1 Space Remaining
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Waking Up in the Wild: Retreat in the Temple of Nature (Residential Only)
September 30 - October 6, 2025
About this Retreat
Lama Willa Blythe Baker, Ph.D. is the Founder of Natural Dharma Fellowship in Boston, MA and its retreat center Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH. She was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after twelve years of monastic training and two consecutive three-year retreats. She also has trained in the Nyingma and Shangpa lineages. In 2013, Willa completed a doctorate at Harvard University, and was Visiting Lecturer in Buddhist Ministry from 2013 to 2017.
Willa is author of four books:
The Wakeful Body: Somatic Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom (2021),
The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work (2012),
Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You (2009), and
Essence of Ambrosia (2005). Her articles and translations have appeared in
Tricycle, Lion’s Roar,
Buddhadharma,
Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies,
Tibet Journal, and other periodicals and anthologies.
She is a contemplative faculty member with the Mind and Life Institute, Sangha Live, One Earth Sangha, Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, the Omega Institute and Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. She is a member of Clark University’s Council of the Uncertain Human Future and sits on the advisory board for One Earth Sangha.
At present, Willa writes, teaches, guides meditation retreats, and develops curriculum for people interested in cultivating a deep meditation practice in daily life. Her teaching interests include the wisdom of the body, eco-dharma, non-dual awareness and compassion.
Lama, Managing Teacher, Spiritual Co-Director
Elizabeth Monson, PhD, is the Spiritual Co-Director of Natural Dharma Fellowship and the Managing Teacher at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in Springfield, NH.
Liz was authorized as a dharma teacher and lineage holder in the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism after over 30 years of studying, practicing, and teaching Tibetan Buddhism in the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages. In 2015, Liz completed a doctorate at Harvard University, and was a Visiting Lecturer in the Study of Religion in 2015-16.
Liz is the author of two books: <em>More Than a Madman: The Divine Words of Drukpa Kunley</em> (2014) <em>Tales of a Mad Yogi: The Life and Wild Wisdom of Drukpa Kunley</em> (2021)
Liz is currently working on a book on Buddhist Tantra for publication with Shambhala Publications (forthcoming 2025). Her articles have appeared in Tricycle, Lion’s Roar, Buddhadharma, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, and other periodicals.
At present, Liz writes, guides meditation retreats, and develops curricula for people interested in reconnecting with the natural world and in responding to contemporary social and spiritual issues as a path for liberation. She is engaged in an ongoing exploration of the potential of combining Buddhist meditation and indigenous plant medicines and psychedelics as portals for accessing and resting in the natural state.
Liz teaches around New England and online, helping people to access their innate awakened energies and open awareness and to discover tools for how to become free in everyday life. She focuses her teaching on developing diverse methods for incorporating the Buddhist teachings into this human life through the practices of kindness and compassion, and on recognizing the natural state in every moment of our lives. She derives inspiration from the teachings of Anam Thupten, Mingyur Rinpoche, and Tsoknyi Rinpoche. She finds deep solace and healing in the teachings that have long been held by native peoples around the planet, teachings that are continuously streaming towards us from the natural world.
Details of this retreat
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Take your practice into the wild with Lama Liz and Lama Willa and take in the beautiful season of color in New Hampshire. We will hike and meditate amongst forests, mountains, valleys and lakes, as we explore the power of the earth, water, sun, trees and sky to open us to our deepest nature - a way of being that acknowledges and supports the flow of love that unites all beings in oneness, gratitude, and profound joy.
Spiritual traditions from all over the world honor the sacred interconnectedness between the human, non-human, and the natural world. From the shamanic traditions of South America to the Buddha and the Dzogchen yogis of Tibet, ancient masters have long relied on the power of the natural world to nurture peace and awaken insight. Following this impulse, we can deeply inhabit our lives as indigenous (“sprung from the earth”).
