Loving Awareness with sitaram dass
A Just Love Forest Ashram Spiritual Practice Retreat
Loving Awareness is an open invitation into presence itself. It is the heart practice of resting in what is here, moment by moment, and letting the wisdom of the body, the land, and the heart become our guide. This retreat offers a spacious immersion into the simple yet profound art of being awake with life as it is, without needing to fix or perform. Here at Just Love Forest we trust that the quiet of the woods, the rhythm of the seasons, and the company of kind hearts help each of us remember what we already are.
Loving Awareness is for anyone who longs to reconnect with inner spaciousness, to soften into their own ever-present love, and to meet life with clarity and compassion. Whether you come seeking renewal, grounding, insight, or simple rest, this retreat provides practices that help you come home to yourself.
This retreat is hosted by Sitaram Dass, Ram Dass’ longest term caretaker, a spiritual counselor, author, meditation teacher, kirtan singer, and longtime student of Ram Dass. Sitaram’s path is rooted in bhakti, the yoga of love and devotion, and he has dedicated his life to supporting others in waking up to the heart’s own presence. He is the director of the Sacred Community Project and the author of From and for God, a contemplative collection of spiritual writings. Throughout his work he strives to lower barriers to contemplative and devotional practices, offering accessible support, teachings, and community for seekers around the world. His presence brings warmth, grounded insight, and devotion to every moment of practice.
Over our time together at Loving Awareness we will explore practices that help us rest in the heart’s natural openness. We will move gently between guided meditation, mindful silence, movement that awakens the body, and practices rooted in presence. Forest walks and contemplative time outdoors allow the land itself to become a teacher, helping us deepen our capacity to feel, notice, and receive what arises. Evening gatherings offer shared reflection, quiet ritual, lots of kirtan, and space to integrate the day.
Some days will hold stillness. Others will invite deep listening. All will offer vastness beneath the surface of the ordinary. This retreat is not about becoming someone new but remembering someone ancient: the one who lives from the heart and meets life with warm awareness.
Loving Awareness welcomes all who come with openness and curiosity. Come with what you carry, exactly as you are. Here you will be invited to rest in love’s own awareness and to let that presence shape your experience of the world.
Registration is now open: www.justloveforest.com/lovingawareness
This weekend retreat will be followed by an optional week-long Forest Sadhana Immersion: https://sacredcommunityproject.org/forest-sadhana.