As the word suggests, inspiration is always as close as our in-breath – and then the out-breath. Yet how many of us have trouble manifesting our deepest creative aspirations, bombarded with the countless demands and distractions of our hyperactive modern world?
Forget the soul-numbing corporate coworking setups. At CMZC, you’ll find true nourishment for the creative spirit, surrounded by views of the Sangre De Cristo peaks and the vast San Luis Valley, held by deep silence and the steady, focused environment of a Zen monastery.
Everything you need is here: three delicious meals a day you never have to think about, Wi-Fi if you need it, a desk with a view.
The time is right. The place is ideal. The work is waiting.
You need uninterrupted time to create.
You find your best ideas emerge in natural surroundings.
You seek focus without unwanted distractions.
You want a supportive container without creative constraints.
Creation begins with attention. In a place where little else demands your focus, it becomes easier to offer it fully—to the work, the process, and whatever is waiting to emerge.
Dive into the work in a place where silence, nature and the contemplative spirit nourish the creative process. Whether you’re writing, painting, composing, designing, or exploring new ideas for your startup, this retreat offers a supportive container and uninterrupted time for focus.
During your stay, you'll enjoy:
Per-night rate is per person and includes the room of your choice, three meals, tea & coffee, and the respective scope of quotation for each retreat format. Sliding scale available — reach out if cost is a barrier.
From the Edge Cabin's secluded porch above the canyon, you're within the immense Valley; the Forest branches; the Peaks' presence.
A guest favorite, the Hillside Cabin is located on the west side of the campus overlooking the San Luis Valley. Perks include a full bathroom and kitchenette.
The Skylight Room is a spacious room with a separate entrance in the center of campus. It has a queen bed and features a large skylight with a handmade shoji screen.
The Young Pine Hut is a cozy rustic two-story log cabin for one person. Upstairs is a sitting area with a low desk. From there a ladder leads to the bed on the lower floor.
The Guest House is a spacious building with a quiet atmosphere in the center of the campus. The five private Guest House rooms are the largest accommodations we offer.
The Studio, formerly the work space of a resident potter, was recently remodeled. It has three single rooms, each furnished with a desk, tea station and wardrobe.
The Yurt is located on the outskirts of our campus with views of the local 14er peaks. It has comfortable beds for one or two persons, a deck, bookshelves, and a skylight.
The Platform Tent has room for one or two persons. It has a deck, two single beds, tables, bookshelf, canvas shelves, and hooks for clothing – and great views of the local 14ers.
The campground is located in a beautiful flat sandy area. There are 10 campsites tucked into the piñon-juniper forest. Bathrooms are a 3-minute walk away.
Vegetarian, mostly organic and regional, partly grown on the land in summer. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
The nearest airport is Alamosa (ALS), one hour away. The nearest bus stop is in Moffat, 30 minutes away. We can arrange pickup for a fee. Parking is free and safe at our property.
The center operates mostly in functional speech – we speak when needed for work or questions. In general we start our meals in silence, and then move on to a conversation part. Throughout the day, there are also opportunities when you're welcome to chat and talk with others if you'd like.
In the meditation hall (zendo), we wear dark clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. In general, we recommend loose-fitting clothing that is not too tight or even constricting.