Through rekindling our innate interconnectedness with the natural world, we simultaneously discover the spacious, luminous, and awake qualities of our own being. Within this web of interconnectedness, we discover that liberation from suffering and the freedom to realize our aspirations are not about transcending the human condition, but about finding the inherent freedom within it.
Please join us to:
Practice with nature as the guru
Commune with the elements
Ground and connect in community
Find liberation in movement in the fresh air
We will explore and develop a repertoire of practices and contemplative approaches that allow us to take nature as a teacher. We will discover how communing with the elemental forces of fire, water, earth, air, and space can heal the body, transform the heart and liberate the mind. Our “meditation hall” will migrate from the forest to the shores of mountain lakes, from verdant valleys to rocky summits.
Mornings and evenings, we will ground in practice and teaching in Wonderwell’s historic Meditation Hall. Weather permitting, our days will be spent meditating in the temple of the brilliant autumn landscape of rural New Hampshire. We will take the principles of meditation into walking, hiking, and other forms of mindful movement.
REQUIREMENTS: All levels of meditation practice are welcome. Vigorous activity is a main practice in this retreat. Participants MUST be capable of hiking four to five miles per day over moderate mountainous terrain to join in all activities. Please intend to participate in the daily hike. Alternative activities at Wonderwell will not be available.
Note: If the physical requirements in this description are not a fit for you, we invite you to consider other NDF offerings on our calendar this year that will bring you into relationship with nature such as our Green Dharma Retreat or Rewilding the Soul Solstice and Equinox celebrations (found on our main schedule each season).
Typical Retreat Schedule
(All times are Eastern time zone)
First Day — Orientation at 6:45 pm. Opening session begins around 7:00 pm.
Full-Day Schedule — Morning meditation 7:00 am; Breakfast break 8:00-9:30 am; Lunch break 12:00-2:00 pm; Dinner break 5:30-7:00 pm. Evening session 7:00-8:30 pm
Last Day —The closing session end at 12:00 pm.
These times are just for reference. An expanded schedule will be provided in pre-retreat information emailed during the week prior to the event.
Important Health Information
COVID-19 testing is no longer required. Masks are optional and encouraged if you are at higher risk. We encourage you to stay at home if you are symptomatic to protect others.ional and encouraged if you are at higher risk. We encourage you to stay at home if you are symptomatic to protect others.
Scholarships
Natural Dharma Fellowship strives to offer retreats in a manner that is inclusive and accessible. If the full retreat cost would create an undue financial burden, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship. Please visit this page on our website to learn more about financial aid options.
Please do not apply for financial assistance until after you have registered for the retreat. If the required deposit would be an obstacle, please contact register@naturaldharma.org.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away at register@naturaldharma.org. Cancellations affect our ability to offer rooms to others and create additional work for our staff, therefore we charge the following fees to help mitigate these costs.
For cancellations (based on program start date):
> 45 days: 100% refund minus a $75 admin. fee.
31-45 days: 50% refund of the required deposit; or 75% refund if registration paid in full.
21-30 days: 50% refund of total registration cost
< 21 days: nonrefundable
If you must cancel due to an emergency or extenuating circumstances, please contact us at register@naturaldharma.org.
Natural Dharma Fellowship Full Calendar
Accommodation
We offer a variety of accommodations, from dormitories for women and men, to double shared rooms some with private bath, some with shared bath, private rooms with private or shared baths, and a lovely Benefactor Suite at some retreats. We also offer the possibility of camping in warmer months, and all retreats also have a non-residential option, if you are commuting from home or staying at a local B&B or motel.
Suite for Benefactor
The Vajra Suite is a spacious, air-conditioned private bedroom with private deck and bath, furnished with a king bed. This accommodation also includes a separate meditation room with spectacular views of the mountains and a private kitchenette. By choosing this Benefactor room option and paying at a higher rate, you are supporting Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in our efforts to maintain and improve our historic building and the grounds and to make retreat practice more accessible for all. Thank you.
