Alive & Awake: A meditation retreat
With Maria Helena Kubrusly
May 15 - 17, 2026
Our senses are gateways to presence. When we refine them, life reveals itself in deeper and more nourishing ways.
– Tarthang Tulku, Joy of Being
Give yourself three days to reconnect with your body, quiet your mind, and awaken your senses to the beauty of life. This retreat offers a gentle, nurturing space to slow down and return to the natural ease within you. We begin by cultivating mindful breathing—soft, spacious, and unhurried—allowing the mind to settle and the nervous system to relax. With guided slow movements and simple postures, tension dissolves
and a sense of calm presence naturally arises.
As the body relaxes and the mind becomes clearer, we turn toward the richness of our senses. Through practices that open us to seeing, hearing, and feeling more fully, we rediscover the beauty woven into each moment. Savoring life in this way reveals a quiet joy—an appreciation for what is unique, precious, and already here. This retreat is an invitation to inhabit your whole being, find balance, and experience the harmony of body and mind in the serene environment of Ratna Ling.
This program includes:
– Awareness of Breath
– Slow Movement & Relaxation (Tibetan Kum Nye)
– Refreshing and Refining the Senses
– Practices in Nature
– Tibetan Self-Massage
– Tibetan Sound Meditation
– Contemplation Practice
– Journaling and Reflection
COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require proof of vaccination AND negative test result from all visitors to Ratna Ling Retreat Center. We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.
SCHEDULE (Subject to change)
Friday
- 3:00pm-4 — Check-in
- 5:30-6:30pm — Dinner
- 6:30-8:00 — Opening Circle & Mantra Meditation
Saturday
- 8:00am-9am — Breakfast
- 9:00am-10:30am — Indoor/Outdoor Contemplation Exercise
- 10:50am-12:00pm — Meditation in Nature – Exploring the Senses
- 12:15pm-1pm — Lunch
- 1:00pm-4:15pm — Quiet Time- Optional massage and wellness treatments by appointment
- 4:15pm-5:15pm — Meditation in Nature
- 5:30pm-6:30 — Dinner
- 6:30-8pm — Sound Meditation and Self-Massage
Sunday
- 8am-8:45am — Tibetan Yoga (Kum Nye)
- 9:00am-10am — Closing Circle
- 10:00am-11:00am — Brunch
- 12:00pm — Checkout
For directions to Ratna Ling – Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included – carpooling encouraged
- All bookings are NON-REFUNDABLE. Should you wish to cancel your stay with us, Ratna Ling Retreat Center requires 30 days’ notice for a full credit to be TRANSFERRED to a future retreat within 1 year of original booking.
- Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
- spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
- vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
What people are saying about our retreats:
| “The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings – everything was so peaceful and nurturing.” | “Maria Helena’s retreat opened up my heart and helped me to get rid of past pain.” | “This retreat connected me to nature, connected me to my senses. It was revitalizing and relaxing. Thank you Maria Helena” |
| “What did I like most? Maria Helena’s gentle non-judgmental way of leading us “in” toward out being.” | “The instructor was magnificent! Setting was gorgeous, food terrific and accommodations were lovely!” | “I appreciated the tools for equanimity. This retreat was grounding after stressful months. It motivated me to further spiritual practice..” |
Facilitator
Maria Helena Kubrusly brings more than three decades of dedicated practice, study, and teaching within the Nyingma tradition to her work as a retreat leader. Born and raised in Brazil, Maria Helena was a founding member of the Nyingma Center in Rio de Janeiro, where she taught classes and guided retreats. She came to the United States in 1997 as a staff member and instructor at the Nyingma Institute in Berkeley, and has lived at…
Learn more about Maria Helena Kubrusly
