A Weekend of Silence
November 20–22, 2026 · Orchard Hill · Julian, California
Facilitated by Emilio Diez Barroso · offered through the University of Santa Monica
Most of our lives are spent attending to the contents of experience: our thoughts, our relationships, our circumstances, the person we take ourselves to be.
For one weekend, we turn our attention toward something more fundamental.
This retreat is for those who feel called to investigate the truth of their own being. Through silence, meditation, and direct inquiry, we’ll explore what remains when the stories and identities we define ourselves through are allowed to fall quiet.
What the weekend holds
The container
The weekend unfolds within a simple rhythm, allowing the planning mind to take a back seat.
Silence
From the moment silence begins Friday evening until it lifts on Sunday, we ask everyone to set aside speaking, phones, and the small distractions we use to avoid ourselves. Silence removes the usual ways we keep our attention engaged elsewhere, so what’s left is simply to discover what’s here in our direct experience.
Inquiry
Alongside the silence is a pointed, direct invitation to question what we have taken to be true, and to inquire down to the root of self and the illusion of separation. The teachings offered aren’t meant to become new beliefs, but pointers, turning attention back toward what’s already here, closer than thought.
Choose where you’ll stay
Space is limited to 24 rooms.
Attending with a partner? You’re welcome to share a room together for an additional $600 (second guest fee).
Lodge
$1,295
2 nights · Nov 20–22
A private bedroom inside the main Lodge house, with a queen or king bed, private bathroom, and mountain or town views.
- Private room, private bath
- 2 nights lodging
- Meals included, dinner Friday through lunch Sunday
Classic Cottage
$1,495
2 nights · Nov 20–22
Your own standalone cottage tucked into the hillside, with a king or queen bed, private fireplace, and deck.
- Private room, private bath
- 2 nights lodging
- Meals included, dinner Friday through lunch Sunday
- Private cottage with fireplace & deck
Lux Cottage
$1,695
2 nights · Nov 20–22
The most spacious and private accommodations on the property with King bed, private patio.
- Private room, private bath
- 2 nights lodging
- Meals included, dinner Friday through lunch Sunday
- Patio / lounge space
Coming Into It
The days are structured, and the silence is something we enter together. We ask that everyone come prepared to participate fully and remain through the close of the retreat on Sunday. If you have physical or psychological circumstances that may make sustained silence or contemplative practice challenging, please reach out before registering so we can explore together whether this retreat is a supportive fit.
An invitation to stop seeking
For one weekend, nothing needs to be accomplished, improved, or figured out. Only the willingness to be still, to look, and to discover for yourself what is already here.
Questions before you register? Contact [email protected]
A Weekend of Silence · November 20–22, 2026