Private Room: Queen Bed & Ensuite Bath
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This private room selection provides a queen size bed and en-suite bath. There are two rooms located on the second floor and one on the third floor. These rooms can also be used by couples staying at Wonderwell. In that case, please select "2 guests," and the price will automatically adjust to the cost of two "Shared Room w/Ensuite Bath" rates. The second guest will then receive an email with a link to complete the personal registration questions and will not be considered registered until those questions are answered and received.
The queen beds come with 2 pillows, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own queen bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat - $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it.
The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort.We ask that guests bring their own queen bed linens and bath towels.
Fireplaces in bedrooms are not to be used and no candles please.
Private Room: Queen Bed & Hall Bath
This private room selection, one located on the third floor and one in the basement, provides a queen-size bed and a hall bath. They can also be used by a couple staying at Wonderwell. In that case, please select "2 guests," and the price will adjust to the cost of two people in a shared room with hall bath. The second guest will then receive an email to complete the personal registration questions and will not be considered registered until those questions are answered and received.
The queen bed come with two pillows, a blanket, and a bedspread. Out of concern for energy and water conservation, we ask guests to bring their own queen-bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat - $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need them.
Private Room: Twin Bed & Ensuite Bath
Each private room bed comes with a pillow, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own twin bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat- $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it.
Private Room: Twin Bed & Hall Bath
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One private room with hall bath is located on the second floor and two are in the walkout basement, with inside stairs for dining and Meditation Hall access. The shared bathroom has one toilet, a sink and a shower. There is also a sitting area and a kitchen in the basement. Please only use the microwave and coffee maker and no other appliances. You may store food in the refrigerator, but be sure to remove it when you depart. If there are people camping in the backyard, you will also share the basement bathroom with them. They do not share any other basement amenities.
Each private room bed comes with a pillow, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own twin bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat- $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it.
The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort.
Shared Room: Twin Bed & Ensuite Bath
![Accommodation]()
If you register for a shared room, you are agreeing that you will accept sharing it with someone you don't know. If you are not willing to make that agreement, please do not register for a shared room. Unrelated men and women will never be assigned to the same room.
Each shared room in this price range contains two twin beds (couples may want to reserve a private room with a queen bed) and an ensuite bathroom. The bathroom is only used by the two people assigned to the room. All but one of Wonderwell's shared rooms with ensuite baths are located on the second and third floors. Each twin bed comes with a pillow, a blanket, and a bedspread. The room on the first floor is handicap accessible; please contact the registrar for availability.
Out of concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent bed linen and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat- $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it.
The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort.
If you prefer a certain roommate, please list their name in the comment section of the registration form. Please know, that by selecting this room option, you will have a roommate. You understand that others have various sleeping habits and can snore. If this is of concern, we recommend choosing a private room.
If you have a favorite room, you may request it in the comment section of the registration form. No guarantees!
Shared Room: Twin Bed & Hall Bath
![Accommodation]()
If you register for a shared room, you are agreeing that you will accept sharing it with someone you don't know. If you are not willing to make that agreement, please do not register for a shared room. Unrelated men and women will never be assigned to the same room.
There are two shared rooma in this price range, and they have two twin beds with a hallway bathroom shared with two other room. They are located on the third floor.
Each bed comes with a pillow, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent bed linen and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat- $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it.
The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort.
Please know, that by selecting this room option, you will have a roommate. You understand that others have various sleeping habits and can snore. If this is of concern, we recommend choosing a private room.
If you have a favorite room, you may request it in the comment section of the registration form. No guarantees!
Dorm: Women
The women's dorm is on the second floor, has 6 twin beds and shares a hallway bathroom with a double sink, two privacy stalls and one shower. The Women's Dorm bathroom accommodates both men and women.
Each dorm bed comes with a pillow, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own twin bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat - $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it.
Please note: when you sign up for dorm accommodations, you acknowledge the fact that you are sleeping in a room with many other people, who may snore or have other sleeping habits. Please come prepared for this.
The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort.
