Morning Altars

The first-ever, in-person

Alumni Gathering

August 6-9, 2026
Commonweal, Bolinas, CA

Reserve your spot

TOGETHER,

ALONE

During the training, we sat alone, but in community. We stared at the screen, but our feet longed for the earth. We held space for each other, but longed to share actual space.

The most common question we get asked by old and new students alike is: Is there a way off the screens?

Can we actually gather together?

Your Invitation

Finally, we can bring the online magic to real life.

For the very first time, you, our beloved Morning Altars alumni are invited to come together in person for our first-ever retreat.

For four days on sacred coastal California land, we’ll slow down together to make, learn, listen, grieve, laugh, and be a community all in one place.

There are only forty spaces available.

Four Days. One Community.

The Place

On the Bolinas bluffs, Commonweal holds sixty acres of wild sanctuary.

Commonweal will be our temporary home.

Since 1976, this has been a place of deep healing for hundreds of communities. You can feel the legacy in the land.

Housed on the southern edge of the Point Reyes National Seashore, you can play on the beach, explore trails and the permaculture garden, walk the labyrinth, sweat in the sauna, or reflect in their Sandtray Room.

Click for a deeper dive into the history of Commonweal.

E1.png
Commonweal-coast.webp
Common1.jpg
circle-on-edge.jpg
house_apples.jpg
e2.png

  • "The sense of being a part of a beautiful community that went well beyond creative play and nature loving ... into the medicine of a true inclusivity, welcoming and belonging. WE all heal, grow and thrive together."

    -Luna, Cohort 3

  • "I was not expecting this: to feel like an inherent part of a community of sweet, open hearted, poetic bunch of people who are as crazy about nature as I am. It makes me feel a little more safe in the knowing that wherever I reach in the world I could meet my "gang" of like minded people. "

    —Joanna, cohort 3

  • "The most impact for me was my study group—deep friendships, reflections, trust, and play."

    —Keely, cohort 3

  • "What an incredible community of creators, seekers and longers, and embodied lovers of life, nature and love."

    —Lesley, cohort 3

Gathering

Schedule

Thursday, August 6th

3:00pm - 4:45pm: Arrival & Settling In
5:00pm - 6:00pm: Opening Circle
6:00pm - 7:30pm: Welcome Dinner
7:30pm - 9:00pm: Evening Circle

Friday, August 7th

7:00am - 7:30am: Fruit, Tea, Coffee
7:30am - 9:00am: Sunrise Practice
9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
10:00am -12:30pm: Morning Altars in Practice with Day
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm - 3:00pm: Free Time to Hike, Swim & Rest
3:00pm - 5:00 pm: Afternoon session with Day
6:00pm - 7:00pm: Dinner
7:00pm - 9:00pm: Evening Circle

Saturday, August 8th

7:00am - 7:30am: Fruit, Tea, Coffee
7:30am - 9:00am: Sunrise Practice
9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
10:00am -12:30pm: Advanced Morning Altars
Practice with Day
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm - 3:00pm: Free Time to Hike, Swim & Rest
3:00pm - 5:00pm: Group Witness & Sharing
6:00pm - 7:00pm: Dinner
7:00pm - 9:00pm: Community Celebration

Sunday, August 9th

7:00am - 7:30am: Fruit, Tea, Coffee
7:30am - 9:00am: Sunrise Practice
9:00am - 10:00am: Breakfast
10:00am - 11:00pm: Check-out
11:00pm - 12:30pm: Closing Circle with Day
12:30-1:30pm: Closing Lunch & Farewells

Accommodations

Commonweal

Perched on a coastal bluff in Bolinas, Commonweal’s three retreat houses—Pacific, Kohler, and Bothin—offer simple, comfortable rooms surrounded by cypress, ocean air, and walking trails to the sea. Each house holds quiet gathering spaces, shared kitchens, and views that invite reflection and rest.

  • Pacific House is Commonweal’s largest retreat home, located on a coastal bluff in Bolinas. It includes 12 bedrooms, 5 shared bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining area, and large living room with a fireplace. Most rooms are doubles, with a few singles. Guests share common spaces and have access to walking trails, ocean views, and the peaceful grounds of Commonweal.

  • Kohler House is a cozy retreat home on the Commonweal grounds, offering 6 single bedrooms and 2 shared bathrooms. It includes a small shared kitchen, living area, and outdoor seating with partial ocean views. Just a short walk from the main meeting spaces, Kohler provides a quieter, more private stay while remaining close to the heart of the retreat.

  • Bothin House is a quiet, two-story home nestled among cypress and pine on the Commonweal grounds. It offers 4 single bedrooms, 2 shared bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a comfortable living and dining area. Located a short walk from the main meeting spaces, Bothin is ideal for guests who prefer a peaceful, self-contained setting within the larger retreat environment.

