Ecodharma Weekend Sesshin (Retreat)

Reconnecting with Life
An Insight Dialogue Weekend Retreat with Nicola Redfern
Friday, May 8th – Sunday, May 10th
In-person and online
In these times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or disheartened as we witness what Joanna Macy calls the Great Unraveling. At the same time, we are also participants in what she names the Great Turning—the profound shift from a life-taking society to one that sustains and nurtures life.
During this weekend retreat, Nic will draw on the relational Dharma practice of Insight Dialogue to guide participants through Joanna Macy’s transformative framework, “The Work That Reconnects”, a body of practices designed to help us meet these times with courage, clarity, and compassion.
Through contemplative dialogue and shared inquiry, we will engage in an inspiring and interactive group process to support the healing of our world in a powerful and effective way.
“The Work That Reconnects helps people around the world discover and experience their innate connections with each other and the self-healing powers of the web of life, transforming despair and overwhelm into inspired, collaborative action.” — Joanna Macy
What is Insight Dialogue?
Insight Dialogue (ID) is a relational meditation practice for developing awareness and wisdom. It is designed to help us awaken together and integrate our understanding of Dharma teachings in a direct and immediate way. Supported by six Insight Dialogue guidelines, we bring kind awareness right into the heart of speaking and listening, often in pairs. Establishing these guidelines helps us to deepen our meditation while contemplating the Dharma together, allowing for experiential insight into the teachings. ID also supports the weaving of a vibrant community of Dharma friendship as we collaborate in the awakening process together.
This weekend retreat is offered online and in-person. Weather permitting, we will practice outside during parts of the weekend. If you’re joining us in-person, please bring sun protection and other supports you find helpful for sitting outside. We’ll have tarps available to place cushions on outside. If you’re joining us online, you’re invited to find a place to sit outside wherever you’re calling in from (even simply opening a window can be a big support!).
This sesshin is open to all and is part of our 2026 Ecodharma Residency month.
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Your Teacher

Nicola Redfern is an Insight Dialogue Retreat Teacher with an extensive background in both Zen and Vipassana meditation. With a strong belief that awakening is not simply a solo endeavor, Nic is particularly interested in getting meditation and dharma insight fully integrated and embodied in life, work, social justice, and all relationships. She has taught multiple courses on eco-dharma, unlearning racism, and Nonviolent Communication, as well as programs for LGBTQIA+. Nicola is originally from the UK and now lives near Santa Fe, NM.
Listen to Nic’s last Dharma talk at Mountain Cloud on the practice of Insight Dialogue:
Registration Options
Online
Full-time participation: $80
In-person
Shared Lodging: $320
Camping/Bell Tent: $300
Commute: $260
Members receive 15% off. Needs-based scholarships available. See registration page for details.
Immerse yourself fully in the experience by staying onsite at our rustic campus in the foothills. Revel in the tranquility and simplicity, escaping the everyday clutter of your life. Explore our trails, and bask in the expansive views of the Santa Fe Valley and the night sky.
- Start
- May 8
- End
- May 10
- Event Categories
- Retreats, Sanbo Zen, Special Events, Women in Zen