Dorm: Men
The men's dorm has 3 twin beds and a bathroom serving only this dorm. Each dorm bed comes with a pillow, a blanket, and a bedspread. In concern for energy and water conservation we ask guests to bring their own twin bed linens and bath towels. Wonderwell does rent sheets and towels when it's necessary for those flying in for retreat - $10 for bed linens and $5 for a bath towel. Please select those add-ons during the registration process if you need it.
Please note: when you sign up for dorm accommodations, you acknowledge the fact that you are sleeping in a room with many other people, who may snore or have other sleeping habits. Please come prepared for this. We have free foam ear plugs available, as well as fitted "snore-proof" silicon ear plugs for which we charge $2.
The rooms can be drafty at times; each room may vary in temperature depending on the season. Fans and heaters are in the closet. You may bring anything else that you need for your comfort.
For Commuter
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Please ONLY register as a commuter if you plan to attend ALL of the retreat IN PERSON at Wonderwell. Exceptions for weather, etc. will, of course, be considered on a case by case basis.
The price for commuters includes all meals and the teaching curriculum. There are many places for you to relax within the building, during breaks. There is a living room on the first floor, 2 dining rooms on the first floor, a large outdoor covered porch extending from the large dining room, a couch on the second floor and a day bed in the hallway of the third floor.
The self-contained vehicle camping option applies to campers that BOTH meet our vehicle requirements (see below) AND contain full bathroom facilities. If you will NOT be using a shower at Wonderwell, but instead will use the one in your vehicle parked at Wonderwell, you are considered a commuter for the purposes of registration.
COMMUTING
Though Wonderwell cannot guarantee availability or certify the quality or assist in making a local lodging choice, here are some nearby lodging options:
Stay with local sangha members and friends
Grantham: Home of sangha member (with Barbara P)
Wilmot: Home of sangha member (with Phil M)
New London, NH
(15 to 20 minute drive)
Fairway Motel
The New London Inn
Maple Hill Farm
Lamplighter Motor Inn
Inn at Pleasant Lake
Sunapee, NH
(15 to 20 minute drive)
Burkehaven Lodge
Dexter's Inn
Twin Doors
Sunapee Harbor Cottages
Enfield, NH
(20 minute drive; 30 minutes in winter)
The Enfield Shaker Museum
Stanford Bed and Breakfast
Shaker Hill Bed and Breakfast
Shaker Farm Bed and Breakfast
One campground in Lebanon (30 minute drive)
Mascoma Lake Campground
Camping: Tent or Vehicle
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Please click on "More Details" below to read about the possibilities for tent or vehicle camping. Indicate in the Comments box if you intend to camp in a tent or a vehicle.
TENTING
If two people are sharing a campsite, they must register separately, entering the tent mate's name in the roommate box on the registration form.
When selecting to sleep in a tent outdoors, it is required that you are familiar and comfortable with camping in all possible weather conditions, out in the country of New Hampshire. Please bring all necessary equipment, including (but not limited to) tent, stakes, rain fly, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, flashlight, bug spray, etc. Check these items to make certain all pieces are in working order before arrival. There isn't staff available to help you set up your equipment, please be self sufficient in this regard.
The tenting area is located directly behind the building in the yard. We can not have any tents on the side of the house, or anywhere visible from the road.
Shower/bathroom accommodations are available in the basement by entering the back door marked "Camping Bathroom Access." Please do not linger in basement area, other then using the bathroom. The basement is part of the retreat center and Noble Silence applies to this area, as well as all areas of the grounds, when the program requires it.
If for some reason (rain, bugs, etc.) you would like to upgrade your accommodations and move into the building during the retreat, for even one night:
Upgrades to Dorm or Shared Room accommodations are possible only when checking with the Retreat Manager first.
The cost for an Upgrade is the difference between the camper rate, and the rate of the new accommodation.
VEHICLE CAMPING
If you plan to shower in your vehicle during the retreat, you may register as a commuter/self-contained vehicle camper. Please do check with us first.
