OW Fall Retreat is FULL: You may still register for the waiting list.

Morning of Peace

…Walking mindfully on the earth,

a grassy path,

my feet make the promise

to embrace the early morning

and touch the peace of the present moment.

 

…I see a clear stream

flowing between cracks in rocks,

its water laughing,

while the trees whistle.

Together we celebrate a morning of peace.

 

At the same time,

I see places of deep suffering

where men imprison men,

and make each other suffer –

the waves of discrimination, hatred, and greed,

inevitable causes of catastrophe,

crash upon the earth.

Chicks of the same hen

wear different colors in order to fight with each other.

Heartrending cries declare the horrors of war.

 

Brothers and sisters,

the beautiful Earth is us.

I embrace her and hold her tenderly against my chest.

Breathing together in the same rhythm

we restore our calm, our peace.

Let us accept ourselves

so we may accept one another.

Let us share the vision and make it possible

for Great Love to arise. 

 (excerpts from “Morning of Peace,” poem from Call Me By My True Names by Thich Nhat Hanh)

We Are All The Leaves of One Tree

Open Way Fall Retreat

Location: Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp

Registration Cost $425

Dana suggestion $150

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE: Open Way Retreats offers scholarships of $50.00 per person. If a payment plan or an additional scholarship is requested from your local sangha, please notify us at registration.

DANA/DONATION REQUEST: Dharma Teacher Dana (Generosity) By tradition, Dharma teachers do not charge for their services and the retreat cost does not include teacher dana. Our teachers are here because of the generosity given to them from past retreatants. They will be able to continue to share their presence, experience, and wisdom into the future because of the dana gathered at this retreat. For regularly employed participants, we suggest $150, less if conditions are not favorable at this time and more is appreciated if conditions allow. Dana is not a requirement but is always greatly appreciated. There will be a Dana Box at the retreat for contributions. Family retreats: Children’s dana is a part of what the parent generously gives as dana.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations received BEFORE September 12th will be granted a full refund, less a $10 cancellation fee. If you cancel after September 12th you will receive NO refund because our numbers will have been turned in, and the camp will charge us for you whether you attend or not. EXCEPTIONS: If we fill your spot, we will do our best to refund your portion.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH STATEMENT: This meditation retreat is not a physical or mental health treatment and does not provide physical or mental health treatment resources.  If you are under treatment for a physical or mental condition, please consult your medical provider regarding the appropriateness of this experience for persons with your condition. If you are experiencing life trauma, emotional upheaval, or instability that might require individual support beyond our scheduled meetings with teachers, the retreat format may not be a good match at this time. Should you have questions, please contact the retreat organizers listed.

LODGING & ROOMS Most retreatants are assigned to shared lodging options, which will spaciously sleep about 4-5 people, have their own bathroom, and are well-heated. Single housing is limited; we will do our best to house you with adequate space in cabins, dorms, or rooms.

If you wish to camp, you may bring a tent or a camper. There are NO hookups available on site. You will have access to a shared heated bathhouse.

Our Teacher, Barbara Newell

2025 Fall Retreat Schedule

Please click the plus symbol to expand the schedule.

FOR QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL: OWretreats@gmail.com

RETREAT REGISTRATION: J and Lori

RETREAT PLANNING TEAM: Sandi, Gina, Bob

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2026 OPEN WAY RETREATS

Spring Retreat: Michael Ciborski April 30 - May 3

Fall Retreat: Teacher TBD September 24 - 27