The Depths of Winter: An Insight and Continuum Retreat

Mid-winter holds a particular medicine. The long nights and relative darkness create natural conditions for deep introspection—a time when the external world quiets and inner landscapes become luminous. The Depths of Winter is a silent meditation retreat designed to harness this seasonal wisdom, inviting you to release what no longer serves and meet the present moment with both groundedness and openness.

Held at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, CA, this retreat weaves together two complementary practices: Insight Meditation, the foundational Buddhist tradition of mindful awareness, and Continuum, a somatic discipline pioneered by Emilie Conrad that uses breath, sound, and intrinsic movement to unlock the body's innate intelligence. Led by respected teacher and clinician Erin Selover and Continuum pioneer Susan Harper, the retreat creates a rare opportunity to integrate contemplative clarity with somatic wisdom—meeting the full spectrum of your being.

Whether you're drawn to deepen your meditation practice, explore the intersection of mind and body, or simply answer the call of the season, this retreat offers a sanctuary for genuine transformation. The silence, the candlelit sessions, the time in nature, and the expert guidance create conditions for releasing fixed patterns and narratives that have dimmed your light.

What to Expect

Days unfold in a carefully held rhythm. You'll engage in guided meditation sessions that anchor awareness in the present moment, receive dharma reflections that illuminate your practice, and participate in somatic explorations that invite the body to release unconscious holding patterns. Teacher-led inquiry sessions and small group gatherings (the only times the silence is broken) provide space to integrate insights and ask questions in a supportive container.

The retreat maintains silence except during these structured meetings, deepening the quality of inward attention. Candlelit evening practices create an intimate, contemplative atmosphere. Time in nature—surrounded by the redwoods and hills of Marin County—offers restoration and grounding. You'll leave with a clearer sense of what patterns you're ready to release, a felt experience of the body's wisdom, and renewed access to your own innate wholeness.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, located in Woodacre, California—a sacred sanctuary nestled in Marin County known for its beautiful grounds and supportive community. The retreat begins Tuesday, January 19, 2027. Wear comfortable, warm clothing suitable for meditation and somatic movement; the center provides accommodations and meals. Please contact Spirit Rock directly for accessibility accommodations and specific logistics regarding arrival and departure times.