Sharpen Your Tools!
Meditation Skills That Make Everything Else Possible
Spring Meditation Retreat
April 22–25, 2027
with Caren Prentice
Alton Collins Retreat Center
Eagle Creek, Oregon
A small change in your awareness
can change the direction of your life.
Dear Ones,
I've always thought of the different meditation techniques as a little like shopping at your local market.
Some things go in your cart every time you shop. They're your staples. You use them all the time. These are like the meditation techniques you find yourself returning to again and again.
Then there are the seasonal favorites. Peaches, Hatch chiles, and pomegranates are mine. They're like RAIN, De-cording, or those wonderful visualizations you love but only use when you need them.
And then there are the things you buy once a year. The prime rib, the ham, or the twenty-pound turkey. These are like our annual meditation events: Winter Solstice, Blessing for the Departed, and the Forgiveness Ritual.
But to turn all those ingredients into something wonderful, you need your favorite knife, the cutting board, and a sheet pan.
The tools you use over and over again without giving them much thought.
Here's the Question:
Is the point of the knife to be beautifully plated and brought to the table for someone to marvel at?
No, it's a tool to prepare the food. The food is the point.
The techniques we'll be playing with and exploring at this retreat are like those kitchen utensils. There's nothing sexy or woo-woo or mind-blowing about them. They just make everything else you do in meditation richer, deeper, and eventually mind-blowing.
BUT! Remember how good it felt when you bought that first really good knife that actually worked? Or the new sheet pan that didn't warp in the oven heat?
That's what this retreat will do. We're upgrading your awareness, noticing, and mindfulness skills to chef-quality level! Not so they can replace your meditation but so they will enhance your meditation.
And my, oh my! Just think what using these upgraded skills in your life and your meditations will bring you.
More awareness → wisdom → freedom → fulfillment→ joy → peace of mind.
And that, my friends, is the whole point of meditation.
I hope you can join me.
So much love,
What Are You Practicing Without Even Knowing It?
We've all done it. Spent twenty minutes, or a few days:
- Thinking about something someone said that pissed us off.
- Replaying an argument, all the things we wish we'd said.
- Worrying about something we have very little, if any, control over.
These thoughts are shaping us.
Our Thoughts Are Like Clay
Imagine a lump of wet clay on a pottery wheel. With just a little pressure, you can easily change its shape. But once the clay has dried and hardened, changing it becomes extremely difficult.
It's the same with our thoughts. The longer we hold on to them, the more habitual they become and the harder they are to change. I'm sure your own experience has taught you that.
What you may not realize is that, like the clay, the earlier we notice our thoughts and emotions—while they're still soft and malleable—the easier it is to work with them.
What's Inside the Retreat?
I've wanted to devote an entire retreat to these techniques for years! Some I've shared in other retreats, but we've never had enough time to really explore them. Others I've never taught before. And now, finally, we get four days to play, practice, experiment, and discover just how much there is to notice!
Through exploration, we'll build our awareness of:
- Our bodies: Noticing physical sensations and the subtle messages our bodies are sending us.
- Our breath: Learning to pay attention to the breath and what it can reveal.
- Our thoughts: Recognizing thoughts as they're arising, before we get caught up in their stories.
- Our emotions: Noticing feelings as they begin to form, and learning to work with them.
- Subtle energy: Becoming familiar with our quieter, more nuanced experiences.
- Inner stillness: Discovering and becoming more familiar with that deep, still place that lives within us.
Lots of Practice. Lots of Discovery.
Whether you're new to meditation or have been meditating for decades
these skills are useful wherever you are in your journey.
About the Retreat
Escape for the Weekend
Alton Collins is a beautiful secluded retreat center surrounded by giant firs and cedars. Leave the distractions of your daily life far, far away. Settle into a few precious days unencumbered by your ‘everyday responsibilities’ and let someone else cook you for you, plan the activities, and give you space to nurture your soul.
Make Connections
Throughout the weekend, there will be meditations, techniques, and activities to help you deepen your connection with yourself and others. We'll learn, practice, share discoveries, and enjoy being together in a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where everyone is appreciated and valued just as they are.
Be Comfortable
It’s important to us that you are comfortable so we have lots of seating options for different body needs. You will have time for silence and reflection, relaxation and meditation, teaching and laughter, connection and discussion—with lots of breaks to enjoy chocolate, snacks, and the beautiful outdoors.
Be Well Tended
Our mornings begin with either pranayama, gentle yoga suitable for all levels, energization exercises to wake up and balance your energy body, or mantric sound chanting and movement. No matter your age, experience level or physical limitations, you will benefit while feeling tended and supported.
Become Wiser
You'll experience an affirming, nurturing, and joyful retreat. Return to your everyday life with greater awareness, a deeper understanding of yourself, and practical meditation skills you can use again and again. Skills that help you recognize old patterns, make wiser choices, and bring more peace, compassion, and joy into your life.
Meet Caren
I Know These Skills Work. I've Lived It.
There was a time in my life when I was angry… a lot. I needed to control everything and everyone, and I was really good at blaming everyone else for my unhappiness.
Then I began learning to meditate. I started noticing my thoughts, emotions, and reactions. And little by little, I began making different choices. Those small changes added up to a very different life.
And My Family Noticed, Too.
Not long ago, my son said something I never expected to hear.
"Mom, it's like there were two families. The one we grew up in that was filled with so much anger. And the one we have now."
I was speechless for a minute or so. Then, wanting to be sure I'd heard him correctly, I asked, "So that means you noticed I've changed?"
He rolled his eyes. "Oh my god, Mom. YES!"
I laughed with him, then had to turn away to hide the tears welling up. My point being…
This isn't just something I teach. It's how I've learned to live.
And after decades of meditation practice and teaching, I'm still using these same foundational skills, still learning from them, and still discovering how much more there is to notice.
Dana - A Spiritual Practice
We do everything we can to keep the price of our retreats affordable. To this end we price retreats to reflect our direct costs without any additional cost for Caren’s time preparing and leading the teaching. At the close of the retreat you will have the opportunity to give Dana—a donation/love offering—directly to Caren for the teachings you received during the retreat. We'll send more info on the practice of Dana in your pre-retreat communications.
Cancelation Policy
We know 'stuff' happens so here's our policy:
- Cancel before December 1, 2026 receive a full refund.
- Cancel between December 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027, receive a 70% refund.
- Cancel between February 1 and March 15, 2027, receive a 50% refund.
- No refunds after March 15.
- If we have to cancel for any reason, you will receive a full refund.
Registration Options
We’ve recently updated our pricing model to more accurately reflect our increased costs and have, by request, also created a Benefactor option. Donating to our scholarship fund provides financial support so others can attend the retreat. We appreciate you.
*The early bird special ends October 30, 2026.
Please Note: Room rates listed above are per person and include three nights lodging with private bath, towels, linens and nine delicious meals.
Off-site option includes all retreat activities and meals.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, clarifications or inquiries.