Connecting with the Source of Compassion

A Transformative Residential Meditation Retreat

Join us for a profound journey into the heart of compassion.

Guided by Caverly Morgan and special guest Dr. Kristin Neff, this five-day experiential retreat is designed to help you access and embody loving Awareness, where natural wisdom and compassion reside.

Connect with your compassionate nature.

Many of us struggle to offer ourselves compassion because we are identified with a limited, separate sense of self. This smaller self often feels inadequate, unworthy, or lacking the resources and knowledge to truly care for itself. This is the self that suffers.

Opening our hearts transforms our lives, granting us greater peace and resilience in the face of emotional challenges. We become happier and more satisfied. But when we cling to the notion of a limited self that must control everything and perfect every practice, we amplify our suffering. We may even criticize ourselves for not being self-compassionate enough, creating a vicious cycle of judgment and inadequacy.

However, when we connect with our larger Self—the aspect of our being that is inherently wise, loving, and not separate from the whole—compassion flows effortlessly. It’s from this deep wellspring within our true nature that we can genuinely open our hearts to ourselves and others.

This retreat invites you to explore these profound questions: Who is the self in self-compassion? What is the heart that opens to ourselves, others, and life itself? Is there an “I” doing anything at all, or are we simply resting in our true nature?

When we awaken to our true nature, we don’t bypass the world. We awaken to love it more fully. And self-compassion is the first expression of that love, starting with the self we thought we were.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with kindness and care.
• How to relate to difficult emotions with greater ease.
• How to take the effort out of self-compassion practice.
• How to access your true nature, which is naturally compassionate.
• How to rest in Being, the heart of who we are.

What You Can Expect:

• Teachings and Guided Meditations: Engage in insightful teachings and guided meditations to deepen your understanding and experience of compassion.
• Dyads and Group Discussions: Connect with fellow participants through structured dyads and open group discussions, fostering a supportive community.
• Q&A Sessions: Gain clarity and personal insights during interactive Q&A sessions with Caverly Morgan and Dr. Kristin Neff.
• Journaling: Reflect on your experiences and insights through guided journaling exercises.
• Mindful Movement: Engage in daily embodied movement classes with Jess Jarris.
• Restorative Time: Explore Whidbey Institute’s scenic trail system, wander the tranquil labyrinth and gardens, or simply rest. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.
• Nourishing Organic Meals: Enjoy delicious meals crafted by Whidbey Institute’s chef specially prepared for our group.

Note about the teachers:

Caverly is the lead facilitator for this retreat. Dr. Kristin Neff will be a special guest, attending the retreat for only a part of it. This retreat may not be a good fit for those who want standard self-compassion skills training from Kristin, as we will primarily be focusing on accessing compassionate presence through contemplation.

Please Note: Although CUE’s are not being offered at this retreat, participants can be provided a Certification of Completion. Registrants will receive more information about this closer to the retreat.

Testimonials from Previous Retreatants

The combination of these two brilliant teachers created something truly magical. The spaciousness and comfort of the retreat allowed the teachings to gently absorb as my mind and body loosened and unfolded to receive them. Pairing the connection of relational practice with the reverence and space of silent practice made it feel as though we were all on this sacred journey as one. My life is forever changed.

—Amanda, Researcher

This retreat was deeply meaningful. The echoes of the experience will continue to resonate through my personal and professional life for decades.

—Brian, Physician

About Whidbey Institute

Our time together will be held in the container of the Whidbey Institute, replete with farm houses and cabins dotting a serene meadow and woodlands. Nestled amongst a 106-acre conservation forest on South Whidbey Island, WA, the Whidbey Institute is dedicated to nurturing the conditions for transformational learning and growth.

Scholarships

We are offering a limited number of partial scholarships: people who identify as BIPOC and/or part of a marginalized community, and those experiencing financial hardship. You can learn more and apply HERE. Interested in contributing to the scholarship fund? Thank you! You can do so HERE.

Join Us

Immerse yourself in a space of loving, connected presence, where intellect steps aside for direct experience. Together, we’ll explore the limitless source of compassion within us all, transforming how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.