Retreats

Roots to Stillness:

Meditation and Forest Bathing
Cultivating Calm in a Chaotic World

June 5 - 7, 2026

with Susan West Montgomery and Donna Mattucci

Himalayan Institute Retreat Center – Honesdale, PA

We are living in challenging times that compel us to find ways to calm our nervous systems, rest our minds, and heal our spirits. Join us for two days of stillness and connection where we step away from the noise and find inner peace. Through a combination of yoga techniques and time outdoors we will build resilience and be better equipped to move forward with clarity and ease.

Together we will:

• Explore breathing, relaxation, and meditation practices that can help focus the mind and bring reprieve from stress and anxiety.

• Learn how to integrate meditation and develop a yoga lifestyle.

• Apply the techniques of shinrin yoku or forest bathing to access the healing properties of nature.

• Make nature an ally in our health and wellness activities.

What’s Included:

• All scheduled retreat activities:

• Welcome and orientation.

• Saturday morning program based on the essential elements of meditation and an intro to forest bathing.

• Saturday afternoon forest bathing experience.

• Saturday evening gathering and prelude of the prayers of the Yoga Tradition.

• Sunday morning sunrise fire with group prayers, and final program of meditation with closing transition for returning home.

• A homemade tote bag perfect for carrying your journal, books, and water bottle.

• Daily farm-fresh vegetarian meals to nourish your body and spirit.

• 400 acres of fields, forests, and well-maintained hiking trails with many beautiful vistas

• Himalayan Cafe with signature chai and homemade treats.

• 24/7 Tea Lounge with self-serve hot teas.

• Optional visit to Moka Origins Factory.

• Access to the Sri Vidya Shrine—a welcoming sacred space for silent meditation.

• Sacred Grove Boutique & Bookstore

• Daily yoga classes.

• Daily opportunities for communal prayer.

Tuition: EARLY BIRD $199 (plus accommodations) when you register by May 1, 2026
(save $50—regular price: $249).  Booked with HI Buffalo

 Accommodations: Starting at $120/night (includes meals). Booked with the HI Retreat Center/Honesdale, PA

_______

 To Register and Book Accommodations, Follow These Steps: 

STEP 1: Reserve your seat by paying your TUITION FEE to HI Buffalo.

STEP 2: Book your ACCOMMODATIONS through the HI Retreat Center in Honesdale, PA.

Questions? Please call us at (716) 883-2223 or email [email protected] – We’re happy to help.

CANCELATION:

If you need to cancel, please follow these two steps:

Step 1: Notify HI Buffalo to receive tuition credit or a refund (less a $15 processing fee).

Step 2: Notify the HI Retreat Center in Honesdale, PA, to cancel your room reservation. Please see their cancellation and refund policy below.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUND POLICY FOR THE HI RETREAT CENTER (ACCOMMODATIONS)

We offer a full refund to guests who cancel their reservation at least seven days before arrival, unless you are informed that your program has additional restrictions. If you cancel between 7 days and 1 day in advance, a nonrefundable credit to your HI Retreat Center account (less a $50 processing fee) will be held for one year from the date of issue. No credit or refund is available if you cancel on your arrival day, do not show up, or leave a program, event, or accommodation early.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Award-Winning Center For over 50 years, the institute’s stunning 400-acre campus in the Poconos has been a gathering place for people from around the globe seeking inspiration and inner balance. Come savor for yourself the goodness our campus and community provide. Take a video tour.

Accommodation Packages Start at $120/night. Lodging options vary, from shared rooms to deluxe suites. All meals—healthy and vegetarian (vegan options available)—are included.

 During your stay, you may like to get a massage or other therapeutic treatment at the PureRejuv Wellness Center on campus. Book early – appointments fill up fast!

All Guests at the Himalayan Institute Retreat Center have access to the following amenities:

• Simple, comfortable, quiet accommodations conducive to a peaceful stay

• Three delicious, nutritious, and hearty vegetarian or vegan meals daily

• Complimentary daily morning or evening yoga classes

• Access to the Sri Vidya Meditation Shrine, located at the heart of the Retreat Center’s campus

• A tour of Moka Origins, a mission-driven chocolate and coffee factory nestled on the Retreat Center’s campus. (offered at 10 am and 2 pm on Saturdays)

• Sacred Grove Café

• Tea lounge with unlimited hot tea beverages

• Complimentary Internet access

• 400-acre wooded campus of the Retreat Center, including sunset pond, sound of music hill, and forest pavilion

• Access to four groomed forested hiking trails

• Market Place (books, ayurveda products, yoga clothing, gifts)

• PureRejuv Wellness Center (for an add-on massage or wellness service)