Kripalu Silent Nature Retreat

A guided vigil for reflection and renewal

outside nature walk pathway

Find Uninterrupted Presence

In this immersive and unique Kripalu experience, join lead faculty member and Kripalu School of Outdoor Leadership founder Micah Mortali for a guided nature vigil—an ancient practice designed to help you cross a meaningful threshold in your life. Through intentional solitude, silence, and extended time outdoors, enter a liminal space where familiar patterns can loosen and something new may emerge.

Rooted in the timeless initiatory arc of Threshold, Severance, and Return, this journey supports you in consciously stepping away from the familiar, loosening what no longer serves, and returning with insight you can carry into your relationships, leadership, and service.

During This Program, You Will:

  • Prepare for and undertake a day-long solo nature vigil grounded in safety, intention, and contemplative practice
  • Cultivate deep listening and relationship with the more-than-human world through silence and place-based awareness
  • Learn how rites of passage and liminal experiences support growth, resilience, and clarity
  • Integrate your experience in guided sessions designed to help you return with purpose and renewed perspective

The program culminates in a full day of solo, silent time outdoors—an opportunity for profound reset and reconnection. Structured preparation and guided integration ensure you feel supported before, during, and after your vigil.

This program is well-suited for mindful outdoor guides, forest therapy guides, and practitioners who are comfortable spending extended periods of time outdoors, in silence, and in self-reflection.

All program sessions will be held outdoors, conditions permitting. Early morning and evening sessions are included. Participants are encouraged to limit screen use during breaks and evenings. 

***The nature vigil experience on Tuesday includes a fast until dinner at 5:30. Participants will be in their nature vigil location from 8am-4pm. There will be no break for lunch. Participants will bring 1 gallon of water for the day, a tarp (in case of rain), a blanket, proper attire, and something to sit on. Staff will check on each participant one time during the sit, and the experience will be within a short walk to the main building. If you have any questions about the parameters for this experience please contact Micah Mortali at micahm@kripalu.org***
 

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