Meditation at Just Love

Embrace Tranquility in Nature: Meditation Programs at Just Love Forest

Nestled in the heart of nature, Just Love Forest offers a sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit through our specially curated meditation programs. Our retreats are all guided by esteemed teachers certified by the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Program, led by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, in association with the University of California at Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. As part of this 2-year program, they also completed a 6-month DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Accountability) training. This prestigious certification ensures that participants receive compassionate and skilled guidance on their meditation journey. We host monthly evening gatherings as part of our community weekends. We also host “silence” retreats in May and October.

Our programs are deeply rooted in the Vipassana tradition, known for its rich practice of insight meditation. We honor this tradition by offering our sessions in a sacredly secular manner, making them accessible and enriching for individuals from all walks of life and spiritual backgrounds. Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of meditation or are looking to deepen your practice, our doors are open to all levels of experience and lineages. See below for more on what to expect and the bios of our certified teachers.

At Just Love Forest, we believe in the transformative power of meditation not just as a practice but as a way of living. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest, participants are invited to connect with the earth, themselves, and each other in a profound and meaningful way. Our meditation programs offer a unique opportunity to explore mindfulness amidst the natural calm of the forest, providing a perfect backdrop for self-discovery and inner peace.

Join us at Just Love Forest for a journey into mindfulness and meditation. Here, in the embrace of nature, find the space to quiet your mind, nurture your heart, and cultivate a sense of deep inner peace and connectedness. Welcome to a community where every moment is an invitation to embrace the present moment as it is.

Meet Your Guides
MITCH AND BALA MEDITATION SERIES VIDEOS
Session One - BREATH
Session Three - THOUGHTS
Session Four - EMOTIONS
Session Three - BODY
Session Five - LIVING MINDFULLY
Stylized graphic poster with the phrase "Just Love" at the top, depicting a person sitting cross-legged meditating in a forest with mountains, trees, a large sun or moon, and abstract natural elements in shades of blue, black, and white.

- Guided Meditation: As the evening winds down, we'll come together for a guided meditation session, helping you to find peace and tranquility before retiring for the night.

- Campfire Nights: On certain evenings, we may light a campfire, providing a cozy atmosphere for stories, reflections, or simply enjoying the soothing presence of the fire and the forest around us.

Morning Meditation and Departure:

- A Mindful Start: After a simple breakfast, we'll embrace the new day with a meditation session. Depending on the season, weather, and group dynamics, this could take place outside, at our serene basecamp, atop the breathtaking Bhakti Mountain summit, or within the sacred space of our yurt.

Join Us at Just Love Forest

Our meditation gatherings are more than just retreats; they are an invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and acceptance. Whether you're seeking a pause for reflection, eager to explore meditation, or looking to connect with like-minded individuals, Just Love Forest offers a nurturing space for all.

We look forward to welcoming you into our community, sharing moments of mindfulness, and experiencing the transformative power of nature together.

What to expect

Experience the Essence of Mindfulness at Just Love Forest

Welcome to a sanctuary where peace and nature meet. Our meditation gatherings are designed to provide you with a serene retreat from the hustle of daily life, allowing you to connect with your inner self in the tranquil embrace of Just Love Forest. Here’s what you can expect from your heartfelt journey with us:

Upon Arrival: A Warm Welcome

- Settling In: If you're staying overnight, we'll ensure you're comfortably settled and oriented. Our priority is to make you feel at home amidst the natural serenity of the forest.

- Heartfelt Introductions: Join us in our beautiful yurt for rose tea as we engage in deep introductions. This is a time to connect, share, and begin our journey together.

Nourishing Body and Soul:

- A Plant-based Meal: Enjoy a simple, yet deliciously healthy plant-based dinner prepared with love. Our meals are designed to nourish your body and align with the mindful essence of our gathering.

Evening Activities: Reflection and Connection

- Insightful Discussions: After dinner, we'll gather for a short talk or class focused on spiritual journeys or meditation techniques. This is an opportunity to explore and deepen your understanding of mindfulness practices.

  • A young man with long hair, glasses, and a beard is smiling at the camera. He is wearing an orange hoodie. The background features a wall with a guitar hanging on it and a mural of trees and sky.

    Mitch Poe

    Mitch has been practicing Mindfulness Meditation for 7 years, but after the first year he knew he wanted to share these practices and set out to become a meditation teacher. His experience with depression and anxiety have prepared him to help those who suffer in our modern world. He currently offers one on one coaching as well as hosting mediation groups. He and his wife live in central Alabama along with their dog and three cats.

  • A smiling man taking a selfie on a coastal hillside with the ocean and rocky shoreline in the background.

    Bala Yancey

    Bala had a deep meditation experience 5 years ago that changed how he experiences all of life. He spent a year working with teachers of a variety of lineages in Encinitas and India. Eventually he met his teacher Ram Dass where he also met Jack Kornfield. Bala wanted to become a meditation teacher to help people find greater purpose and alignment with life. When not in the forest, he lives in Atlanta with his husband and dog, Winnie.

  • A small white mushroom growing amidst pine needles and forest debris, with a thin stem and a flat cap that has gills underneath.

    Breathe deeply, embrace the forest's calm

  • Twilight sky with a gradient from orange to deep blue, silhouetted trees in the foreground, and a faint star visible.

    Find your serenity beneath the green canopy.

  • A clematis plant with three large, variegated green leaves with lighter green patches, growing among dry fallen leaves and grass on the forest floor.

    Walk softly, let the forest rejuvenate.

  • A scenic view of rolling hills and forests, seen through trees in the foreground, with layers of misty landscape and a light sky in the background.

    Embrace tranquility, one step at a time.

  • A man taking a selfie outdoors in a field of tall, golden grass with green trees and hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    Trees whisper wisdom, listen and heal.

  • Sunny day over a lush green landscape with trees and distant hills.

    Reconnect with earth, rediscover your harmony.

At Just Love Forest, we understand that to heal the world, we must begin with ourselves.

Meditation is not just about relaxation; it's a transformative practice that reminds us of our intrinsic connection to the earth. It offers a space to ground ourselves, to reconnect with our true nature, and to receive the boundless gifts that nature has to offer.

In these stressful times, the medicine of the forest is more vital than ever. It's an invitation to pause, to breathe deeply, and to return to a state of balance and harmony. At Just Love Forest, we are committed to guiding you through this reawakening, helping you to rediscover joy, peace, and a sense of belonging in the natural world.

Join us at Just Love Forest, where the trees whisper ancient secrets, and the earth offers its quiet strength. Here, in the heart of nature, find your way back to a life of harmony, joy, and deep connection.