Jay Cunningham 

"Working in a school with 77% free and reduced lunch students, and kids that are reading 3-4 levels below grade can be very stressful and challenging. Our school offers meditation for the students and staff two times per day. Occasionally, we have the opportunity to attend a meditation retreat. I take every opportunity to participate. The meditation cycle is very relaxing. Taking the time to focus on my mental health is a critical opportunity to enhance my wellbeing. I always leave the retreat feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated! I cannot wait to go back for another retreat!"

Cassie Curiel 

“Meditation retreats are THE BEST self-care I have ever participated in! Teaching in a Title I school can be just as stressful as it is rewarding. And even though I love it, I often feel physically, mentally, and emotionally drained when I go home, which takes its own toll on my personal life. These retreats allow me to purge all of that built up stress and just focus on my wellbeing. The facilitators are excellent and ensure that we have healthy meals, comfortable accommodations, and lots of support. I leave the retreats well rested, well fed, and incandescently happy."

Amber Zertuche

“My experience attending these retreats has been blissful every time. Everything's taken care of for you, including the cooking. There’s a set schedule and as an avid planner I love this because it means I can completely let go and not feel the need to control, which could otherwise lead to stress. The course leaders are fantastic and the more retreats I attend the more I get to know them and how dedicated they are to me and my colleagues’ wellness. Some of the major benefits after attending are a greater sense of calmness and a boost in being able to focus for the following weeks. I hope to go on another one soon!"

Lauren Stupek 

"I have been lucky enough to attend a few of these meditation retreats, and the hours I have spent in the care of the CWAE staff on these retreats have been some of the most nourishing and grounding of my life. The people who organize the retreats do an incredible job making the real world, and all the stresses that come along with it, fade away. This is the one place I am able to focus entirely on myself. The cozy and comfortable cabins and the decadent and nourishing meals always leave me feeling rested and satisfied. We are also encouraged to take leisurely walks during the retreat, which gives people the opportunity to connect with the beautiful nature surrounding the property. Of course, the most impactful part of this retreat is the meditation itself. The retreat provides multiple opportunities to practice meditation in a group setting, which creates a beautiful and powerful sense of community. Led by knowledgeable, professional, and warm teachers, we are taken through multiple rounds of meditation over the course of the retreat. This retreat always leaves me with the most profound sense of serenity and bliss, a feeling that stays with me long after I make my way back to the real world."