Welcome to Awake in The Wild.
My name is Mark Coleman and I’m founder of Awake in the Wild Retreats and Programs. My passion is leading meditation workshops and retreats deep in the heart of nature. My aim is to help others discover the depth of what is possible when we go into the natural world with a contemplative spirit – in silence, receptivity and a curious spirit. For the past twenty years I have been exploring what it means to be awake, to meditate with presence in nature. It has been the richest journey of my life and continues to nourish me as well as bring renewal, purpose and a deep love of the earth and all its sublime teachings.
In this site you will find information about year round nature based courses and details on mindfulness practice, which forms the foundation for my work. There are resources, links and talks to help you on your journey of meditation into nature. I look forward to meeting you on this journey.
New Meditation CD Releases from Mark Coleman
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The Art of Mindfulness Meditation: Meditations for Awareness, Insight, Relaxation and Peace Train your mind to discover clarity, calm and profound relief from stress. Discover the power and personal effectiveness of the art of mindfulness meditation. |
To download the MP3 click here
To buy the physical CD click here
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Awakening the Heart: Meditations on Love, Compassion, Joy and Forgiveness These meditations teach you how to live with a ‘Heart as Wide as the World’ which embraces everything with kindness and friendliness |
To download the MP3 click here
To buy the physical CD click here
Freeing Yourself from the Inner Critic
Esalen – Big Sur, Ca February 3 – 5 (2 nights)
Have you noticed the negative and disabling effects of self-judgment? Are you prone to judging everything you do as not good enough, not quite right, or not living up to some impossibly high standard? Do you find yourself harshly judging your meditation or other spiritual practices? If you would you like to learn how to be more free from the torment of the inner critic, then this course is for you. During our time together, you will be shown how to:
• Recognize judging thoughts
• Navigate the role and function of the inner critic; its purpose and limitations
• Deal effectively with self-judgment and inner critic attacks
• Distinguish between negative judgment and wise discernment
• Recognize the role of a healthy conscience versus reliance on the inner critic
• Develop greater self-acceptance and self-compassion
• Practice metta—loving kindness as an antidote to the critic
• Recognize the need and role of humor in helping us with the critic
• Cultivate forgiveness as a support for working with judgment
The course will be a combination of talks, interactive exercises, and mindfulness and loving kindness practices. It is open to new and experienced students. This will be a practical and experiential course taught with lightness, compassion, and humor.
Upcoming Nature Retreats with Mark Coleman, M.A.
Following ancient spiritual traditions that value the transformative power of nature, time on these retreats will be spent meditating outdoors in natural beauty. Participants will discover the rich connections between the natural world and the inner world of meditation, and the profound joy and understanding it awakens.These retreats are grounded in the practice of Mindfulness – and learning how to develop this receptive awareness outdoors. By cultivating an inner quiet and open curious spirit we can learn from the teachings of nature and deepen our connection and appreciation of the earth in which we live.
Baja Sea Kayaking and Meditation
March 9 – 15
Join Mark on this sea kayaking trip in the pristine wilderness of the Sea of Cortez. Last year we were accompanied by pods of bottlenosed and spinner dolphins, and even a majestic blue whale – the largest mammal on the planet. The night skies are dazzling star studded shows, with dreamy sunrises and sunsets. With the rugged back drop of craggy mountains, and the deep blue waters and clear skies it is a powerful combination of elements.
Awake in the Wild –
Meditation in Nature at Esalan
June 22 – 24
Esalen – Big Sur, California
Whether it is during a sunset meditation, listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean, or sitting graced in the stillness of cypress trees, we will open to the profound serenity and wisdom of nature. We can discover how meditative time outdoors leads to beautiful states of joy, peace, wonder, love, and connection with oneself, one another, and the larger web of life.