Weekend Retreat Resources

Congratulations, you’re in!
Here’s all the details (e.g., agenda, location).
As a reminder, no fragrance is allowed on the property.

This small group retreat offers some of the most powerful teachings of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) over the course of a weekend. Intentionally relaxed and spacious, retreat allows for whatever emerges spontaneously among the group. Our aim is to directly experience the concepts introduced in the prerequisite course. Six teaching periods are interspersed amongst plenty of free time. This spacious agenda allows time for rest, replenishment, and reconnection.

  • In addition to teaching sessions, there will be plenty of free time for napping, sunbathing, reading, meditating, journaling, hiking, etcetera.

  • Nighttime activities are optional (e.g., bonfire). Quiet hours are 10p – 8a.

  • Please note that all teaching sessions are required, including our opening session on Friday, from 4:00-6:00p, and our closing session on Sunday, from 10:00a-12:30p.

Agreements

  • Because space is limited to nine retreat participants, the cost of registration is nonrefundable, regardless of attendance. Registration will not be pro-rated based on choice to exit early.

  • We do not allow marijuana or illegal drugs. Due to high fire hazards, there is no smoking, incense, candles, or open flame of any sort to be used on the property.

  • Cell phone reception and wifi are available throughout the property. Please plan on refraining from phone calls, email, or online activity during the retreat unless objectively necessary. This supports the integrity of the holding space and retreat experience.

  • Weekend Retreats are reserved for those who have completed the prerequisite course titled Reclamation Ground (whether live or asynchronous). This ensures a common language and foundation-level knowledge among participants in group gatherings. It also elevates the teachings in those gatherings.

    Reclamation Ground is offered live, online annually (for seven consecutive weeks) and can be completed asynchronously. In 2024, it will be offered live from Feb 19 - April 1. Please visit the Course page for more information.

Packing

  • Roller bags do not “roll” on our property. Instead, plan to carry any bags to your room.

  • Kelly is severely allergic to synthetic fragrance and, if exposed, will immediately experience anaphylaxis. Prior to packing, check the ingredients in your hair, body, and laundry products. (If the word “fragrance” or “parfum” is listed in their ingredients, then it will be a problem.) When you registered for this retreat, you agreed to forego fragrance entirely and not bring residue on your person or belongings. (If you arrive with fragrance, then you will be asked to leave without receiving a refund.)

  • Sunhat. Comfortable, layered clothing. Average temperatures in June are 80° (daytime) and 53° (nighttime). Closed-toe shoes (wood chips cover the property).

    Water bottle, travel mug for tea/coffee. Notebook, favorite pen. Flashlight. Alarm clock. Eyeshades and earplugs if they help you sleep. Anything that will support you in your free time (e.g., yoga mat, art supplies, book). If you intend to hike, then bring long pants and hiking boots (foxtail weeds, snakes).

    Please note: A bath towel, hand towel, and two washcloths will be provided for you during your stay; If you want more towels than that, feel free to bring them.

  • We do not allow marijuana or illegal drugs. (If you smoke, please let us know so that we can direct you to the designated area.) Due to high fire hazards, there is no incense, candles, or open flame of any sort to be used on the property.

  • Please note that we do not provide laundry facilities.

  • Bark mulch is used throughout the property to build soil, improve water-holding capacity, and protect against wildfire. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

  • While there are no roosters, we have some fairly raucous hens. They make some noise at the break of dawn and they celebrate each time they lay an egg. The property is bursting with bird sounds throughout the day — including red-tailed hawks, doves, jays, robins, and hummingbirds. By night, the frogs and resident barn owls can get raucous If you’re a sensitive sleeper, please bring earplugs.

Location & Travel

Address: 211 Kilkare Road, Sunol CA 94586
Navigation systems accurately guide you.

  • Friday (arrive between 2:00-3:30p) – Sunday (depart between 2:00-3:30p)

    Please attend the Closing Session from 10a-12:30p.

  • Please note that all teaching sessions are required, including our opening session on Friday, from 4:00-6:00p, and our closing session on Sunday, from 10:00a-12:30p. Please plan your travels carefully, including familiarizing yourself with traffic patterns and any likely delays, so that you will not be late for the opening session or need to leave before the end of the closing session.

  • The closest airport is Oakland (OAK, 27 miles, appx 35 minutes) followed by San Jose (SJC, 28 miles, appx 35 minutes) and San Francisco (SFO, 40 miles, appx 1 hour). Travel times are based on light traffic and can double during commute hours. When purchasing tickets, please check average travel times from/to that airport for the time of day you’re arriving/departing.

    Oakland Airport offers the easiest access to public transportation (BART to Pleasanton followed by taxi or rideshare to Sunol).

  • Inside the Gates. As you pull into the driveway, there are six parking spots immediately to your left. (See photo below). Our caterers pull their vehicles to the end of the driveway (close to the main house). Please do not block their route.

    On the Street. If you prefer to park outside the gates, you’ll find two spots on the street (near the footpath to the front door) and two parking spots on either side of the vehicle gate (be careful not to block the driveway).