In-person Retreat (Memorial Day Weekend)
Dates: May 22-25, 2026
Location: Wonderwell Mountain Refuge
253 Philbrick Hill Rd, Springfield, NH 03284
The Development of Self & No-Self: Integrating Psychological Insight with Buddhist Wisdom
During this long weekend retreat, we’ll explore a framework of self-development synthesized by the late Dr. Dan Brown—psychologist, scholar, and Tibetan meditation teacher.
Drawing from both Western psychology and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, Dan articulated three essential stages of healthy self-development. The first is self-definition: knowing who you are, being familiar with your core values, and recognizing your unique strengths. The second is self-agency: the confidence that you can act effectively in the world, shape your relationships, set goals, and move toward what matters to you. The third is self-esteem: a stable, positive relationship with yourself, where the arising of self is accompanied by warmth and happiness.
At the same time, Dan was devoted to teaching the Buddhist path of awakening and the direct realization of no-self—the experiential insight into the emptiness of a solid, independently existing identity.
In this approach, the development of self and the realization of no-self are not opposing or contradictory paths. Rather, they are mutually supportive. As Dan taught—and as many Tibetan masters have emphasized—a strong, healthy sense of self is not an obstacle to deep Dharma practice, but a crucial foundation for it.
Over the course of the weekend, Jessica will introduce both the psychological and Buddhist frameworks underlying these teachings, and offer guided practices that support healthy self-development and open into the liberating, joyful relief of directly experiencing the emptiness of self.
Participants will receive practical tools, guided meditations, and a clear path of practice that can be continued and deepened over time—bringing greater well-being, emotional resilience, and freedom into daily life, and supporting the path towards full awakening.
The retreat will include Dharma talks, guided meditation, large- and small-group discussion, and periods of silent practice.
This retreat is suitable for dedicated meditators, psychologically minded practitioners, and anyone interested in integrating inner development with deep contemplative insight.
Retreat Fees
– Single $575
– Double $450
– Dorm (3-6 people) = $350
– [No spaces available currently: Camping or Commuting = $250]
Teacher dana
Please note that the retreat fees do not include payment for the teaching. Jess will not be paid for her teachings through the registration fees. Instead, in the long Buddhist tradition and practice of dana (Pali word for generosity), she will be offering the teachings freely.
Retreat participants will be invited into the practice of dana and given the opportunity to offer Jess a gift after the retreat ends.
Arrival: Friday, May 22, 2026, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Departure: Monday, May 25, 2026, 1:00 pm
For more info about camping/commuting, visit naturaldharma.org.
Linens are available to rent from Wonderwell for $15 and can be added within the registration.
(We aim to provide scholarships for this retreat, but it is not guaranteed at this time. )