Nature Stories, and S’mores (vegan and gluten-free options available)

Sunday

9:00 a.m. – Closing Activities: Continuing the Journey at Home (Wheelhouse)
11:00 a.m. – Community Sunday Service (Domes)
1:00 p.m. – Sunday Dinner

Click the button on this page to register