Mindfulness has become the goalpost of modern life, the answer to our high-paced, overstretched schedules. Who doesn’t want to be “more mindful” in some aspect of their life? Just search for “Meditation” in the App store and you will find a mind- expanding number of apps intended to plug into the Here and Now. The benefits of Meditation in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain are unparalleled. It is by far the most powerful tool in self-healing. But Meditation, while the biggest game changer and deepest fix, is also not a quick fix; early attempts to Sit in stillness for even short periods for many people are often met with resistance and misunderstanding, with new practitioners too quickly concluding “I can’t meditate.”

In this monthly three-hour afternoon class, we’ll tackle that dodgy self-talk. We’ll get down to the foundation to uncover what meditation is, studying the skills one develops with regular practice – Concentration, Relaxation, Insights into the Nature of Reality and an ability to Unconditionally Love. We’ll work with precision to actually practice, with several sits. And, with a little guidance, we’ll collectively begin experiencing the benefits of a regular practice, including reduced stress, developing a sense of inner calm, increasing physical and emotional pleasures and bolstering health, just to name a few. Every single person who attends this class will go away with a sharp new arrow in their quiver of life-skills. THE arrow in fact — a tool of immense power and generality that can be applied to improving just about every aspect of their personal human happiness.

And for this Special Father’s Day Weekend Class, Dad’s can bring a kid as our guest and a registered child is free to bring their Dad. We look forward to seeing you and practicing with you.

Schedule

1pm – 4pm

Pricing

Individual Attendee (1) - $100

 There’s a line my Teacher Shinzen Young uttered over twenty years ago that was seared into my mind’s eye: “Just the simplified, natural environment of a retreat can be profoundly Healing.” This teaching is one of the cornerstones of The Higher Haven. Shinzen went on to point out that combining said environment with hardcore Vipassana practice, like the 1.5 hour strong determination “Sits” of his own retreat, can lead one to astronomical transformation.

For this brand new, much needed but never-before-offered retreat weekend, we’re going to forget about the astronomical. We’ll downshift, leaving behind extraordinary and non-ordinary mind states and, instead, embrace the ordinary and more natural, purer states of existence. Considering many of our practices of Sitting Meditation and Sweatlodge Ceremoies appear challenging to so many, this is a chance for anyone hoping for healing and seeking greater peace to skip the hard, spiritual work and simply enjoy some downtime, as well as gently practice fresh, new mindfulness skills. We’ll consider the wisdom of Shinzen’s Do Nothing Technique and do our best to work for, or rather not work for its result, better acquainting ourselves with the simple, joyful pleasures of being more intensely immersed in nature as well as temporarily in a human body.  

We’ve been wanting to offer this simplified, more self-guided weekend for some time, an answer to the many hoping to escape the USA’s current chaos with a more private visit, as group activity this weekend will be limited, with private healing and meditation sessions also available. Our current, flexible schedule, to be guided by attendee experience, will begin with a Ceremony Friday night, June 20th to mark the exact Summer Solstice at 10:41 p.m. EST. Sunset in Southwest Michigan skies over the lake can go to 11 p.m., and so we’ll commence a light-filled weekend of all things “Breezy” — something quite easily accomplished. While mastering the spiritual path has been compared to pulling off something incredibly difficult, à la Riding an Ox Backward, this is a truly unique opportunity to gently turn away from the din and chaos of the outer world, and by doing so, rise above it, immersing oneself in nature, and acquiring immense physical, mental and emotional healing and preventive health benefits.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20th SCHEDULE

Arrival Welcome and Check-In 7 pm
Light, Healthy, Dinner 7pm - 8pm
Orientation Class 8pm – 9pm

Summer Solstice Ceremony 10:41 p.m.
Deep Rest and Relaxation 11pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 21st SCHEDULE

 Wake 8am
Light, Healthy Breakfast 8am-9am
Simple Meditation Class on “Do Nothing” Technique 9:30 am-Noon
Light, Healthy Lunch – Noon-2pm
Free Time for Hiking, Journaling, Yoga and Meditation
Dinner 5pm – 6pm
Free Time for Hiking, Journaling, Yoga and Meditation 6pm-9pm
Deep Rest and Relaxation 9pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 22nd SCHEDULE

Wake 8am
Light, Healthy Breakfast 8am-9am
Free Time for Hiking, Journaling, Yoga and Meditation 9am-12pm

