Resting in the Warm Heart of Compassion
With Ramananda John E. Welshons
February 6 - 8, 2026
A Winter Retreat for Going Within
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
One of the most significant aspects of our spiritual path is the practice of tuning in to Nature . . . honoring the flow of energies that wax and wane during the course of each year. In Winter, we are invited to “go within”—to embrace outer quiet and reduced activity in order to restore our bodies and our Spirit. We prepare for the rebirth and increased activity that come in Spring and Summer. Winter is a perfect time for expanding and deepening meditation and inner reflection. Take this opportunity for profound quiet and inner exploration. You will unveil the yearnings and energies that are germinating in the silence of your heart—and lay the groundwork for them to find expression when the fertile atmosphere of Spring returns.
“John is wonderfully informative, humble, funny and wise—as always, I learned important lessons from him.” ~ Retreatant, August 2025

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Immerse yourself in pristine serenity, aided by Winter’s invitation to settle into stillness and peace. Together, we will explore the timeless wisdom of the Four Noble Truths, and their application to the unique sources of suffering in our modern world. How do we learn to experience Joy when we live in a world filled with uncertainty, impermanence, and disappointment? How do we work with anxiety and fear? How do we heal from the losses we have experienced? How do we find the path to our own True Nature—and learn to live beautifully—in the sacred sanctuary of Love, Compassion, and Peace that rests in the core of our Being? Discover the answers during this transformative weekend, which will include:
- Teachings, reflections, dialogue and dharma talks
- Discussion of practices, perspectives and techniques to help us carry meditation practice into daily life
- Guided group meditation
- Gentle yoga
Through meditation practice, dialogue, and dharma talks we will experience a weekend focused on deep rest and finding Inner Peace and Equanimity no matter what is going on in our bodies, our lives, or in the world. You will leave feeling inspired, uplifted, and supported—with new tools for “living in peace” despite the turmoil of the world around you.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Interactive sessions with questions and answers
- Guided meditations – including sitting, walking, and lying-down meditation
- Gentle yoga (optional)
- Delicious, healthy vegetarian food
- Beautiful accommodations Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna

OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday, February 6
| 3:00 PM | Check in begins |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Welcome and Introduction |
| 9:00-9:30 PM | Calming Meditation Techniques |
Saturday, February 7
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Program |
| 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Meditation |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:30 PM | Personal time, woods walk, or personal meditation |
| 2:30-4:30 PM | Program |
| 5:00-6:00 PM | Meditation (optional) |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:30-9:30 PM | Evening Program |
Sunday, February 8
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Morning Meditation |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:30 AM-11:30 AM | Program |
| 11:30 AM-12:00PM | Closing Q & A and Blessings |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teacher
Ramananda John E. Welshons is a highly respected contemporary spiritual teacher – and one of our foremost authorities on using unwanted change and loss as inspiration for our spiritual journey. He has been practicing meditation and various forms of yoga for more than 55 years and has been lecturing and leading meditation workshops across North America since the 1970’s. He was a close associate of Ram Dass and Stephen Levine, and trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. He is the author of three critically-acclaimed books: One Soul, One Love, One Heart; Awakening From Grief; and When Prayers Aren’t Answered. www.johnwelshons.com
Learn more about Ramananda John E. Welshons





