At this unique moment in human history, life can seem complex, overwhelming, and even painful. We feel within ourselves the contradictions of our emotions, the fatigue of a world that is pushing the limits of life, and a sense of confusion about what our society has lost: wisdom, resonance, deep listening.

“In the Shambhala Buddhist tradition, when human beings ignore their connection to nature, to heaven and earth, they also forget how to nurture their environment and conduct themselves in the world. They destroy the earth at the same time as they destroy themselves. This is why we cannot separate our personal healing from that of the phenomenal world.” Chögyam Trungpa 

This retreat is an invitation to recognize that we are going through a collective period of gestation and transformation, where everyone is being tested and needs reflection and inner space as much as courage and truth. A retreat to love life as it presents itself and as it calls us to care for it with confidence and genuiness.

During this retreat, we will accompany our meditation practice with exercises connecting us to the energy of life and the original light of the Earth. This is the secret of shamanic practices around the world, also present in the Tibetan culture of Shambhala, which we will explore in the nurturing and protected environment of Dechen Chöling. Ultimately, this training has only one goal: to awaken us and develop our compassion for all beings. 

During these five full days, energetic and ritual practices will be intertwined with sitting and walking meditation in nature. Time of immersion in the Shambhala teachings will accompany the traditional shamanic ceremonies and an introduction to plant traditions. Yoga and times of sharing will sustain the work of integration and transformation.

This retreat is open to all, with no prerequisites.

It is led by Solen and Catherine, two women whose different but converging paths have led them to open their hearts and minds to wisdom. They will share their practices, experiences, and spiritual commitment.

Practical information

Arrival day: Saturday 23 May. You’re invited to come from 4 pm in order to register and settle in your room. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm. Intro talk at 8 pm.

End of programme: Thursday 28 May. Closing circle in the evening.

Departure day: Friday 29 May. You may leave anytime (no programme). You’re welcome to stay for lunch.

This programme is taught in French and will be translated into English on request (if you need translation, please let us know on the registration page). 


Programme price

Regular300 €
Patron408 €Help support lower income participants
Early Bird255 €Expires 25 April 2026
Under 30 years of age150 €

If you require financial assistance to attend this programme please contact [email protected].

Price information

  • Regular: this is the regular price for participating in the programme. Occasionaly (if specified in the programme description), there may be an additional fee for materials, to be paid upon arrival.
  • Patron: for those who can offer more than the regular price, your generosity in paying the Patron Price helps cover the costs for others who are not able to pay the full programme price and provides support to Dechen Chöling.
  • Early Bird: 15% discount on the regular programme price is possible only if you register and pay the total cost of your stay upfront, 4 weeks prior to the start of the programme, i.e. before 25 April 2026.
  • Under 30 years of age: 50% reduction on the regular programme price for persons under 30 years at the start of the programme.

Accommodation: the standard accommodation we provide is in a dormitory for the winter and a furnished two-person tent in the summer. Extra fees for room upgrades can be paid upon arrival. Additionally, room tax will be charged at 0.22 € per person, per night.

See the full price list

Note: participation in any programme offered by the association of Dechen Chöling requires you to be up-to-date with the association’s annual fee (15 €), which can be settled upon arrival.

Total price

ItemPrice
Total standard price715.32 €
Programme price (Early Bird)255.00 €
Full board: 6 nights (74 € per night - Shared 2-person room) *444.00 €
Room tax: 6 nights1.32 €
Dechen Chöling association’s annual fee **15.00 €

* Includes Shared 2-person room and all meals. Other accommodation options available during registration.
** Legal yearly obligation (calendar year) for every participant or visitor.