The Generosity of the Earth: A Harvest Retreat
With Chef Mitch Alexander
October 16–18, 2026
As autumn gathers around us, we come together to celebrate the generosity of the earth and the abundance of the harvest.
This weekend invites us to slow down and reconnect with the journey from soil to table. Through seasonal cooking, mindful food preparation, meditation, and shared meals, we will explore food not simply as nourishment, but as an expression of interconnection, gratitude, and care.
With Chef Mitch and Jamie Alexander, we will work with the bounty of the season through cooking, pickling, preserving, and seasonal preparations. Karin Barrington will share the art of traditional, time-honoured baking—simple, generous recipes and the kind of kitchen wisdom passed from one generation to another.
There will also be plenty of free time to rest and enjoy the Dharma Centre in autumn. Paddle on the lake, wander the forest and trails, explore the changing colours, sit quietly in meditation, or simply enjoy the warmth of community and the beauty of the land.
The weekend will weave together cooking, baking, meditation, nature, creativity, and community, offering space to appreciate the many hands, elements, and conditions that bring nourishment into our lives.
Come gather, cook, bake, preserve, paddle, explore, share, and give thanks for the precious generosity of the earth. 🍂
Chef Mitchell Alexander is a dynamic Canadian private chef and culinary entrepreneur dedicated to transforming regional ingredients into unforgettable dining experiences. As the founder and owner of Feast & Fusion Food Services, Mitchell has built a standout reputation across Ontario’s Oshawa and Kawartha Lakes regions, bringing bespoke restaurant-quality gastronomy directly to private homes, corporate events, and luxury lakeside cottages.
Known for his highly adaptive culinary style, Mitchell specializes in curated multi-course menus that harmonize precise classical techniques with contemporary global flavors. His commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs, combined with an artful eye for presentation, has made him a highly sought-after culinary personality in premium cottage country markets like Fenelon Falls, Minden, and Peterborough.
In 2026, Mitchell’s culinary talent and entrepreneurial drive gained national recognition when he competed in the prestigious Favorite Chef Competition presented by Carla Hall, where he successfully advanced to the quarterfinals. Whether orchestrating an intimate fine-dining experience or executing a large-scale catered event, Chef Mitchell Alexander continues to elevate Ontario's vibrant food scene through passion, precision, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Important Details
When: October 16-18, 2026
Please plan to arrive between 3-5pm on the first day. The retreat will begin with a property orientation at 5:30pm followed by a light supper and the first evening class and will finish after lunch on the final day.
Rates: $276 Non-member / $250 Member
(To find out how to become a member please visit our membership page)
Rates include: Single accommodation and all meals. They do not include instructor fees. Teachers are sharing their experiences within the traditional Buddhist understanding of Dana. To understand more about Dana, please read the following:
What is Dana? Teachers give the teachings of awakening (Dharma) freely so that anyone, no matter their financial means can attend classes. Each time one receives teachings, it is an opportunity to consciously practice generosity. Giving money and other means of support expresses gratitude and support to the teacher and helps to ensure that these teachings continue. Each person receiving Dharma teachings determines the kind and amount of Dāna according to one’s heart and one’s financial means. When deciding how much to offer, one should think about what these teachings mean to you and try to give accordingly. It is recommended that students make an offering of dāna at the beginning of a class or retreat to establish the intention to make the most of this opportunity for one’s own progression and for the benefit of all others.
Deposit: A 50% deposit is required to hold your space upon registration.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations are subject to a $100 fee, which will support other low-income practitioners through our Practitioner Support Fund.
If cancellation occurs within 14 days of the retreat start date, 50% of the deposit (equivalent to 25% of the total retreat cost) will be forfeited. These funds will be directed to the Uplifted Property Fund to support the Renewal Project.