Forest Serenity: Meditation Retreats at Just Love

  • Friday 4:00pm - Saturday 10:00am

    Friday, March 22

    Friday, April 19

    Thursday, May 2 (3 Day Retreat)

    Friday, May 10

    Friday, June 21

    Friday, July 19

    Friday, August 16

    Friday, September 20

    Thursday, Oct 10 (3 Day Retreat)

    Friday, October 18

    Friday, November 8

    Friday, December 20

Embrace Tranquility in Nature: Meditation Programs at Just Love Forest

Nestled in the heart of nature, Just Love Forest offers a sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit through our specially curated meditation programs. Our retreats are all guided by esteemed teachers certified by the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Program, led by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, in association with the University of California at Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. As part of this 2-year program, they also completed a 6-month DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Accountability) training. This prestigious certification ensures that participants receive compassionate and skilled guidance on their meditation journey. We host monthly evening gatherings as part of our community weekends. Twice a year we also host 3 day silence retreats in May and October.

Our programs are deeply rooted in the Vipassana tradition, known for its rich practice of insight meditation. We honor this tradition by offering our sessions in a sacredly secular manner, making them accessible and enriching for individuals from all walks of life and spiritual backgrounds. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of meditation or are looking to deepen your practice, our doors are open to all levels of experience and lineages. See below for more on what to expect and the bios of our certified teachers.

At Just Love Forest, we believe in the transformative power of meditation not just as a practice but as a way of living. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest, participants are invited to connect with the earth, themselves, and each other in a profound and meaningful way. Our meditation programs offer a unique opportunity to explore mindfulness amidst the natural calm of the forest, providing a perfect backdrop for self-discovery and inner peace.

Join us at Just Love Forest for a journey into mindfulness and meditation. Here, in the embrace of nature, find the space to quiet your mind, nurture your heart, and cultivate a sense of deep inner peace and connectedness. Welcome to a community where every moment is an invitation to embrace the present moment as it is.

REGISTRATIOn

At Just Love Forest, we cherish the personal journey of mindfulness and ensure our gatherings meet the unique needs of each participant through an invitation-based approach.

Returning Friends: If you've previously enjoyed a meditation evening with us, we warmly invite you to register directly for another enriching experience—no additional call needed.

New to Our Meditation Group? Welcome! We invite new participants to schedule a required 30-minute introductory call with Bala. This is for both the Friday gatherings as well as the 3 day silence retreats. This conversation allows us to understand your meditation journey and ensures our gatherings align with your aspirations. Following our chat, if there’s mutual resonance, we’ll extend an invitation to our next gathering. This process guarantees a meaningful and supportive experience for all attendees.

Contributions for Friday Night Retreats

In the heart of Just Love Forest, we open our arms and our sanctuary to everyone drawn to explore mindfulness and connection with nature. We understand that each person's circumstances are unique, and we firmly believe that financial constraints should never be a barrier to experiencing the serenity and community our forest offers.

While there is a cost associated with maintaining our 716-acre nature preserve and supporting our ongoing projects, we invite you to contribute in a way that feels right for you. To continue building and protecting this sacred space, we suggest a Recommended Contribution of $50+. This amount helps us cover the actual costs of food and accommodations in the forest and ensures we can keep offering these transformative experiences.

For those who are in a position to contribute more, a Sustainer Rate of $100+ that you'd normally pay for an overnight retreat greatly assists enabling us to extend this opportunity to more individuals, paying it forward within our community.

Remember, everyone is welcome at Just Love Forest, regardless of the ability to pay. Your presence, energy, and intention contribute immensely to the magic of our gatherings. If you have questions, need more information, or wish to discuss alternative contributions, like volunteering to support events please feel free to reach out to bala@justloveforest.com. Please note the 3 day retreats have their own pricing.

With gratitude and open hearts,

The Just Love Forest Team

- Guided Meditation: As the evening winds down, we'll come together for a guided meditation session, helping you to find peace and tranquility before retiring for the night.

- Campfire Nights: On certain evenings, we may light a campfire, providing a cozy atmosphere for stories, reflections, or simply enjoying the soothing presence of the fire and the forest around us.

