Denver
3 Day Retreat

Denver, Colorado February 27-29, 2026
Location TBD

Led by Cori Barker

The retreat leaders embody a spirit of kindness, wisdom, and enthusiasm for sharing their knowledge and experience with others. The 10-day, 9-night course is a comprehensive TWIM meditation course. Single and shared rooms are available, along with two buffet-style meals per day. No evening meal is served for this type of retreats. Supplemental foods are permitted for certain dietary conditions. Evening Dhamma talks by the teachers offer detailed instructions and discussion about deep meditative experiences. The teachers provide private daily interviews to help participants advance smoothly in the stages of meditation leading to insight and freedom of mind.

The retreat is structured for beginners new to TWIM and experienced meditators seeking to deepen their practice. TWIM practice cultivates a balance of insight (vipassana) and tranquility (samatha), explicitly using loving-kindness, compassion, and joy (brahmaviharas) as a meditative home base or object. Emphasis is placed on mastering the practice of “Right Effort,” as described in early Buddhist texts. It is taught using the Six R methodology as an effective response to distractions when they arise in meditation.

Co-teachers this year are Cassandra Gearhart, Ph.D, and Adam Eurich. They live and teach weekly meditation classes in Austin. Both studied, practiced, and mentored for many years with the late Venerable Bhante Vimalaramsi. They share a depth of understanding of meditation for beginners and advanced practitioners who are seeking development in at the deep end meditation. They offer valuable perspectives to cultivate the awakening factors leading to a liberated mind as taught by the Buddha. For more information, see their bio’s on this site: Cassandra Gearhart, Ph.D. | Adam Eurich.

Denver Retreat Location TBD

Located 83 miles south of San Francisco International Airport. St. Francis Retreat Center is situated on a sunny hillside only a few miles from the historic town of San Juan Bautista east of Monterey Bay.

The contemporary Spanish-style building complex is nestled among shade trees and vineyards on 70 acres of rolling hills and meadows. Spacious Meditation Halls and outdoor practice areas are ideal for deep and secluded meditation practice. There are hillside walking trails and a lake path to maintain regular exercise. Outdoor benches with spectacular views of the Hollister Valley offer immediate serenity in the mind and body. Meditative silence is maintained throughout the course, except for daily interviews and discussions during Q&A segments.

Guidelines:

Practice times, rest periods, and mealtimes are based on the retreat’s individual goals. Participants must attend the morning group meditation and evening presentation; please be prompt for group meetings and interviews. Arrive early, especially in the waiting area outside the interview room. The teachers will suggest self-directed sitting and walking meditation periods based on individual needs and interests. There is abundant Indoor and outdoor space for sitting and walking practice.

Mobile devices are not permitted at any time during the retreat. They must be secured with the retreat managers and stored, and they will be returned to their owners on the last evening following the closing remarks.

Video of beginning Loving-Kindness guided meditation video with David Johnson

Comfortable shared rooms for single and double occupancy include a private bathroom with a shower, comfortable beds, pillows, linens, blankets, towels, washcloths, and soap. A desk with reading lights provides cozy and warm accommodation on chilly California nights. Several meditation Halls are located in comfortable, well-heated buildings throughout the campus.

The dining room offers spacious indoor and outdoor patio seating with panoramic views of lawns and gardens. Two meals a day are served buffet style. Both offer vegetarian or meat/fish entrees with gluten-free options, including salads, fruits, and side dishes. Hot and cold beverages, including tea, hot chocolate, and coffee, are available 24/7. Refrigerated food storage is available to those with special dietary needs or eating disorders that require supplementing.

Denver TWIM Weekend Retreat - Registration and Payment

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Preparation for Retreat - Attending a multi-day residential meditation retreat can be challenging for beginners. By submitting this form you agree that your are physically and psychologically capable of participating in this type of meditation retreat. *

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Observing Noble Silence - I understand that this is a silent retreat and that I consent to having devices (computers, laptops, smart phone, etc.) securely stored in the custody of the retreat manager for the duration of the retreat. I also agree to uphold meditative silence as prescribed by the retreat leaders and understand that it is a benefit to me and other participants to practice in silence. *

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Understanding Retreat Fees - Retreat fees only cover accommodations, meals, and direct costs of hosting the retreat. It is only through individual generosity that teachers receive money and gifts. Donations may be offered directly to individual teachers at the conclusion of a retreat. *

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Current Medical Status

Please let us know if you are currently undergoing therapy or are on medications such as SSRIs, etc.

Meal choice - choose one

One meal per day will be provided by at the retreat. You are welcome to have breakfast at home before coming to the retreat each day.

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Fee Acknowledgement

Non-Refundable after Registration Closing Date Fee Acknowledgement. FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER FEBRUARY 1st, 2026, Any and all retreat fees that have been paid are non-refundable after February 1st, 2025. However, nonrefunded retreat fees may be credited toward any TWIM Network sponsored retreat within 24-months from the date of payment of nonrefundable fees paid.

