May 30 – June 4, 2025
Hollyhock, Cortes Island, BC, Canada
Scholarships now available!
We are able to offer scholarships for this retreat through the generosity of the Hemera Foundation. Please apply on the Hollyhock website or email us at info@skymind.us.
“Anyone who is interested in learning how to practice open awareness has come to the right place.” – Skymind Participant
Personal Note from Pieter & Charlotte:
We are so looking forward to this retreat. Hollyhock is a truly special place on this earth, on an island surrounded by verdant forests, waterways, and snow-capped peaks. We can’t wait to be there together, sharing teachings and practice, but also spending time with you on the beach, in the hot tub, and enjoying the exceptional garden-to-table food. This is our not-to-miss retreat of 2025!
Discover Open Awareness on Cortes Island
Immerse yourself in the profound nature of mind teachings of Buddhism, with transformational practices inspired by the great 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön.
Relaxing your body onto the earth, gazing into the vast expanse of the sky and the open sea, you learn to “rest the mind in the way of the sky.” Drawn from original texts at the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Machig’s pith and luminous verses remind us to turn towards the innate wholeness of our being and the natural spaciousness of primordial awareness.
Through teachings, meditation, and contemplations, many of which will be held outside, you learn to cultivate radical acceptance and an awareness of your inseparability from the ground of being, the Great Mother. In a direct yet gentle way, these teachings point you beyond the constrictions of the isolated self and to your inescapable and empowered relationship with others.
Supported by the natural splendour of Hollyhock’s landscape and heartful connection to each other, you claim your path of awakened compassion, lived in the ordinary moments of everyday life.
This Retreat Includes
- Teachings, contemplations and discussion of Machig’s verses, derived from source texts. You are encouraged to memorize your favourite verses to inspire and guide your daily life after our retreat.
- Open Awareness meditation, as well as ancient and new exercises to train attention.
- Integration with the elements practices (held primarily outdoors) that invite you into an embodied experience of wholeness.
Testimonial
“Skymind is inspired and inspiring. The teachings were accessible, supported by fine scholarship and shared with wit and wisdom. The relevance of Machig Labdrön’s teachings could not be more timely. Beauty beyond words, this.” – Skymind Participant
Financial Support
Scholarships offered by Skymind through a generous grant from the Hemera Foundation. Please visit the Hollyhock scholarship page and apply early if financial support is needed for you to attend the program. Applications will open in January, 2025 and will close April 30th, 2025, or when total funds are allocated.
Book now and get 10% off accommodation prices. Offer valid until Feb 28, 2025.
Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to the program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.
Date & Time Details:
Program begins: May 30, 2025
Program ends: June 4, 2025
Location: Hollyhock Cortes Island
Address: Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada
Package Pricing: Click Register Now to view availability of accommodations and all-inclusive pricing. For more information on accommodation types, click here.
