Visiting Teachers

Skilled and Compassionate Guidance Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center guided meditation retreats are led by the most skilled and capable teachers...

Kirsten Rudestam

Kirsten Rudestam works as an environmental educator, wilderness guide, and meditation teacher. She holds a Ph.D. in environmental sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she studied water policy and management, feminist political ecology, and environmental justice. Deeply devoted to the intersection of spiritual practice, sacred activism, and nature connection, she began practicing meditation in 1997 and was invited to teach in the Theravadan tradition in 2005. In 2017 she co-founded and remains core faculty of the Sati Center’s Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy training program.

Events with Kirsten Rudestam

Awake in the Wild: Opening to the Wisdom and Wonder of Nature Retreat
June 3 - 10, 2024

This retreat will be spent meditating entirely outdoors in the natural beauty and mystery here at Vallecitos Mountain Retreat Center.  Whether it is during sunset meditations, listening to the soothing sounds of the river, or sitting graced in the stillness of the aspen trees, we will open to the profound serenity and wisdom of nature. This silent retreat is grounded in the practice of Mindfulness – the capacity to be present to our inner and outer landscapes. Participants will learn to bring this receptive presence to develop a contemplative relationship with nature. By cultivating an inner quiet and curious spirit…