A Feldenkrais Mindfulness Meditation Retreat with Jamie van Dam
Eight days · June 2027
Join for a minimum of four days, or stay for the full eight-day immersion.
This retreat explores mindfulness and awareness through two deeply supportive practices: the classic Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons and the traditional practice of Anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing, drawn from a 2,500-year-old Buddhist Buddha Dharma tradition.
We will work with a number of texts, including the classic Anapanasati, following the instructions of Lama Chökyi Gyaltsen and the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche.
Movement and breath open the way to moments of clear, bright, lucid awareness. We will practice the four classic postures of meditation, with clear instruction on each and many Feldenkrais sessions to support them.
Alongside guided sessions, we will examine how these two practices complement one another, with practical instruction on weaving both into your ongoing practice.
The structure unfolds in two parts:
The first four days are immersive and class-rich — three sessions each day, roughly two hours per class, of guided Feldenkrais lessons accompanied by Dharma meditation and instruction.
The second four days deepen the work. Each morning opens with a single Dharma-meditation class on the Art of Being in Retreat to orient the day, and the remaining hours are given to letting the structured content unfold at a quieter, more inward pace on your own. Time will be set aside throughout for private check-ins by request.
On the container of the retreat:
Each class includes space for questions and discussion. Between sessions, participants are encouraged to maintain silence, supporting inner reflection and a deepening awareness. Free of phones and electronic devices, we can integrate into the natural environment without a veil between us and it. To foster mindfulness and simplicity, no cell phones, computers, or internet access will be permitted during the retreat.
Jamie van Dam is a graduate of the 2003-2007 Victoria Feldenkrais Teacher Training where he studied with many well respected Feldenkrais trainers: Jeff Haller, Jerry Karzen, Beatriz Walterspiel, Alan Questel, Katrin Smithback and Bonnie Humiston. Under their guidance he completed the 800 hour training program which focused primarily on discovering awareness; the principles and strategies of learning; the self image and its development and functional, developmental and structural types of movements.
Important Details
When: 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.
Rate:
Option 1: June 17-20 (4 days) $434 - non-members $395 - members (course fee of $20 included)
Option 2: June 17-24 (8 days) $986 - non-members $895 - members (course fee of $20 included)
(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. The teacher is sharing his/her experience 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.