A limited number of spots for vehicle camping are available at all Wonderwell retreats, provided the following points are adhered to:
There is NO DUMPING offered at Wonderwell. If a camping vehicle is self-contained, it must have holding tanks for both gray and black water. All dumping of waste water must be done at an appropriate facility off-site.
Campers must NOT exceed 25 feet in length.
NO LEVELING DEVICES (jacks) are permitted. You must park in the lower lot.
Absolutely NO GENERATORS may be used at any time.
All vehicles/campers must have 4 rigid sides (no pop-up campers). Folding campers are prohibited. Also prohibited are car rooftop tents or sleeping in cars, trucks or mini vans.
NO OUTDOOR COOKING is permitted at any time.
With the exception of a true emergency, the camper must remain parked between the hours of 8:00 pm and 7:00 am.
If you will NOT be showering in your vehicle during the retreat, you will be assigned to one of our two shared full baths at Wonderwell to shower during the retreat.
If you DO plan to shower in your vehicle during the retreat, you may register as a commuter. Please do check with us first."
Thanks for your cooperation!
If two people are sharing a camper van, they must register separately.
Camping: Self-Contained Vehicle
![Accommodation]()
The self-contained vehicle camping option applies to campers that BOTH meet our vehicle requirements (see below) AND contain full bathroom facilities. You will NOT be using a shower at Wonderwell, but instead will use the one in your vehicle parked at WonderwellA limited number of spots for vehicle camping are available at all Wonderwell retreats, provided the following points are adhered to:
There is NO DUMPING offered at Wonderwell. If a camping vehicle is self-contained, it must have holding tanks for both gray and black water. All dumping of waste water must be done at an appropriate facility off-site.
Campers must NOT exceed 25 feet in length.
NO LEVELING DEVICES (jacks) are permitted. You must park in the lower lot.
Absolutely NO GENERATORS may be used at any time.
All vehicles/campers must have 4 rigid sides (no pop-up campers). Folding campers are prohibited. Also prohibited are car rooftop tents or sleeping in cars, trucks or mini vans.
NO OUTDOOR COOKING is permitted at any time.
With the exception of a true emergency, the camper must remain parked between the hours of 8:00 pm and 7:00 am.
If you DO plan to shower in your vehicle during the retreat, you may register as a commuter. Please do check with us first."
Thanks for your cooperation!
If two people are sharing a camper van, they must register separately.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Located on twenty-five acres of rolling hills in Springfield, New Hampshire, Wonderwell was originally built as a summer home in 1911. Tranquil and serene, surrounded by woods, meadows, gardens, and century-old stone walls, Wonderwell’s stately main building offers a comfortable and spacious setting in which the transformative potential of meditation—for work, community and daily life—can be explored and realized. Recently, due to its many unique features, the building has been recognized as a New Hampshire state historic site.
The house is situated on a west-facing hillside with sweeping views of sky and mountains. On one end of the building is the Great Room, now the meditation hall, which can accommodate groups of up to 100 people. The hall has an oak balcony encircling the room above and two fieldstone fireplaces. Other features of this historic building include a large covered porch for outdoor practice, a kitchen with industrial appliances, dining facilities, 13 bathrooms, and 15 bedrooms of varying capacities sleeping up to 36 people. We have been working tirelessly, with a successful major capital campaign and continuing renovations, to bring Wonderwell into the 21st century, and complete the work necessary to keep this lovely historic building code-compliant, safe, and sustainable.
The house is partially shielded from a country road by majestic, old oak trees, and is framed by well-established perennials, with multiple garden spaces. Behind the house is an acre of open field that gives way to sloping forested land with excellent trail system potential and sites for several retreat cabins. The back of the house faces west toward jaw-dropping, sky-gazing views of Mount Croyden, behind which the sun sets in the evening.
For the many volunteers and benefactors who support Wonderwell, as well as for the people who work there, caring for Wonderwell has become a practice of sacred stewardship. For all of these people, Wonderwell is not just a building; it is a community.
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