Silence, Story, and Song: Finding Nourishment in Nature and Community

Silence, Story, and Song is a four-day spiritual retreat in nature at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. It is led by ecopsychologists and lifelong singers Tina Fields and Shea Armstrong, and it brings together silent solo time on the land, nature connection practices, storytelling, and communal singing. It suits nature-lovers and the nature-curious, community gatherers, space holders, and singers at any level, including people who have never sung in a group.

What to Expect

The retreat moves between spacious solo time and shared community experiences. On the land, you are invited into silent noticing: widening your senses, slowing down, listening with your whole self, and meeting the rest of nature as kin. Together, the group explores sensory and ecospiritual nature connection practices, shares stories, sings in a welcoming, perfection-free way, and makes room for play and laughter. Council practice is part of the community work. The intention throughout is to stay present and welcoming to what emerges within you, between you, and around you.

The first afternoon is for arrival and check-in at the Guest Services Cabin, followed by an opening circle. The two full days in the middle hold solo silent time, contemplative and sensory awareness practices, ecospiritual nature work, group singing, story-sharing, and movement. The last morning includes practices and a closing circle, with departure at 12:30 PM.

People leave with a renewed connection to themselves, to community, and to the more-than-human world, along with simple songs and ecopsychology practices they can carry into daily life.

About Tina Fields, Ph.D.

Dr. Tina Fields is Professor Emeritx of Ecopsychology at Naropa and the International Ecopsychology Society's USA representative. She is a practicing Druid who lived and taught fully outdoors for nearly five years. Her experience in eco-spiritual guidance includes wilderness rites of passage, Shinrin-yoku, mindfulness, myth, song and contradance, labyrinth walks, and Council practice.

About Shea Armstrong, M.A.

Shea Armstrong is an ecopsychologist, threshold guide, and facilitator who helps people reconnect with their favorite selves and with the more-than-human world. Her background includes endangered species conservation and nature-based ritual. She weaves somatic awareness, creativity, and playful reverence into her work, and brings warmth, open space, and a gentle presence.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at Drala Mountain Center, in the mountains near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Three nights of lodging are part of the retreat, and you choose your accommodation at checkout:

- Single and double tents: platform tents in campgrounds across the property, each with two twin beds, bookcases, and a clothes rack, and a shared bathhouse nearby. Some campgrounds were affected by a recent wildfire, and the effects may still be visible, though they are safe to use.
- Dormitories: gender-segregated rooms for seven to eight people, with a shared bathroom and showers down the hall.
- Monk rooms: simple private indoor rooms with a bed, closet, large window, and desk, sharing a bathroom. A more affordable option.
- Single and double rooms: private rooms with a dresser, closet, and attached bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower.
- Junior suite: a queen bed, desk, dresser, closet, sitting area, and private bath with a tub.

All meals and drinks are included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Before You Go

The retreat is open to all levels of experience, and no singing background is required. It is offered in English. Tuition covers the program, meals, and beverages, with lodging added at checkout. Extra nights can be added at half price. Bedding is not provided for tent lodging, so bring twin sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag, a pillow, and towels.