Serenity Ridge Retreats

Breath and movement, when combined with clear, focused attention, are powerful tools for bringing balance and harmony into our life. United, they strengthen our life-force and calm the mind. Releasing all effort after each movement we touch our inner stillness and silence.  Tibetan Yoga practices specifically designed to clear obstacles and blockages to clear the flow of our energy and clarity of our minds. These practices ask us to truly listen to the subtle conversations that are taking place in our mind, and to feel the ways in which they manifest in our body. Then, without analyzing or rejecting those feelings we allow them to self-liberate, leaving us feeling more spacious and clear.   This day of practice our focus will be the Nine Breaths of Purification, and the five Tsa lung (channel and wind) exercises. The Nine Breaths of Purification clears blockages related to anger, attachment and ignorance, freeing our energies for more constructive purposes. Tsa Lung exercises help us to clear disturbing emotions and energetic imbalances that prevent us from fully expressing the positive qualities of love, compassion, joy and equanimity in our lives.  * These practices are not recommended for anyone suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, […]

Breath and movement, when combined with clear, focused attention, are powerful tools for bringing balance and harmony into our life. United, they strengthen our life-force and calm the mind. Releasing all effort after each movement we touch our inner stillness and silence.  Tibetan Yoga practices specifically designed to clear obstacles and blockages to clear the flow of our energy and clarity of our minds. These practices ask us to truly listen to the subtle conversations that are taking place in our mind, and to feel the ways in which they manifest in our body. Then, without analyzing or rejecting those feelings we allow them to self-liberate, leaving us feeling more spacious and clear.   This day of practice our focus will be the Nine Breaths of Purification, and the five Tsa lung (channel and wind) exercises. The Nine Breaths of Purification clears blockages related to anger, attachment and ignorance, freeing our energies for more constructive purposes. Tsa Lung exercises help us to clear disturbing emotions and energetic imbalances that prevent us from fully expressing the positive qualities of love, compassion, joy and equanimity in our lives.  Note: Lunch is not provided. Bring your own lunch or snack. Coffee and Tea will […]

Breath and movement, when combined with clear, focused attention, are powerful tools for bringing balance and harmony into our life. United, they strengthen our life-force and calm the mind. Releasing all effort after each movement we touch our inner stillness and silence.  Tibetan Yoga practices specifically designed to clear obstacles and blockages to clear the flow of our energy and clarity of our minds. These practices ask us to truly listen to the subtle conversations that are taking place in our mind, and to feel the ways in which they manifest in our body. Then, without analyzing or rejecting those feelings we allow them to self-liberate, leaving us feeling more spacious and clear.   This day of practice will focus on a selection of the “magical” movements of tsa lung trul khor. These movements are more physically vigorous than Saturday’s practices, but directly related. They both purify body, energy and mind as well as strengthen them and enhance positive qualities. The movements we will work with are from the Zhang Zhung cycle as presented by Sharda Rinpoche.  Modifications will be provided for all levels of ability and flexibility.*  * These practices are not recommended for anyone suffering from uncontrolled high blood […]

Breath and movement, when combined with clear, focused attention, are powerful tools for bringing balance and harmony into our life. United, they strengthen our life-force and calm the mind. Releasing all effort after each movement we touch our inner stillness and silence.  Tibetan Yoga practices specifically designed to clear obstacles and blockages to clear the flow of our energy and clarity of our minds. These practices ask us to truly listen to the subtle conversations that are taking place in our mind, and to feel the ways in which they manifest in our body. Then, without analyzing or rejecting those feelings we allow them to self-liberate, leaving us feeling more spacious and clear.   This day of practice will focus on a selection of the “magical” movements of tsa lung trul khor. These movements are more physically vigorous than Saturday’s practices, but directly related. They both purify body, energy and mind as well as strengthen them and enhance positive qualities. The movements we will work with are from the Zhang Zhung cycle as presented by Sharda Rinpoche.  Modifications will be provided for all levels of ability and flexibility.*  Note: Lunch is not provided. Bring your own lunch or snack. Coffee and […]

January 3–4 & January 10–11, 2026 Dzogchen teachings from the heart of the Bön tradition This winter Drubdra Khenpo Tsultrim Tenzin Rinpoche, Abbot (Khenpo) of the Meditation School (Drubdra) at Triten Norbutse Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, joins Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche for two special weekend teachings. The weekend of January 3–4, 2026 and the following weekend, January 10–11, 2026 are an invitation to settle the mind, open the heart, and immerse yourself in the living lineage of Bön Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, the highest teachings of the Yungdrung Bön, Nyingma and Kagyu traditions. About the Teachings The first weekend, January 3–4, we will turn our attention to the Invocation of Tapihritsa—a profound prayer that illuminates the qualities of open awareness. More than simply beautiful, this invocation is a direct expression of the natural state itself. It reveals the radiant qualities of our own enlightened nature while guiding us along the path and pointing to the fruit of meditation practice. Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and Drubdra Khenpo Rinpoche will teach from a commentary on the Invocation of Tapihritsa written by H.E. Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche.  The second weekend, January 10–11, our attention turns to the First Nail of the Twenty-One Nails, Recognizing the […]

Silent Meditation Retreat with Marcy Vaughn and Gabriel Rocco February 6-8, 2026 | Serenity Ridge Retreat Center | Shipman, Virginia Join senior teachers Marcy Vaughn and Gabriel Rocco for a Silent Meditation Retreat at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, nestled in the peaceful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This winter retreat offers a rare opportunity to rest deeply in silence, reconnect with your inner stillness, and cultivate open awareness in a supportive environment. Through gentle guidance, periods of sitting and walking meditation, and mindful presence throughout each day, participants are invited to release habitual busyness and return to the spaciousness of being. Surrounded by the natural beauty and quiet of Serenity Ridge in winter, this retreat provides the ideal setting for reflection, renewal, and genuine inner peace. All are welcome—whether new to meditation or experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their practice in silence. Schedule  Friday 2/6/26 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Check-in 6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Opening Teaching *Silence begins after announcements after the teaching concludes Saturday 2/7/26-Sunday 2/08/25 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Practice 8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Meal Clean-up or Break 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Practice 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Break 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice 12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Break 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch […]

