Do Nothing: Learning to Live Your Life with Genuine Care

Do Nothing is a five-day meditation retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, built around mindfulness, presence and a two-day silent portion. It is a leadership-minded retreat for people who want to slow down, unplug and look within, whether they are new to meditation, returning to a practice that has lapsed, or already sit regularly. It is led by Janet Solyntjes and Rob Dube, the retreat's founder.

What to Expect

The days follow a steady rhythm of meditation instruction and practice, mindful walking, stretching, wisdom talks and time to rest. Arrival and registration run from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the first day. An optional guided mindful hike at 3:30 pm introduces the land, and the evening brings a shared dinner and a fireside chat, a time to learn about one another.

The second day begins with breakfast and a morning of mindful lessons and meditation. The afternoon continues with stretches, mindful walking and wisdom talks, followed by a sunset hike in silence and time to share reflections.

Just before lunch on the third day, the group settles into two days of silence. Afternoons include meditation lessons, practice, and small break-out groups for questions. The fourth day moves through mindfulness practices, rest after lunch and afternoon meditation. On the last day the group slowly comes out of silence, shares insights from the retreat, takes part in a closing ritual and eats a final lunch together before departure at 12:30 pm.

Past participants describe better focus, less fear-driven decision-making, real rest, and a clearer sense of the present moment. Several speak of a pause between stimulus and response that they noticed back at work.

About Janet Solyntjes

Janet Solyntjes leads programs and silent retreats in both the Shambhala tradition and the MBSR-based style of secular mindfulness. She is a co-founder of the Center for Courageous Living and has served on the faculty of Naropa University, the Center for Mindfulness, the Engaged Mindfulness Institute and Mindful Leader. She facilitates this annual leadership retreat.

About Rob Dube

Rob Dube founded the Do Nothing Retreat. He is co-founder and co-CEO of imageOne, which Forbes ranked among the Top 25 Small Businesses in America, and he has meditated for more than 20 years. He and the retreat are forgoing payment for this event, so that it supports Drala Mountain Center.

The Setting

Drala Mountain Center sits high in the Colorado Rockies, about two hours north of Denver. It is a six-hundred-acre mountain valley of native forest, gentle meadows and rocky peaks, and it has been a contemplative refuge for more than 40 years, home to Shambhala teachings and many year-round offerings.

Lodging for the four nights is chosen at checkout:

- Junior Suites with a queen bed, sitting area and private bath with tub.
- Single and Double Rooms, each with an attached three-quarter bath.
- Monk Rooms, which are private rooms with a shared hallway bath.
- Dormitories, gender-segregated and sleeping seven or eight, with a shared bathroom down the hall.
- Car camping in five primitive spots in the Rigden lot, with no RV hookups.
- Off-site lodging, for those who commute or arrange their own stay.

All meals and drinks are prepared on-site, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Before You Go

No prior experience is needed, as the retreat is designed for meditators of all levels. Tuition covers meals, drinks, two guided mindful hikes, meditation instruction, wisdom talks, the fireside gathering and the closing ritual. Transportation to the center is not included. Extra nights can be added at a reduced rate.

Janet and Rob also offer an optional online peer group during the year before the retreat, for participants who want to prepare together. It is a separate commitment from the retreat itself.