Ecodharma Weekend Retreat with Nic Redfern

Reconnecting with Life
An Insight Dialogue Weekend Retreat with Nicola Redfern
Friday, May 8th – Sunday, May 10th
In-person only
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, we’ll deepen our connection with Earth by tuning into the experiences that arise when we open our hearts to the land and other-than-human kin. Silent meditation (zazen) will form the foundation for compassionately bearing witness to our experience, and then we’ll explore bringing our practice into the realm of the relational, a recognition that our spiritual path is not a solo endeavor but rather a collective process.
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 four-stage process designed to help us meet our lives with greater 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.
What is the Work That Reconnects?
The Work That Reconnects is an interactive group process that guides participants through four stages:
- Coming from Gratitude
- Honoring Our Pain for the World
- Seeing with New/Ancient Eyes
- Going Forth
These stages form an open spiral, meaning they are a process we can return to again and again, each time open to what possibilities and insights may arise to strengthen our resolve to reconnect with and act on behalf of all life. You can learn more here.
This weekend retreat is offered in-person only. 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.
This sesshin is open to all and is part of our 2026 Ecodharma May.
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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
In-person
Shared Lodging: $320
Bell Tent: $320
Camping (Bring your own gear/van): $300
Commute: $260
Members receive 15% off. Needs-based scholarships available. See registration page for details.
Register for all three Ecodharma retreats in May and receive 25% off!
In addition to this weekend retreat, there is a daylong with Karen Waconda-Lewis and a 6-day sesshin with David Loy. You can register for all three as a commuter or camper for a discount on the full registration.
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