Silent Meditation Retreat with Marcy Vaughn and Gabriel Rocco February 6-12, 2026 | Serenity Ridge Retreat Center | Shipman, Virginia Join senior teachers Marcy Vaughn and Gabriel Rocco for a Silent Meditation Retreat at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, nestled in the peaceful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This winter retreat offers a rare opportunity to rest deeply in silence, reconnect with your inner stillness, and cultivate open awareness in a supportive environment. Through gentle guidance, periods of sitting and walking meditation, and mindful presence throughout each day, participants are invited to release habitual busyness and return to the spaciousness of being. Surrounded by the natural beauty and quiet of Serenity Ridge in winter, this retreat provides the ideal setting for reflection, renewal, and genuine inner peace. All are welcome—whether new to meditation or experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their practice in silence. Schedule  Friday 2/6/26 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Check-in 6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Opening Teaching *Silence begins after announcements after the teaching concludes Saturday 2/7/26-Wednesday 2/11/25 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Practice 8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Meal Clean-up or Break 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Practice 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Break 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice 12:30 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Break 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Lunch […]

In many cultures the primordial female energy is seen as the origin of existence and the source of all positive qualities. As such, Sherap Chamma, Mother of Wisdom and Love, is the source of wisdom, and her medicine is love and compassion. The teachings of Sherap Chamma comprise one of the most important tantric cycles of the ancient Bön tradition. In this retreat, participants will learn a beautiful and simple meditation practice enabling each to directly connect with the divine feminine energy. Within the support of the group, an environment is created to promote profound healing of physical, energetic, emotional and spiritual dimensions of life. With visualization, the sound of mantra, and deep contemplation, participants can make a personal connection to this sacred form of the universal mother, Sherap Chamma, and are guided through this connection to innate wisdom and the love and compassion that naturally radiate from that wisdom. Those experienced in meditation as well as those who are beginning are warmly welcomed. Schedule (New York Time) Thursday 2/12/26 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Opening Teaching Friday 2/13/26-Saturday 2/14/26 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Practice 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Practice 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Practice 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Practice 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Practice 7:30 p.m.– […]

In many cultures the primordial female energy is seen as the origin of existence and the source of all positive qualities. As such, Sherap Chamma, Mother of Wisdom and Love, is the source of wisdom, and her medicine is love and compassion. The teachings of Sherap Chamma comprise one of the most important tantric cycles of the ancient Bön tradition. In this retreat, participants will learn a beautiful and simple meditation practice enabling each to directly connect with the divine feminine energy. Within the support of the group, an environment is created to promote profound healing of physical, energetic, emotional and spiritual dimensions of life. With visualization, the sound of mantra, and deep contemplation, participants can make a personal connection to this sacred form of the universal mother, Sherap Chamma, and are guided through this connection to innate wisdom and the love and compassion that naturally radiate from that wisdom. Those experienced in meditation as well as those who are beginning are warmly welcomed. Schedule (New York Time) Thursday 2/12/26 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Check-in 6:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Opening Teaching Friday 2/13/26-Saturday 2/14/26 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Practice 8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Meal Clean-up or […]

Rest, Nourish, Realize and Renew:  Transforming Life and Health through Nature, Movement, Breath, and Meditation Through stillness, silence and awareness, make genuine contact with the sky of your being. Your recognition of this inner spaciousness is the inner sun that shines. The internal warmth allows the flowering of infinite positive qualities in your life. - Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche As spring awakens, the world comes alive—longer days, fresh growth, returning birds, and gentle rains that nurture new life. By connecting with these natural rhythms, we support our own wellbeing. This retreat is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and bring awareness, renewal, and transformation into everyday life. Over three days, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and guests will share ancient methods, supported by modern research and scientific findings, to realize our inner source of well being and grow beyond often unconscious self-defined limits to engage with our lives in creative, inspired and fun ways. We will discover ways to release stress, decrease anxiety, enhance energy, support health through mindful eating, deepen inner peacefulness, and reconnect to ourselves and the world around us. Be empowered to make healthier choices that support your wellness on every level!  Our days will include Sunrise meditation (weather permitting) Tibetan […]

Rest, Nourish, Realize and Renew: Transforming Life and Health through Nature, Movement, Breath, and Meditation Through stillness, silence and awareness, make genuine contact with the sky of your being. Your recognition of this inner spaciousness is the inner sun that shines. The internal warmth allows the flowering of infinite positive qualities in your life. - Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche As spring awakens, the world comes alive—longer days, fresh growth, returning birds, and gentle rains that nurture new life. By connecting with these natural rhythms, we support our own wellbeing. This retreat is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and bring awareness, renewal, and transformation into everyday life. Over three days, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche and guests will share ancient methods, supported by modern research and scientific findings, to realize our inner source of well being and grow beyond often unconscious self-defined limits to engage with our lives in creative, inspired and fun ways. We will discover ways to release stress, decrease anxiety, enhance energy, support health through mindful eating, deepen inner peacefulness, and reconnect to ourselves and the world around us. Be empowered to make healthier choices that support your wellness on every level!  Our days will include Sunrise meditation (weather permitting) Tibetan […]

Welcome to a profound journey of transformation. Over three years, under the guidance of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, we invite you to explore the living power of the Five Elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space—and to rediscover the deep harmony that connects us to the natural world and to our own true essence. […]