Past Retreats
Each Mountain Meditation Silent Retreat is a unique opportunity to connect deeply and authentically with self and others in a safe and healing environment. The gifts from the land and the devotional energy of Mount Madonna provide a nurturing and potent container for transformation and growth. The power of silence and stillness invites each participant to go inward where they discover a new intimacy with the mind, body and spirit. The groups offer each person a chance to both witness and be witnessed, to create connection through vulnerability and shared inquiry into the truth of their being.
Read what participants have said about past retreats.
October 2024
Retreat
“My heart is overflowing with gratitude for what happened last week. What we created and what was experienced has changed me in so many ways, some of which I am still not fully aware of, but to say that I am not the same person would be an understatement. It has been so profound that my wife feels it. I have discovered a new found level of spirituality, serenity and peace. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“I recently attended Mountain Meditation’s silent retreat, and it truly exceeded all my expectations. From the serene environment to the profound teachings, every aspect of this retreat was well crafted to foster inner peace and self-awareness.
Throughout my time there, I delved deep into understanding my behavior and how my mind works. The silent nature of the retreat allowed for unparalleled introspection, offering me the space to confront and comprehend my thoughts and emotions on a deeper level. Ashley is knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in each participant’s journey.
I left the retreat feeling rejuvenated, enlightened, and equipped with valuable tools to maintain mindfulness in everyday life. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone looking to deepen their self-awareness and embark on a journey of personal growth.”
August 2024
Retreat
“Attending a silent retreat with Ashley at Mountain Meditation Group was nothing short of transformational. This was my second time joining her, and both experiences have been life-changing. The peaceful atmosphere, nourishing food, and thoughtful accommodations created the ideal environment for deep introspection and healing.
Ashley’s presence as a practitioner is truly special—she holds space with grace, compassion, and wisdom. In a world full of noise, this retreat was the perfect antidote: a rare opportunity to sit in silence, reflect, and reconnect with myself on a profound level.
I can’t recommend it enough—whether you’re new to meditation or experienced, this retreat offers something meaningful for everyone. I will absolutely be back and have already encouraged my friends to join. It’s an experience everyone should have at least once!”
February 2024
Retreat
“I came cold into the Mountain Meditation retreat at Mount Madonna with just a desire to deepen my practice. I expected it to be beautiful and peaceful but I didn’t expect it to be as life changing as it was. For me, sitting in stillness surrounded by nature and in the company of such like-minded people and Ashley as our guide created a truly powerful environment for insight and change. Thank you, Ashley! I’m coming back.”
“This was unlike any retreat I’ve been on. What set this experience apart for me was the magic of combining silence/solitude and group processing. There was space for me to go deep and connect with my inner knowing and there was also space to learn from and with a group of other perfectly imperfect humans. This retreat felt like 5 years of therapy in 5 days... I’m walking away differently than how I came. I feel more full of love for myself and those around me as well as a refreshed trust for what emerges in my life. The space for group sharing allowed me to more fully digest the teachings that arose from the silence with myself.”
November 2023
Retreat
“Ashley’s loving presence provides an open-hearted space for meditation and reflection. On her silent retreats I re-discovered my ability to sit with pain, fear, joy and love, welcoming them all deepening my practice. I would recommend her retreats to anyone seeking to open their hearts and to commune with nature. Ashley offers a clear and guiding light, and her retreats are a sacred gift.”
August 2023
Retreat
“Ashley created a beautiful container on retreat. Her presence, guidance, and holding, combined with the beautiful nature of Mount Madonna, created a space where I felt safe and supported in letting go of the “doing” and simply “being.” A true gift. As someone who doesn’t currently have space to sit a longer retreat, I appreciate the extended weekend format. While only four days, our retreat felt expansive and our group went deep quickly, forming heart connections that carried on after we left the mountain. Thank you Ashley!”
February 2023 Retreat
“I recently attended Ashley’s silent meditation retreat and it was transformational. I am not an experienced meditator and I can be quite talkative, so I was concerned I may have bitten off more than I could chew in terms of having to silence my voice and my mind. I’m happy to say that, with Ashley’s guidance, and the quiet (silent) support of the group; I was able to fully immerse myself into both the meditative and silent aspects of the retreat. I have never experienced anything quite like this. It brought up emotions of peace, agitation, sadness, frustration, grace and joy in waves throughout the days I was there. It was extremely valuable to pause and tap into the depths of my own heart to learn more about myself and the path that my life has taken. I am so grateful that I was able to have this experience that unfolded under a blanket of rain on beautiful Mount Madonna. It changed my year, and frankly, my life. Thank you Ashley, for creating this time and environment for us to explore our inner space in your safe embrace along with our fellow participants.”
“I loved so many things about my retreat experience; Ashley’s guided meditations that led me to new discoveries, the group discussions that astounded me with their insights, candor and revelations and also the ease I felt being silent. I’ve attended two of the silent retreats that Ashley’s offered, and each experience has been profound. I know that the setting at Mount Madonna is a big part of my experience. The serene setting is powerful. It holds and welcomes you. The community of people at Mount Madonna are wonderful too (as is the food!) The opportunity to explore the grounds is a delight, and enhanced my experience. I felt cared for, supported and encouraged in all aspects of the retreat. If you even think you want to attend, I encourage you to listen, and go. There’s really no way to express the positive impact of my retreat experiences on my life.”
October 2022 Retreat
“My time on the silent retreat brought me back to my deepest knowing. The invitation into silence quieted the outside noise and allowed me to discern between my truth and what others expected of me. Ashley’s silent and guided meditations immerse you into the present moment, into the heart. Her presence and intention for the retreat is so earnest and pure, creating deep safety within the group, particularly during the sharing portions of the circle. Ashley’s devotion to the truth permeates into the group and gives permission to seek our own unique truth. The land at Mount Madonna supports the retreat process with its beauty and aliveness. I left retreat feeling more connected to myself and with more courage to speak my truth.”
May 2022 Retreat
“On my first retreat with Ashley, I had the profound realization that I was much more comfortable sitting with pain and suffering than I was with sitting with joy and love. I was getting in touch with a block that I realize had been there for years…possibly a lifetime. Being able to get in touch with this truth on a soul level helped me move through it to the other side.”