Touching Earth and Sky: A Meditation Retreat for Students

The Program

Touching Earth and Sky is a 5 day meditation retreat grounded in the three tenets of the Zen Peacemaker Order: Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Compassionate Action. This retreat will consist of meditation, creative practices to cultivate not knowing mind, bearing witness experiences, and wisdom councils to hold what arises. The main focus is our environment, the climate crisis we are all experiencing, and the healing and hope possible when we touch earth and sky through contemplative practice and compassionate action.

This meditation retreat includes preparation and integration meetings (pre- and post-trip) centered on meditation practice and the three tenets of bearing witness. Students will explore and deepen their understanding of how social action, community, and meditation and spirituality are interdependent on one another. 

Details

When: Monday, March 10 – Friday, March 14, 2025

Where: Valle Crucis, NC

Requirements

The program is open to full-time, continuing students in all class years and programs within WFU and WFU Professional Schools, including WFUSM. Students of any, many, all, or no faith traditions are welcome to apply. Full participation in all aspects of the retreat is required. A sense of deep interest in the world, as well as peace, wonder, and joy may result.  

Students selected for Touching Earth and Sky will be required to attend all group meetings both before and after the trip. (Group meeting dates to be determined.) There will be a cost of $100/night ($400) to cover housing and food.

If you are interested, please contact Michelle (Jissan) Nicolle, mnicolle@wakehealth.edu.