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Fee Acknowledgement

Conduct -Based Dismissal/Non-Refund of Fee Acknowledgement FEES NON-REFUNDABLE FOR CONDUCT-BASED DISMISSAL Any and all retreat fees that have been paid are non-refundable if a retreatant is dismissed from the retreat for any of the following reasons: 1) disruptive, abusive, or threatening speech as determined by the Retreat Manager 2) disruptive, abusive, or threatening behavior as determined by the Retreat Manager 3) talking except during interviews with the teacher and post Dhamma-talk Q&As 4) failure to surrender to the Retreat Manager on the first night of the retreat all cell phones/screens and electronic devices capable of communication 5) deliberately harming a living being 6) stealing 7) possession or use of drugs or alcohol 8) failure to follow the retreat schedule 9) failure to follow or the reasonable directions of the teacher or Retreat Manager 10) destruction of property of retreatants or the retreat center.

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Retreat Schedule

Practice times and rest periods are based on individual needs and goals. Participants are required to attend the morning group meditation and evening presentation. For interviews, arrive early in the waiting area outside the conference room and wait to be notified. Teachers will advise self-directed sitting and walking meditation periods based on individual needs. There are abundant Indoor and outdoor spaces for practice.

FIRST DAY: Friday, April 3

Saturday, April 4—Saturday April 11

5:30 am Wake up (BELL)
6:00 am Group Precepts followed by Meditation, Upper Conference Room
7:00 am Breakfast (BELL)
8:00 am Group Meditation (BELL), Upper Conference Room
8:30 am - 11:30 noon Self-Directed Meditation and Interviews
11:30 am - 1:00 pm Lunch/Rest (BELL)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Self Directed Meditation and Interviews (BELL)
4:30 pm Teachers Conference
5:30 pm Tea Break (BELL)
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Dhamma talk (BELL) Upper Conference Room
8:00 Self-Directed Meditation and Rest

LAST DAY: April 12

Payment and Refund Policy

This is a non-profit retreat. The teachings are free and without charge. The fees cover fixed costs at St. Francis Retreat Center, including food, lodging, insurance, teacher travel, and minimal administration expenses. Retreat staff are unpaid volunteers.

Single Occupancy Room $1595 1 person
Shared Occupancy Room $2770 2 persons
Shared occupancy requires an agreed upon arrangement to share with a spouse, partner or friend.

Please add retreats@twim.network to your contact list to avoid Emails going to spam or other folders

Click the Blue button above to register and pay deposit or pay full registration fees.
If the retreat is cancelled for reasons beyond our control, payments made will be refunded minus the standard bank processing fee of 2.9% and will be credited to the original source of payment within ten banking days.
For more information contact retreats@TWIM.network

We have changed our retreat cancellation policy and fees to mitigate the effects of late cancellations as of 8/1/24.

$50 fee for cancellations at least eight weeks prior to opening day (Before Feb 2, 2026)
$200 fee for cancellations eight to four weeks before opening day (Between Feb 2 and March 2 , 2026)
Full payment of registration due six weeks before opening day (March 17, 2026)
Cancellations after March 17, 2026 are not refundable but fees may be applied toward payment for future retreats or symposiums hosted by the TWIM. Network, TWIM Foundation, and Awaken Insight Retreats in the U.S. for up to 18 months following the cancellation date. Alternatively, fees may be donated to the retreat leaders or the TWIM.network as a tax exemption 501c3 charitable organization.
The retreat is administered and staffed entirely by volunteers for the TWIM Network—Tranquil Wisdom Insight Meditation, a Non-profit 501c3 tax exempt organization.

Simplicity and Renunciation

Meditation retreats offer a sacred space protected and removed from the world. They allow participants to look deeply inside, quiet their minds, and open their hearts. The most beneficial and rewarding spiritual life experiences often happen at a meditation retreat. The sheltered and quiet setting is crucial for developing patience, steadfastness, lovingkindness, generosity, joy, and wisdom.

These are the seeds that grow insight, compassion, and happiness. Participants are requested to let go of concerns for daily life and embrace an attitude of simplicity and renunciation by adopting a traditional spiritual practice called “taking what is offered.”

Taking What is Offered

Taking any Residence—whatever quarters are offered. We ask participants to happily accept the assigned accommodation and continue practicing this spirit throughout the retreat.
Taking Food that is Offered—Happily accepting food that is offered is part of the practice. The cook lovingly prepares tasty and nutritious meals. Gluten-free alternatives will be available for those with medically required dietary restrictions. Participants with other special dietary needs may arrange with the retreat manager to bring supplemental food items with them to the retreat. Food is prohibited in rooms and the meditation hall. The kitchen is restricted to St. Francis staff.
Silence – In fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and meditation, participants are expected to embrace the practice of silence during the retreat. Living in silence is the practice of observing within and not communicating with others. This includes reading or writing, telephones, computers, email, or text messages. Talking is permitted during the evening dhamma talks and teacher interviews when questions are encouraged. Inquiries about the retreat may be directed to a retreat manager or whenever necessary in the case of an emergency.
Serving the Community—Participants may volunteer for community duties as a daily form of meditation. This activity acquaints participants and helps the retreat function smoothly. A sign-up sheet for daily retreat jobs will be available at registration.

Simplicity and Renunciation print version download

COVID-19

There are currently no COVID-19 public health safety state or local mandates. There are no vaccination requirements at St. Francis Retreat Center. As a precaution, we ask that participants do a home test before they arrive. As an additional safety measure, take another home test on the opening day of the retreat and a further test on the following morning.

Denver 3 Day Retreat

Denver, Colorado February 27-29, 2026 Location TBD