Already Whole: Discovering the Freedom Within
You're not broken. You're not missing anything. You're already whole.
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center.
About the retreat
In Thailand, there's a famous golden Buddha statue that spent centuries hidden beneath a layer of clay. No one knew the gold was there until the clay began to crack. This retreat explores what that ancient story teaches us about ourselves: that beneath the layers of self-doubt, striving, and habitual patterns, there is something already whole, already enough.
Over four days of guided teachings, meditation, group dialogue, walking practice, and reflection, we'll explore the layers of “clay” that obscure our inherent wholeness and learn practical tools for uncovering what's always been there. Together, we'll investigate how our search for certainty, our attachment to labels and stories, our constant striving, and our inner conflicts all add layers that keep us from seeing clearly.
Drawing from Buddhist wisdom and modern insight, this retreat is designed for anyone seeking greater self-acceptance, inner peace, and freedom from the patterns that keep us stuck. No prior meditation experience or familiarity with Buddhism is required.
You'll leave with practical tools you can use every day to recognize the gold in yourself and in those around you.
What makes this retreat distinct
- Builds on Noah's sold-out 2025 retreat at Drala (no prior attendance required)
- Expanded to four days, up from three in 2025
- Secular and accessible — no jargon, no dogma, no required belief
- Practical tools you can use immediately in everyday life
Ready to join?
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center. Spots are limited.
Register at Drala Mountain CenterThe journey
The retreat unfolds across seven sessions, each building on the last.
- 1Thu evening
The Golden Buddha
Welcome, intentions, and the story that frames our weekend — the ancient parable of gold hidden beneath clay.
- 2Fri morning
The Clay of Certainty
Finding peace in uncertainty. Learning to let go of the need for solid ground.
- 3Fri afternoon
Seeing with Fresh Eyes
Moving beyond the labels, stories, and assumptions we carry about ourselves and others.
- 4Sat morning
The War Within
Understanding our habitual patterns and the inner conflicts that keep us stuck. Choosing what we cultivate.
- 5Sat afternoon
Already Home
The freedom of letting go of striving — discovering you've already arrived. Includes a mindful hike to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya.
- 6Sun morning
The Gold in Everything
Seeing interconnection and wholeness — in ourselves and in the world around us.
- 7Sun closing
Integration
Closing circle. Practical take-homes. Community discussion. Taking it home.
What to expect
Each day blends multiple modes of practice and learning. You won't sit and listen for hours — every session is a mix of teaching, practice, and engagement.
- Guided meditation — accessible for beginners, meaningful for experienced practitioners
- Contemplative teachings — story-driven, secular, practical
- Small group dialogue — structured prompts, intimate sharing, no-fixing rule
- Walking meditation — outdoors when possible
- Mindful hiking — including a Saturday hike to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya
- Journaling — guided prompts to crystallize each session
- Experiential exercises — partner work, object meditation, group activities
- Unstructured time — for rest, reflection, conversation, and walks
Who this is for
No prior experience required. Beginners and longtime practitioners are equally welcome.
- Anyone seeking greater inner peace, self-acceptance, or freedom from habitual patterns
- People new to mindfulness or Buddhism, as well as longtime practitioners
- Listeners of the Secular Buddhism Podcast
- People who've attended (or wanted to attend) the 2025 retreat
- Anyone curious about a secular, practical approach to Buddhist wisdom
Schedule at a glance
Tap any day to see the full breakdown. Tentative — subject to change. All sessions include a mix of teaching, guided meditation, group dialogue, and experiential exercises.
- 2:00–5:00 PM
- Guest arrival
- 5:00–6:00 PM
- Settle in & socialize
- 6:00–7:00 PM
- Dinner
- 7:00–7:30 PM
- Orientation (DMC staff)
- 7:30–8:30 PM
- Opening session: The Golden Buddha
From last year's retreat
What participants of the 2025 retreat shared about their experience.
Whether you're new or experienced, Noah's teachings are approachable, grounded, and easy to apply in everyday life.
After driving to work “with Noah as my copilot” for over two years, listening and more than just learning, feeling better with myself, the world, and generally with what life brings my way. To have the opportunity to experience these lessons in person, surrounded by people who, like me, are looking for more peace within themselves and the world, was a unique experience that I plan to repeat this year and that I hope more people get to experience.
Katie and I both really loved the retreat experience last year. Drala is a beautiful setting in the mountains. Accommodations were comfortable and convenient to the meeting place and meal hall. Most of all, we really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere created by so many searching souls. We will definitely be attending again this year.
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center. Spots are limited.
The venue
Drala Mountain Center is a contemplative retreat center set in the mountains of northern Colorado. The land is home to the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya — one of the most significant Buddhist monuments in North America — which is the destination of our Saturday afternoon mindful hike.
The setting is intentionally simple: mountain air, open landscapes, and space for stillness. Meals are taken communally, lodging is comfortable but uncluttered, and the rhythm of the days is built around presence rather than productivity.
What's included
- 3 nights lodging (Thursday, Friday, Saturday)
- All meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch
- All beverages
- Dietary accommodations — vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available
- All teaching sessions, guided meditations, exercises, and group activities
- Participant handouts and retreat guidebook (provided on-site)
- Access to Drala Mountain Center grounds and facilities
Pricing & lodging
Lodging is selected separately at checkout on the Drala Mountain Center registration page. Total cost = tuition + lodging option of your choice.
Logistics
- Arrival
- Thursday, September 10, between 2:00 and 5:00 PM
- Departure
- Sunday, September 13, by approximately 1:30 PM (after lunch)
- Check-in
- Guest Services Cabin at Drala Mountain Center (after-hours packet available by the door)
- Drala contact
- Travel
- Drala provides directions and rideshare information on their website. The center is about 1.5–2 hours from Denver International Airport, in the mountains northwest of Fort Collins.
Frequently asked
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Ready to join?
Registration handled by Drala Mountain Center. Spots are limited.
Register at Drala Mountain Center