The transition between Christmas and the New Year is a sacred time of reflection, renewal, and spiritual possibility. Across traditions, this season invites us to pause, reconnect with what truly matters, and open our hearts to new beginnings.
Join John Bruna and Laura Bartels for five days of contemplative silence, meditation, mindfulness practice, prayer, and personal reflection. In the supportive environment of Mercy Center, we step away from the distractions of daily life to cultivate inner peace, resiliency, gratitude, and a deeper connection to our values and spiritual aspirations.
Open to people of all faiths, spiritual traditions, and contemplative backgrounds, this retreat offers an opportunity to close the year with wisdom and intention while preparing for the year ahead with renewed purpose, compassion, and joy.
Check-in: December 28, 2026 from 3:00pm
Retreat Begins: December 28, 2026 at 5:00pm
Retreat Ends: January 1, 2027 at 11:00am
Resident Cost: $640, includes program, meals, and lodging
Commuter Cost: $520, 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?