Inward Bound Mindfulness Retreat

A mindfulness retreat is an immersive experience where you step away from everyday routines and distractions to practice attention, awareness, and compassion. Inward Bound retreats are in-person and tech-free, and they intentionally balance quiet practice with community connection. On this retreat you’ll have guided seated and walking meditation, mindful movement, and structured small-group discussions—plus time to socialize and be creative.

Over the three nights, days will include morning mindful movement, breakfast, and guided meditation (seated and walking), followed by small-group discussions. Afternoons include additional mindful movement and an activity period (sports, arts, and discussion-based activities). Evenings include dinner, practices such as loving-kindness, community talks, and on one night at a community campfire. We’ll begin with a welcome meeting after arrival and end with a closing ceremony before returning to campus.

No. This retreat is beginner-friendly and is also meaningful for people who already practice. If you’re curious about mindfulness, you’re welcome here. You’ll learn foundational individual practices (like seated and walking meditation) and also explore relational mindfulness practices through guided small-group conversations. We’ll include mindful movement (including yoga-style practices) and time for creativity, games, and connecting with others.

We depart from the HUB on Saturday, March 7, at 11:00 am and travel to the Himalayan Institute retreat center in the Poconos (Northeast Pennsylvania). We return to University Park around 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10.

A private donor is covering the majority of the cost for Penn State students, and UPAC is supporting University Park students in collaboration with MASH. Housing, food, transportation, and the retreat experience are included. Students only pay a $35 registration fee (paid to Inward Bound when you register). The full cost of a retreat experience like this is typically around $1,500—this is a rare, one-year opportunity.

Inward Bound Mindfulness has been offering retreats since 2010, drawing from a longer lineage of teen/young adult retreats that began in Barre, Massachusetts in 1989. Research partnerships (including studies led by developmental psychologist Dr. Brian Galla) have examined outcomes for young adults who attend intensive mindfulness retreats.

View the Meet the Teachers section to learn more.

We will stay on the Himalayan Institute’s retreat-center campus with shared accommodations. More details about their lodging options are available here: https://himalayaninstitute.org/retreat-center/accommodations

Meals are provided by the Himalayan Institute. The campus observes a vegetarian diet and does not permit alcohol. Non-dairy, gluten-free, and vegan options are typically available at most meals. If you have severe allergies or dietary restrictions, you are welcome to bring necessary items; note that there is a small shared kitchenette with limited fridge space. More on dining is here: https://himalayaninstitute.org/retreat-center/dining

We will travel in Penn State fleet vans from the HUB, leaving Saturday, March 7 at 10:00am and returning around 6:00pm on Tuesday, March 10.

Yes. You can arrange to meet us at the retreat center if that’s more convenient. Please plan to arrive by 1:00pm on March 7 and be prepared to attend the entire retreat (March 7–10).

Attend an information session on Zoom:

• 1/27 at 7 pm: https://psu.zoom.us/j/94196050166
• 2/4 at 6 pm: https://psu.zoom.us/j/93049897462

Or email Dr. Kevin Hulburt at [email protected].