Talking + Healing Circle - Noon

Light, Healthy Lunch 1-2pm

Wind Down and Close 3pm

PRICING

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $1,200/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as an individual as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $595/person

THE JULY WAY OF THE CONTRARY CEREMONIAL RETREAT WEEKEND

In traditional cultures, the Contrarian brought teachings and healings of energetic renewal. Bad was turned to good, negative to positive, fear, anxiety, depression and other mental ills soothed with mind-training techniques and Ceremonial spiritual purification. By moving backwards or unconventionally and often outside societal restraints, Pueblos Jesters, Hopi Clowns and Lakota Heyokas tapped into supernatural forces that restored universal balance and harmony to the community, providing emotional healing, energetic uplift & renewed life vitality

In this overnight weekend workshop, we’ll study some of the most powerful indigenous techniques for restoring mental well-being. We’ll have an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a positive, primitive way. Everyone is welcome to take part in a traditional Purification Ceremony — although the sweat is optional and all participants benefit from meditation training and simply experiencing our natural, simplified environment. This retreat weekend is for anyone and everyone who needs to reboot, reconnect, and renew mind, body and soul. Come and gain insight into living, shake off some fears, feel more in harmony with the rest of creation and spark a generally healthier, more positive approach to life.

Saturday –July 12th Schedule

Welcome 1pm

Local, Organic, Scrumptious, Farm to Table Lunch 1-2pm

Relax, explore the woods, rivers and retreat grounds 2-6pm

Gather for Meditation, Orientation & Ceremonial Intention Setting 6:30 pm

Inipi (Sweatlodge Ceremony) 7-9pm

Wopila Celebration and Feast 9pm

Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

Sunday – July 13th Schedule

Morning Song – a Class on making Spiritual Connections and gaining strength and wisdom through Spiritual Practice 9-10am

Breakfast 10-11am

Wind down and close 11:11 am

Option for continued exploration of retreat grounds, Lake Mishigama beaches & surrounding area

Pricing

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $700/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as a single person as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $300/person

+ Note: no fee is ever charged for Ceremony, costs cover meals and retreat house stay and a contribution of any proceeds given to the Sicangu People of Rosebud, South Dakota, USA and The Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribe of Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

The benefits of Meditation in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain are unparalleled. The advantages of a regular practice include reduced stress, developing a sense of inner calm, increasing physical and emotional pleasure and bolstering one’s general health, just to name a few. It is by far the most powerful tool in self-healing. During this getaway, we’ll connect deeply with the entire sweep of what meditation is all about, focusing on and fostering the skills one develops with regular practice — Concentration, Relaxation, Insights into the Nature of Reality and an ability to Unconditionally Love.

Abiding in Noble Silence for an extended weekend period, we’ll engage in sitting and walking meditation and gentle Yin yoga while enjoying light, healthy meals, and nature’s stillness. A zendo or meditation hall will be open for ongoing practice and guidance available for all levels of practitioners. This retreat is a fit for anyone who wants more surety and soundness of mind in light of an increasingly unstable outer world, and definitely those who will work to lay hold of the benefits of mindfulness – insight, empowerment and elevated self-esteem. Every single person who attends this retreat, in the words of my Teacher Shinzen Young, will “go away with a sharp new arrow in their quiver of life-skills. THE arrow in fact — a tool of immense power and generality that can be applied to improving just about every aspect of their personal human happiness.” Beginning meditators as well as the most advanced practitioners welcome.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25th SCHEDULE

Arrival Welcome and Check-In 6:30 pm
Light, Healthy, Dinner 7pm - 8pm
Orientation Class 8pm – 9pm
Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 26th SCHEDULE

Wake 8am
Light, Healthy Breakfast 8am-9am
Meditation Class on the 6 senses and 4 Principles of Practice – Concentration, Relaxation, Insights into Reality & Unconditional Love 9:30 am-Noon
Light, Healthy Lunch – Noon – 2pm
Sitting and Walking Meditation Practice Periods 2pm – 5pm
Dinner and Free Time 5pm – 8pm
Meditation and Fire Circle 8pm – 9pm
Deep Rest and Relaxation 9pm

SUNDAY, APRIL 27th SCHEDULE

Wake 8am
Light, Healthy Breakfast 8am-9am
Sitting and Walking Meditation Practice Periods 9am-12pm

