You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Fri. August 15 - Sun. August 17, 2025

A Buddhist Retreat in Los Altos Hills, CA

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

We all find ourselves in moments when life feels overwhelming. When we’re forced into decisions we don’t want to make or losses we don’t want to face, we often reach for distractions—activities, substances, or patterns that disconnect us from ourselves and from those around us. This disconnection deepens emotional struggles and prolongs grief.

This retreat offers a space of compassionate witnessing, where we turn toward—rather than away from—pain, uncertainty, and loss. Together, we will sit in stillness and move in reflection, grounding ourselves in the support of community.

As we accompany our friend Randy through the grief of losing his home, his past life, and cherished relationships, we also invite one another into the mystery of what is yet to come.

This retreat is not only about healing what has been, but also about opening to new potentials—new ways of belonging, new expressions of self, and even new dreams. In the space created by loss, we listen inwardly for what wants to emerge.

• What still lives in us?

• What has yet to be born?

• What dreams are waiting for our permission to grow?

Details

Location: 26873 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Accommodation: You are welcome to stay the night. We have several private rooms and space to camp.  

Flow: Come for the whole time or come in and out as works for you. Just join us where we are at.  

Meals: We will provide food and likely do some simple preparation together. Feel free to bring additional food you need.  

Cost: Free. Donations welcome for food or supporting DeepBow.org

Registration: To let us know your intent to join please email rsalim@yahoo.com and let us know what your expected timing is and whether you would like a place to sleep.  

Schedule

Friday: Turning Towards Ourself

8:00 AM — Arrival, Tea & Light Breakfast
8:30 AM — Morning Circle: Reflections & Aspirations
9:00 AM — Sitting Meditation
9:40 AM — Walking Meditation
10:00 AM — Sitting Meditation
10:40 AM — Walking Meditation
11:00 AM — Journaling / Self-Reflection
11:30 PM — Group Share: Witnessing Each Other
12:00 PM — Lunch & Rest
1:30 PM — Sitting Meditation
2:10 PM — Walking Meditation
2:30 PM — Afternoon Journaling: What wants to be released?
3:00 PM — Break / Tea
3:30 PM — Sitting Meditation
4:10 – 4:30 PM — Walking Meditation
4:30 PM — Final Group Share: Honoring Grief & Connection
5:15 PM — Dinner
6:45 PM — Closing Meditation Ceremony (Dedication of Merit)
7:30 PM — End

Saturday: Dreaming Forward

On Day 2, the same rhythm will guide us, with a new focus:

• The Morning Circle will include Opening to Possibility

• The Afternoon Guided Journaling prompt becomes:
  What dream lives within me that I have not yet named?

• Final Group Share expands to: Honoring Grief & Inviting New Life

Sunday Morning: DeepBow

The Retreat will conclude with a DeepBow Sunday Service offered in-person (in Los Altos Hills) and online via Zoom.

10:00 AM 40-minute Meditation
10:55 AM Community Dialogue
12:30 PM End