We all know the painful push and pull of our devices. We want to experience the world through our senses here and now, but we’re also drawn to the power and potential of digital networks. We want to hug our friends in person, but also keep up with their vacation photos online. We want time to ourselves, but feel we need to be constantly available to advance in our careers. The result is chronic low-level anxiety, poor sleep, and a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed.
It’s time for a break. When you arrive at CMZC, place your phone in a lockbox and forget about it for the duration of your stay. With no screens allowed in public areas, you can begin to leave behind the nagging notifications, inboxes and engagement metrics.
As your pace slows, something else begins to emerge: a remarkable mental clarity, rootedness, and spaciousness, the whole-body experience of being right where you are. The piñon pines lead the way.
You feel depleted by constant availability.
You long for uninterrupted silence.
You want to connect with the living world instead of screens.
You're ready to slow down and invite a natural rhythm.
There is nothing to keep up with here. Just mountain air, open skies, and the quiet rhythm of practice. As the pace slows, attention naturally begins to settle—and what once felt urgent often becomes surprisingly quiet.
Turn off the notifications and reconnect with lived experience. This retreat offers a much-needed respite from screens and a chance to discover the clarity, calm, and creativity that emerge from living simply and intentionally.
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.