Euphorbia Gardens

Next door to Commonweal, Euphorbia Gardens is a 14-acre creative sanctuary with forest huts, airstreams, and artful eco-structures nestled among native plants. Simple, beautiful, and nature-rooted, it offers peaceful spaces for renewal, reflection, and connection.

  • The A-Frames are cozy, light-filled cabins with full beds, heat, and electricity. Each cabin includes basic furnishings and shared access to nearby bathrooms and showers. Ideal for those who want a bit more privacy while still staying close to nature.

  • Each Luxe Glamping space feels homey and cozy with comfortable beds, heating, and creative design touches. Airstreams and newer RVs. Shared bathrooms and showers are nearby.

  • Tucked beneath the trees, the trailer are minimal, single-room shelters with electricity and shared outdoor bathrooms and showers. These simple spaces offer quiet, retreat-like solitude in the woods.

Travel & Essentials

  • All meals are included during the retreat and are freshly prepared by a local professional caterer. Meals are organic and have veggie/vegan and gluten-free options available. Coffee, tea, and light snacks are offered throughout the day. Please note any dietary restrictions on your post-registration form so the kitchen can accommodate you.

  • Commonweal is located in Bolinas, California—about 90 minutes north of San Francisco and 45 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. The closest airports are SFO, OAK, and Santa Rosa. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the retreat. Carpooling is encouraged and we’ll share a ride board on Mighty for those who’d like to connect. Parking is available onsite at both Commonweal and Euphorbia Gardens.

    • Comfortable, layered clothing (the coast can be cool and misty)

    • Walking shoes for trails

    • Personal toiletries (eco-friendly preferred)

    • A reusable water bottle and travel mug

    • Journal and pen

    • Any medications or personal items you need for comfort

Tuition &
Details

Dates: August 6–9, 2026
Location: Commonweal & Euphorbia Gardens, Bolinas, CA
Enrollment: Limited to 40 alumni
Tuition: $1150–$1550 (depending on accommodation). The tuition includes lodging, all locally sourced organic meals, teaching sessions, event programming, and access to Commonweal grounds.
Payment Plans: Up to 6 months available

Reserve Your Spot

FAQ

Arrivals & Departures

  • Check-in opens at 3:00 PM on the first day, and our opening session begins at 5:00 PM. Check-out is by 11:00 AM on the final morning.

  • Unfortunately, early arrivals and late departures aren’t possible due to other groups on site. Please plan to arrive and depart during the scheduled times.

Travel & Transportation

  • Yes. Parking is available at both Commonweal and Euphorbia Gardens. Directions and parking details will be sent before the retreat. Carpooling is encouraged, and a ride board will be shared on Mighty for coordination. Travel time is about 90 minutes from SFO.

  • The closest airports are San Francisco International (SFO). Oakland International (OAK) and Santa Rosa (STS). These are all about 90 minutes from Commonweal. Rental cars or shared rides (Uber/Lyft) are the best options from these airport. Also, a ride board will be shared on Mighty for coordination.

Accomodations

  • Accommodations are simple, clean, and comfortable. Rooms vary between private and shared options, depending on your selection. Bathrooms are shared. Euphorbia Gardens offers more rustic, nature-based stays, while Commonweal’s houses are more traditional. Camping options are currently unavailable.

  • When you register you can choose your housing option. After you register, you will receive a form where you can indicate a preferred roommate. We’ll do our best to honor requests, though placement depends on overall availability and balance across accommodations.

Food and Meals

  • Yes. All meals are provided and prepared by a professional local caterer. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Please include any dietary restrictions when you receive the form.

  • You’re welcome to bring simple, non-perishable snacks. Kitchen space and refrigeration is limited, so please don’t plan to prepare full meals.

What to Bring

  • Bring layered clothing (the coast is often cool and misty), walking shoes, toiletries, a reusable water bottle, journal, and anything that helps you feel grounded and comfortable. Linens and towels are provided.

  • Out of respect for the retreat environment, please leave candles, incense, or anything with strong fragrance at home. There are no pets allowed on the property. We also invite you to minimize technology use to help preserve a sense of quiet presence.

Accessibility

  • Yes. Commonweal’s main campus are accessible to those with mobility needs. Some rooms at Euphorbia Gardens have steps or uneven terrain, so please indicate any accessibility considerations during registration and we’ll ensure your stay is comfortable.

“I was not expecting this: to feel like an inherent part of a community of sweet, open hearted, poetic bunch of people who are as crazy about nature as I am. It makes me feel a little more safe in the knowing that wherever I reach in the world, I could meet my "gang" of like minded people. - Joanna, cohort 3