Talking Circle Noon

Light, Healthy Lunch 1-2pm

Wind Down and Close 3pm

PRICING

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $1,200/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as an individual as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $595/person

THE AUGUST WAY OF THE CONTRARY CEREMONIAL RETREAT WEEKEND

In traditional cultures, the Contrarian brought teachings and healings of energetic renewal. Bad was turned to good, negative to positive, fear, anxiety, depression and other mental ills soothed with mind-training techniques and Ceremonial spiritual purification. By moving backwards or unconventionally and often outside societal restraints, Pueblos Jesters, Hopi Clowns and Lakota Heyokas tapped into supernatural forces that restored universal balance and harmony to the community, providing emotional healing, energetic uplift & renewed life vitality

In this overnight weekend workshop, we’ll study some of the most powerful indigenous techniques for restoring mental well-being. We’ll have an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a positive, primitive way. Everyone is welcome to take part in a traditional Purification Ceremony — although the sweat is optional and all participants benefit from meditation training and simply experiencing our natural, simplified environment. This retreat weekend is for anyone and everyone who needs to reboot, reconnect, and renew mind, body and soul. Come and gain insight into living, shake off some fears, feel more in harmony with the rest of creation and spark a generally healthier, more positive approach to life.

Saturday –August 16th Schedule

Welcome 1pm

Local, Organic, Scrumptious, Farm to Table Lunch 1-2pm

Relax, explore the woods, rivers and retreat grounds 2-6pm

Gather for Meditation, Orientation & Ceremonial Intention Setting 6:30 pm

Inipi (Sweatlodge Ceremony) 7-9pm

Wopila Celebration and Feast 9pm

Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

Sunday – August 17th Schedule

Morning Song – a Class on making Spiritual Connections and gaining strength and wisdom through Spiritual Practice 9-10am

Breakfast 10-11am

Wind down and close 11:11 am

Option for continued exploration of retreat grounds, Lake Mishigama beaches & surrounding area

Pricing

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $700/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as a single person as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $300/person

+ Note: no fee is ever charged for Ceremony, costs cover meals and retreat house stay and a contribution of any proceeds given to the Sicangu People of Rosebud, South Dakota, USA and The Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribe of Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

THE SEPTEMBER WAY OF THE CONTRARY CEREMONIAL RETREAT WEEKEND

In traditional cultures, the Contrarian brought teachings and healings of energetic renewal. Bad was turned to good, negative to positive, fear, anxiety, depression and other mental ills soothed with mind-training techniques and Ceremonial spiritual purification. By moving backwards or unconventionally and often outside societal restraints, Pueblos Jesters, Hopi Clowns and Lakota Heyokas tapped into supernatural forces that restored universal balance and harmony to the community, providing emotional healing, energetic uplift & renewed life vitality

In this overnight weekend workshop, we’ll study some of the most powerful indigenous techniques for restoring mental well-being. We’ll have an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a positive, primitive way. Everyone is welcome to take part in a traditional Purification Ceremony — although the sweat is optional and all participants benefit from meditation training and simply experiencing our natural, simplified environment. This retreat weekend is for anyone and everyone who needs to reboot, reconnect, and renew mind, body and soul. Come and gain insight into living, shake off some fears, feel more in harmony with the rest of creation and spark a generally healthier, more positive approach to life.

Saturday –September 6th Schedule

Welcome 1pm

Local, Organic, Scrumptious, Farm to Table Lunch 1-2pm

Relax, explore the woods, rivers and retreat grounds 2-6pm

Gather for Meditation, Orientation & Ceremonial Intention Setting 6:30 pm

Inipi (Sweatlodge Ceremony) 7-9pm

Wopila Celebration and Feast 9pm

Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

Sunday – Septemberr 7th Schedule

Morning Song – a Class on making Spiritual Connections and gaining strength and wisdom through Spiritual Practice 9-10am

Breakfast 10-11am

Wind down and close 11:11 am

Option for continued exploration of retreat grounds, Lake Mishigama beaches & surrounding area

Pricing

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $700/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as a single person as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $300/person

+ Note: no fee is ever charged for Ceremony, costs cover meals and retreat house stay and a contribution of any proceeds given to the Sicangu People of Rosebud, South Dakota, USA and The Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribe of Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

