Sacred Paths: Nature, Beauty and Gratitude - A Guided Hiking Retreat

Sacred Paths: Nature, Beauty and Gratitude - A Guided Hiking Retreat with Gary Paul

“Gratitude is most powerful as a response to the Earth because it provides an opening to reciprocity, to the act of giving back, to living in a way that the Earth will be grateful for us,” wrote Robin Wall Kimmerer.

The dynamic relationship between humankind and Nature is an unbreakable bond that sustains, nurtures and heals us. When you listen to ocean waves, walk in a forest, turn your face toward the sun and interact with the plant kingdom, you connect with Nature's life-giving energy.

We invite you to come slow down with us, quiet your mind, let nature nurture your soul, pique your curiosity and allow gratitude to be your script. During our hikes in the wild beauty of Big Sur, and during your time on the beautiful Hermitage grounds, you’ll spend time in silence, solitude and prayer, reminding yourself that you are in the presence of the Divine.

In celebration of the Native American Day Holiday on 9/26, we’ll honor the Esselen Indians who once inhabited Big Sur.

In this program, you will learn how to bring your time spent in nature to a place of cleansing, inspiration, meditation, rest, and sanctuary. You will also learn how to integrate approaches, mindsets, warmups, and mindful practices that will allow you to discover your deep connection to the Earth, “our common home,” and be filled with gratitude. Our two four-mile day hikes will include time spent in silence, solitude, and deep peace. Moving through Nature will never quite be the same!

Questions? Email: aGlraW5naW50b3NwaXJpdCB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t

Gary is a long-time friend of New Camaldoli Hermitage. He is a tenured professor and an accomplished naturalist. Through his work with nonprofits, retreat venues, and adventure outfitters, Gary teaches people how to heal and nourish their minds, bodies, and spirits through time spent in nature.

For more info about Gary, please visit www.hikingintospirit.com

Please note that registration is for the guided hiking retreat only and does not include a room. To reserve your room, AFTER receiving your hiking retreat confirmation email, please contact the Guest Ministry at the Hermitage at: cmVzZXJ2YXRpb25zIHwgY29udGVtcGxhdGlvbiAhIGNvbQ== to reserve one of the rooms set aside only for hiking retreat guests.

You must provide your own transportation or arrange to carpool with others to and from hiking trailheads.

Due to the high demand, limited space, and extensive planning required, tickets for the hiking retreat are non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued if the organizer cancels the event.

This hiking retreat schedule is designed to allow for participation in the liturgical schedule of the Hermitage, as well as maximizing hiking time, allowing time for silence/solitude and personal reflection:

Hiking Retreat Schedule

Thursday, Sept 25th arrival, check-in @ 4:00pm

Evening group meeting at 7:05 pm (immediately following Vespers/Meditation)

Friday, Sept. 26th, day hike departing after Lauds and returning before Vespers

Evening group meeting 7:05 pm (immediately following Vespers/Meditation)

Saturday, Sept. 27th, day hike departing after Lauds and returning before Vespers.

No evening group meeting on Saturday

Sunday, Sept 28th departure, check out of room before 9 am. Retreatants are welcome to stay on-property until 1:15 pm, after Mass and lunch.

Morning group meeting 9 am

*Group Meetings take place in the Chapter Room, behind the chapel;

Although all hiking paces are welcome, participants must be able to complete two intermediate-level four-mile hikes.

More information and a waiver will be sent upon registration, or you're welcome to email questions to Retreat Guide Gary at: aGlraW5naW50b3NwaXJpdCB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t

Liturgical Schedule

Sundays and Solemnities
7:30 am - Lauds
11:00 am - Mass (Eucharist)
5:00 pm – Vespers

Mondays
Mondays at the Hermitage are a community quiet day.
All Liturgical services are said in private.
However, there is a public Mass (Eucharist) at 11:30 am.

Tuesday - Saturday
7:30 am - Lauds
11:30 am - Mass (Eucharist)
5:00 pm - Vespers

There is a half-hour prayer before the Blessed Sacrament nightly (except Mondays) immediately following the end of Vespers.

(On certain days and special occasions, the liturgical schedule may change. Visitors may want to call first to confirm times. The prior will adjust per absences and feasts at his discretion).

Evening Meditation:
Monks and guests are encouraged to practice thirty minutes of silent meditation together in the rotunda of the chapel each evening following Vespers.

Prayer and Meditation take place in the chapel.

Questions? Contact us at cHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBjb250ZW1wbGF0aW9uICEgY29t or

Retreat Guide, Gary, at: aGlraW5naW50b3NwaXJpdCB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Big Sur.