The autumn equinox is a powerful time of balance; as the earth rests on the knife’s edge of day and night in equal measure, we are invited to contemplate the relationship between light and dark, life and death, letting go and letting in, softness and strength, action and rest. Ancient cultures around the globe marked the equinox with ceremonies, rites, celebrations, and wonder.
“To light a candle is to cast a shadow…”
― Ursula K. Le Guin
But our modern world affords few opportunities to reflect on—much less enact—balance. The breakneck speed of our lives and the exponential rate of technological advancement has driven us into socio-political polarization and thrown our civilization out of balance with the planet and with ourselves. This imbalance manifests on all scales, from the personal to the global.
During this weekend meditation retreat, we will explore how Eastern wisdom traditions offer guidance on how to re-balance our bodies, minds, hearts, and world. We’ll focus on the Middle Path of Buddhism, the teaching of Pratipaksha-Bhavana (“cultivating the opposite”) from the Yoga sutras, and the yin-yang teachings of the Dao De Jing.
Your Weekend Home
We are fortunate to contemplate and shift into greater balance in a gorgeous setting: the sprawling 300 acres of farmland and forest known as Madison Fields in Dickerson, MD. Explore nature trails, encounter wildlife, visit farm animals, and soak in scenic vistas.
Contemplative Activities
This retreat will be organized around equilibrium in a variety of dimensions: balancing noble silence with conscious interaction, balancing inward-facing and outward-facing contemplative practices, balancing structure with free time. Half of the weekend will be spent in noble silence to allow deepening of practice. There will be periods of seated meditation, walking meditation, dharma talks, and conscious dialogue. The precise equinox falls on the morning of Sunday, September 22nd, and we will commemorate it with a special ceremony.
Meals and Overnight Accommodations
All meals will be provided and are included in the retreat fee. Food will be plant-based, and can be tailored to accommodate some dietary restrictions (within reason and ability). If you have allergies or other dietary concerns, please make sure to detail them in the registration form. There are limited residential slots open for those who would like to stay the weekend in Madison Fields’ beautiful historic farmhouse. Those who would like to may camp, provided that campers bring their own gear and supplies. Commuting is also appropriate for those who reside locally or regionally.
Facilitation Team
Sam Cooper
Lead Teacher
Sam Cooper, LMSW, is a Buddhist meditation teacher, psychotherapist, artist, and community organizer with over 20 years of experience in dharma practice and comparative spirituality.
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He has trained in vipassana, zen, vajrayana, and yoga contexts and has been teaching since 2018. Sam was formally certified as a mindfulness meditation teacher in 2023 after completing Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield’s 2-year MMTCP program.
He is the guiding teacher of the Waking Up in the Real World online sangha and co-founder of Clear Sky Meditation Circle in Poolesville, MD. www.samcooperis.com
Jonathan Adamson
Co-Host
Jonathan Adamson, LMSW, is a psychotherapist, filmmaker, and philosopher with a deep-rooted connection to Madison Fields and commitment to fostering a more relational and interconnected future.
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Inspired by the transformative power of living close to nature, Jonathan has dedicated himself to designing and hosting nature-based wellness experiences that restore connection to self, others, and the natural world.
In his private practice, Jonathan collaborates with individuals and organizations to promote social equity and enhance overall wellbeing.
Yair Oded
Co-Host
Yair Oded is a media professional and artist with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. Working at the intersection of journalism and advocacy, he’s driven by a passion for blending mainstream socio-cultural narratives with under-explored perspectives.
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As the managing editor at FairPlanet, Yair leads an international team of journalists and editors reporting on human rights and environmental justice.
He has a background in theatre and contemporary dance, and keeps his creative flame alive by writing poetry and producing electronic music.
Five years ago, he moved from New York City to Madison Fields, where he lives with his husband, Jonathan.
Carey Georgius
Plant-Based Chef
Carey Georgius, owner of Queen of Beans Plant-Based Cooking, is a plant-based private chef and caterer serving the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and surrounding areas.
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She has been cooking plant-based meals for family and friends since she turned 16. After completing a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, she followed her passion for health- and planet-forward nutrition and started her own private chef and catering business. Follow her on Instagram: @queenofbeans_cooking
Date & Time
4pm Friday, September 20th –
2pm Sunday, September 22nd
Location
Madison Fields
19300 Mouth of Monocacy Rd.
Dickerson, MD 20842
Activities
Seated meditation, moving meditation, mindful eating, nature walks, animal encounters, and conscious communication.
Cost
Sliding Scale Registration Fee: $325
Includes venue, meals, management
Overnight Accommodations: $75-$200
Teacher: By Donation
What to Bring
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Comfort Supplies (cushions, yoga mats, blankets, bolsters)
- Outdoor Needs (hats, sunglasses, sunblock, bug spray)
Practice non-action.
Work without doing.
Taste the tasteless.
Magnify the small, increase the few.
Reward bitterness with care.
See simplicity in the complicated.
Achieve greatness in small things.
— Dao De Jing, Chapter 63
Secure Your Spot
In order to create an intimate weekend experience, space is limited to 15 guests. Overnight accommodations are available to 7 guests on a first come basis. Register today!
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