THE OCTOBER WAY OF THE CONTRARY CEREMONIAL RETREAT WEEKEND

In traditional cultures, the Contrarian brought teachings and healings of energetic renewal. Bad was turned to good, negative to positive, fear, anxiety, depression and other mental ills soothed with mind-training techniques and Ceremonial spiritual purification. By moving backwards or unconventionally and often outside societal restraints, Pueblos Jesters, Hopi Clowns and Lakota Heyokas tapped into supernatural forces that restored universal balance and harmony to the community, providing emotional healing, energetic uplift & renewed life vitality

In this overnight weekend workshop, we’ll study some of the most powerful indigenous techniques for restoring mental well-being. We’ll have an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a positive, primitive way. Everyone is welcome to take part in a traditional Purification Ceremony — although the sweat is optional and all participants benefit from meditation training and simply experiencing our natural, simplified environment. This retreat weekend is for anyone and everyone who needs to reboot, reconnect, and renew mind, body and soul. Come and gain insight into living, shake off some fears, feel more in harmony with the rest of creation and spark a generally healthier, more positive approach to life.

Saturday –October 4th Schedule

Welcome 1pm

Local, Organic, Scrumptious, Farm to Table Lunch 1-2pm

Relax, explore the woods, rivers and retreat grounds 2-6pm

Gather for Meditation, Orientation & Ceremonial Intention Setting 6:30 pm

Inipi (Sweatlodge Ceremony) 7-9pm

Wopila Celebration and Feast 9pm

Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

Sunday – October 5th chedule

Morning Song – a Class on making Spiritual Connections and gaining strength and wisdom through Spiritual Practice 9-10am

Breakfast 10-11am

Wind down and close 11:11 am

Option for continued exploration of retreat grounds, Lake Mishigama beaches & surrounding area

Pricing

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $700/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as a single person as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $300/person

+ Note: no fee is ever charged for Ceremony, costs cover meals and retreat house stay and a contribution of any proceeds given to the Sicangu People of Rosebud, South Dakota, USA and The Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribe of Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

The benefits of Meditation in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain are unparalleled. The advantages of a regular practice include reduced stress, developing a sense of inner calm, increasing physical and emotional pleasure and bolstering one’s general health, just to name a few. It is by far the most powerful tool in self-healing. During this getaway, we’ll connect deeply with the entire sweep of what meditation is all about, focusing on and fostering the skills one develops with regular practice — Concentration, Relaxation, Insights into the Nature of Reality and an ability to Unconditionally Love.

Abiding in Noble Silence for an extended weekend period, we’ll engage in sitting and walking meditation and gentle Yin yoga while enjoying light, healthy meals, and nature’s stillness. A zendo or meditation hall will be open for ongoing practice and guidance available for all levels of practitioners. This retreat is a fit for anyone who wants more surety and soundness of mind in light of an increasingly unstable outer world, and definitely those who will work to lay hold of the benefits of mindfulness – insight, empowerment and elevated self-esteem. Every single person who attends this retreat, in the words of my Teacher Shinzen Young, will “go away with a sharp new arrow in their quiver of life-skills. THE arrow in fact — a tool of immense power and generality that can be applied to improving just about every aspect of their personal human happiness.” Beginning meditators as well as the most advanced practitioners welcome.

FRIDAY, OCT. 17th SCHEDULE

Arrival Welcome and Check-In 6:30 pm
Light, Healthy, Dinner 7pm - 8pm
Orientation Class 8pm – 9pm
Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

SATURDAY, OCT. 18th SCHEDULE

Wake 8am
Light, Healthy Breakfast 8am-9am
Meditation Class on the 6 senses and 4 Principles of Practice – Concentration, Relaxation, Insights into Reality & Unconditional Love 9:30 am-Noon
Light, Healthy Lunch – Noon – 2pm
Sitting and Walking Meditation Practice Periods 2pm – 5pm
Dinner and Free Time 5pm – 8pm
Meditation and Fire Circle 8pm – 9pm
Deep Rest and Relaxation 9pm

SUNDAY, OCT. 19th SCHEDULE

Wake 8am
Light, Healthy Breakfast 8am-9am
Sitting and Walking Meditation Practice Periods 9am-12pm

Talking Circle Noon

Light, Healthy Lunch 1-2pm

Wind Down and Close 3pm

PRICING

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $1,200/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as an individual as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $595/person

