Refuge at Pudding Creek
Yoga & dharma residential retreat with Ashley Sharp
June 28 - June 30, 2024
In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few. The mind of the beginner is empty, free of the habits of the expert, ready to accept, to doubt, open to all possibilities. — Shunryu Suzuki
"Beginner's Mind" is a Zen Buddhist concept popularized by Suzuki Roshi in the early 1970s.
The beginner's mind has an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions that act as a counter to the hubris and closed-mindedness often associated with thinking of oneself as an expert. Sometimes we can find ourselves feeling stuck or like an “expert” in our own lives and somehow manage to unconsciously limit ourselves by not considering new possibilities, ideas, or approaches.
Qualities such as curiosity, interest, and engagement will be explored and refined with our practice during this retreat.
Join us at Refuge at Pudding Creek, a retreat center in a redwood forest, for a summer retreat. We will be a small group of people practicing together to renew ourselves with nature, community, and the twin practices of yoga and meditation. Plan to spend lots of time outside, to laugh, and to eat wholesome delicious vegetarian food. There will be space for you to be alone and space for us to connect. We will stand still, reflect, and bathe in the natural world so that you can return to your life revitalized and inspired.
Evenings and early mornings will be in silence to deepen your retreat experience.
You must have a negative COVID test to attend as we will be sharing indoor and outdoor space without masks. Food will be organic vegetarian, and we can accommodate gluten free and food allergies. Plan to completely unplug as there is no wifi or cell service here. There will be up to 9 yogis in attendance plus Joe and I. Arrive between 3 - 5pm on Friday and leave on Sunday after brunch (by noon). Prices are from $475 - $575 for the 2 nights total, and includes all classes, meals and snacks.
Accommodations are comfortable clean private or double rooms with shared bathrooms. Bedding is provided.
Let me know if I should hold a spot for you, if you are planning to room with someone, or if you have any other questions. ashleysharpyoga@gmail.com
I will help to organize carpools for those of you that want one. We are about 3.5 hours from the Bay Area just east of Fort Bragg, CA.
“The June 2021 retreat at Pudding Creek was amazing - restorative, educational, and life-affirming! Ashley and Joe were warm and welcoming, their property is gorgeous and soul-soothing (especially for an urban dweller), and the retreat was organized perfectly. Meditation/dharma/yoga sessions were balanced out with homemade meals, other activities, and time to enjoy the surroundings. I will definitely be back for more retreats at Pudding Creek!” Kate P
“This retreat provided much needed respite and comfort! The grounds are beautiful and the home is lovely. I enjoyed the walks in nature, the guided meditation and yoga, as well as the delicious vegetarian meals! What a wonderful place to relax and feel pampered! I feel really grateful for all the care and attention that went into making this retreat such a wonderful experience! Thank you, Ashley and Joe!” Jennifer T
Tentative Schedule
Friday June 28
3 - 5pm Arrive
5:30pm Retreat opening and orientation to the land
6pm Dinner
7:30 - 8:30 Program opening
Saturday June 29
7:30am - 10:30am Practice period including yoga asana and meditation
11am Brunch
4 - 6pm Practice period including yoga asana and meditation
6:30 Dinner
8 - 8:30 Evening Meditation
Sunday June 30
7:30 - 9:30 Practice period
9:30 Brunch
11am - noon Pack up and leave