Begin the New Year with clarity, stability, and purpose. Join John Bruna and Laura Bartels for this annual silent meditation retreat dedicated to cultivating the foundational practice of shamatha (calm abiding) meditation.
Shamatha is a universal contemplative practice that develops concentration, emotional balance, and inner peace. Whether practiced within a spiritual tradition or as a secular path of self-development, it provides a stable foundation for greater wisdom, connection, resilience, and well-being.
Open to both beginners and experienced meditators, this retreat offers guided meditation, periods of silence, personal reflection, and teachings designed to help establish or deepen a sustainable meditation practice. Start the year grounded, present, and prepared to engage life with greater awareness, compassion, and joy.
Check-in: January 1, 2027 from 3:00pm
Retreat Begins: January 1, 2027 at 5:00pm
Retreat Ends: January 4, 2027 at 11:00am
Resident Cost: $480, includes program, meals, and lodging
Commuter Cost: $390, includes program and meals
A $100 non-refundable & non-transferrable deposit is required to reserve your space.
Scholarship funding is available. Apply here.
About the Facilitators
Laura Bartels is an educator, mindfulness teacher and retreat leader with over 20 years of contemplative practice and training. Laura is the Executive Director of TRI Wisdom® Institute and a co-founder of the Mindful Life Program and Mindfulness in Recovery® Institute. After over 20 years in environmental sustainability, her change to contemplative education reflects a deep commitment to addressing the inner dimensions of well-being.
John Bruna, M.Ed., is a spiritual teacher, author, educator, and former Buddhist monk whose work focuses on helping people cultivate inner peace, resilience, wisdom, and compassion. As co-founder of the Mindful Life Program and spiritual director of the Way of Compassion, he has spent more than two decades teaching meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative practices that support meaningful and fulfilling lives. His teachings are known for their depth, authenticity, and accessibility to people from all spiritual traditions.
Traveling to Mercy Center Auburn
We are nestled in the Sierra foothills of Northern California, just minutes from historic downtown Auburn and easily accessible from Sacramento, the Bay Area, and the surrounding region.
By plane: Mercy Center Auburn is a 40-minute drive from Sacramento International Airport.
By train: Auburn Amtrak Station is the closest passenger rail station (about a 10 minute drive).
By car: Click here for driving directions.
Interested in learning about future retreats and events at Mercy Center Auburn?