THE NOVEMBER WAY OF THE CONTRARY CEREMONIAL RETREAT WEEKEND

In traditional cultures, the Contrarian brought teachings and healings of energetic renewal. Bad was turned to good, negative to positive, fear, anxiety, depression and other mental ills soothed with mind-training techniques and Ceremonial spiritual purification. By moving backwards or unconventionally and often outside societal restraints, Pueblos Jesters, Hopi Clowns and Lakota Heyokas tapped into supernatural forces that restored universal balance and harmony to the community, providing emotional healing, energetic uplift & renewed life vitality

In this overnight weekend workshop, we’ll study some of the most powerful indigenous techniques for restoring mental well-being. We’ll have an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a positive, primitive way. Everyone is welcome to take part in a traditional Purification Ceremony — although the sweat is optional and all participants benefit from meditation training and simply experiencing our natural, simplified environment. This retreat weekend is for anyone and everyone who needs to reboot, reconnect, and renew mind, body and soul. Come and gain insight into living, shake off some fears, feel more in harmony with the rest of creation and spark a generally healthier, more positive approach to life.

Saturday –November 8th Schedule

Welcome 1pm

Local, Organic, Scrumptious, Farm to Table Lunch 1-2pm

Relax, explore the woods, rivers and retreat grounds 2-6pm

Gather for Meditation, Orientation & Ceremonial Intention Setting 6:30 pm

Inipi (Sweatlodge Ceremony) 7-9pm

Wopila Celebration and Feast 9pm

Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

Sunday – November 9th chedule

Morning Song – a Class on making Spiritual Connections and gaining strength and wisdom through Spiritual Practice 9-10am

Breakfast 10-11am

Wind down and close 11:11 am

Option for continued exploration of retreat grounds, Lake Mishigama beaches & surrounding area

Pricing

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $700/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as a single person as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $300/person

+ Note: no fee is ever charged for Ceremony, costs cover meals and retreat house stay and a contribution of any proceeds given to the Sicangu People of Rosebud, South Dakota, USA and The Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribe of Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

THE DECEMBER WAY OF THE CONTRARY CEREMONIAL RETREAT WEEKEND

In traditional cultures, the Contrarian brought teachings and healings of energetic renewal. Bad was turned to good, negative to positive, fear, anxiety, depression and other mental ills soothed with mind-training techniques and Ceremonial spiritual purification. By moving backwards or unconventionally and often outside societal restraints, Pueblos Jesters, Hopi Clowns and Lakota Heyokas tapped into supernatural forces that restored universal balance and harmony to the community, providing emotional healing, energetic uplift & renewed life vitality

In this overnight weekend workshop, we’ll study some of the most powerful indigenous techniques for restoring mental well-being. We’ll have an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a positive, primitive way. Everyone is welcome to take part in a traditional Purification Ceremony — although the sweat is optional and all participants benefit from meditation training and simply experiencing our natural, simplified environment. This retreat weekend is for anyone and everyone who needs to reboot, reconnect, and renew mind, body and soul. Come and gain insight into living, shake off some fears, feel more in harmony with the rest of creation and spark a generally healthier, more positive approach to life.

Saturday –December 6th Schedule

Welcome 1pm

Local, Organic, Scrumptious, Farm to Table Lunch 1-2pm

Relax, explore the woods, rivers and retreat grounds 2-6pm

Gather for Meditation, Orientation & Ceremonial Intention Setting 6:30 pm

Inipi (Sweatlodge Ceremony) 7-9pm

Wopila Celebration and Feast 9pm

Deep Rest and Relaxation 10pm

Sunday – December 7th Schedule

Morning Song – a Class on making Spiritual Connections and gaining strength and wisdom through Spiritual Practice 9-10am

Breakfast 10-11am

Wind down and close 11:11 am

Option for continued exploration of retreat grounds, Lake Mishigama beaches & surrounding area

Pricing

Couple’s Package: Retreat with Overnight stay in shared bed in private room – $700/couple
*If you’d like a private room you can book this option as a single person as well.

Individual: Retreat with Overnight stay in Dorm room – $300/person

+ Note: no fee is ever charged for Ceremony, costs cover meals and retreat house stay and a contribution of any proceeds given to the Sicangu People of Rosebud, South Dakota, USA and The Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Tribe of Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA