The World is Made of Stories: An Insight Meditation Retreat
With Pamela Weiss and Renda Madrigal
August 26 - September 2, 2026
“The world is not made of atoms, but of stories.” —Muriel Rukesayer
This silent meditation retreat will weave instructions on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness and teachings on the Four Great Elements—earth, air, fire, and water—with ceremony and story. Our time together will include periods of silent sitting and walking, guided meditation instruction, Dharma talks, ceremony, and ample time to explore and be held by the land at Vallecitos. The teachers will share stories from Buddhist and Indigenous Peoples that illuminate the power of our intimate connection to ourselves, each other and the planet. Cultivating the capacity to listen deeply, we will discover how the truth of our innate relatedness is the medicine needed to respond to the cries of the world.
This retreat is appropriate for both new and experienced practitioners. It will be held in Noble Silence except for ceremonies and meetings with teachers. All are welcome.
Cancellation Policy:
- 45 days prior to retreat: Full refund, minus a $150 nonrefundable fee
- 44-22 days prior to retreat: 50% refund
- 0-21 days prior to retreat: No refund
Teachers
Pamela Weiss is a Buddhist teacher in two traditions—Zen and Theravada. After living as a monastic at Tassajara Zen Mountain Monastery for five years, she completed comprehensive training through Spirit Rock Meditation Center to become an Insight meditation teacher. She teaches at Spirit Rock, San Francisco Zen Center and Tassajara, and is a guiding teacher at San Francisco Insight. Pamela is a pioneer in bringing Buddhist principles and practices into the workplace, and is the author of A Bigger Sky: Awakening a Fierce Feminine Buddhism. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, Eugene, and little dog, Grover.
Learn more about Pamela Weiss
Renda Dionne Madrigal, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Registered Drama Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Author, and Performance Artist. She is President of the Luke Madrigal Indigenous Storytelling Nonprofit and a UCLA certified Mindfulness facilitator and Stanford Certified Compassion Cultivation Educator . She is enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Her work bridges storytelling, performance art, and healing, using theatre/narrative, mindfulness, and performance art as powerful tools for personal and collective transformation. She has been recognized for her contributions to Indigenous storytelling and mindfulness, appearing on the cover of Mindful Magazine (February 2018) and as a…
Learn more about Renda Madrigal