Morning Meditation and Departure:

- A Mindful Start: After a simple breakfast, we'll embrace the new day with a meditation session. Depending on the season, weather, and group dynamics, this could take place outside, at our serene basecamp, atop the breathtaking Bhakti Mountain summit, or within the sacred space of our yurt.

- Concluding Our Journey: Our official program concludes by 9:30 am. You're welcome to depart at 10 am or choose to extend your stay by participating in our service day, further immersing yourself in the spirit of community and mindfulness.

Join Us at Just Love Forest

Our meditation gatherings are more than just retreats; they are an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and acceptance. Whether you're seeking a pause for reflection, eager to explore meditation, or looking to connect with like-minded individuals, Just Love Forest offers a nurturing space for all.

We look forward to welcoming you into our community, sharing moments of mindfulness, and experiencing the transformative power of nature together.

What to expect

Experience the Essence of Mindfulness at Just Love Forest

Welcome to a sanctuary where peace and nature meet. Our meditation gatherings are designed to provide you with a serene retreat from the hustle of daily life, allowing you to connect with your inner self in the tranquil embrace of Just Love Forest. Here’s what you can expect from your heartfelt journey with us:

Upon Arrival: A Warm Welcome

- Settling In: If you're staying overnight, we'll ensure you're comfortably settled and oriented. Our priority is to make you feel at home amidst the natural serenity of the forest.

- Heartfelt Introductions: Join us in our beautiful yurt for rose tea as we engage in deep introductions. This is a time to connect, share, and begin our journey together.

Nourishing Body and Soul:

- A Plant-based Meal: Enjoy a simple, yet deliciously healthy plant-based dinner prepared with love. Our meals are designed to nourish your body and align with the mindful essence of our gathering.

Evening Activities: Reflection and Connection

- Insightful Discussions: After dinner, we'll gather for a short talk or class focused on spiritual journeys or meditation techniques. This is an opportunity to explore and deepen your understanding of mindfulness practices.

  • Mitch Poe

    Mitch has been practicing Mindfulness Meditation for 7 years, but after the first year he knew he wanted to share these practices and set out to become a meditation teacher. His experience with depression and anxiety have prepared him to help those who suffer in our modern world. He currently offers one on one coaching as well as hosting mediation groups. He and his wife live in central Alabama along with their dog and three cats.

  • Helen Nde

    After decades of struggling with an unruly mind and a restless heart, Helen found solace in Meditation/Mindfulness which, for the last five years, has become the most essential part of her life. It is her experience with, and confidence in these practices which inspired her to train as a teacher. Helen believes that a vibrant and loving connection with diverse people and the planet is necessary to thrive as a human being. Her intention, as a member of the community at Just Love Forest, is to facilitate these connections. Helen lives in Norcross, GA with her two cats (Annie and Estrella) and a thriving plant family.

  • Bala Yancey

    Bala had a deep meditation experience 5 years ago that changed how he experiences all of life. He spent a year working with teachers of a variety of lineages in Encinitas and India. Eventually he met his teacher Ram Dass where he also met Jack Kornfield. Bala wanted to become a meditation teacher to help people find greater purpose and alignment with life. When not in the forest, he lives in Atlanta with his husband and dog, Winnie.

  • A call to reconnect

  • Breathe deeply, embrace the forest's calm

  • Find your serenity beneath the green canopy.

  • Walk softly, let the forest rejuvenate.

  • Embrace tranquility, one step at a time.

  • Trees whisper wisdom, listen and heal.

  • Reconnect with earth, rediscover your harmony.

At Just Love Forest, we understand that to heal the world, we must begin with ourselves.

Meditation is not just about relaxation; it's a transformative practice that reminds us of our intrinsic connection to the earth. It offers a space to ground ourselves, to reconnect with our true nature, and to receive the boundless gifts that nature has to offer.

In these stressful times, the medicine of the forest is more vital than ever. It's an invitation to pause, to breathe deeply, and to return to a state of balance and harmony. At Just Love Forest, we are committed to guiding you through this reawakening, helping you to rediscover joy, peace, and a sense of belonging in the natural world.

Join us at Just Love Forest, where the trees whisper ancient secrets, and the earth offers its quiet strength. Here, in the heart of nature, find your way back to a life of harmony, joy, and deep connection.