Skymind is an invitation to rest into our true nature. In the Buddhist tradition, this nature is inseparable from the ground of being – vast, luminous, and compassionate, embracing all things like a Great Mother.
But how do we recognize the innate wakefulness and primordial wholeness of our true nature? How do we access the ground? "Rest," say the teachings, "rest in the natural state."
In this weekend retreat we'll practice to embody this deceivingly simple and potent instruction, guided by key teachings from the 11th-century Tibetan yogini, Machig Labdrön, and the non-dual Mahamudra lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
These pith instructions invite us to practice radical acceptance and reveal our capacity to meet whatever we encounter on the journey of life – however beautiful or terrible - with a vast mind and a fiercely loving open heart.
Our time together includes teachings and discussion, contemplations to integrate our insights into daily life, and an introduction to the Skymind open awareness meditation.
For those with previous experience in meditation and Buddhism, this weekend offers a joyful deepening of your path; for those new to meditation, the weekend offers an entry to the depth and beauty of these teachings and practice.
The retreat starts with check-in at 17.00 on June 26.
Retreat ends at 13.00 on June 28.
Friday evening includes an open lecture and a book signing of our recently released book Skymind: The Radical Path of Open Awareness / Secret Teachings from Machig Labdrön, Tibet’s Great Wisdom Mother (Shambhala Publications, 2026).
Early-bird Price: 2500 SEK (Ends April 27) (includes the retreat program only Friday to Sunday; accommodation and meals are not included).
You will have the possibility to buy lunch, dinner and breakfast on site.
To see the full pricing for all packages that include accommodation and all meals, please visit our registration page.
Friday Evening Only
This retreat begins with a public lecture and book signing on Friday evening. If you wish to attend only this session, please use the registration form.
Sliding Scale & Payment Plans
If cost is a barrier, please reach out to us. We offer flexible payment plans and sliding scale options to ensure that those who wish to practice can join us.
The retreat will take place at Vidarkliniken, a former holistic wellness center on the Ytterjärnacampus. Located just 5 km from Järna and 55 km from Stockholm, the retreat space sits at the edge of a nature park with proximity to both the forest and the sea.
The park offers direct access to the Ekoledenwalking trail and nearby biodynamic farms. During the retreat, participants will have ample opportunity to enjoy the Swedish summer and spend quiet time in nature.
Retreat venue address:
Partners in life, teaching, and parenting, Charlotte Rotterdam and Pieter Oosthuizendraw on decades of dedicated study and practice to share the rich teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and their application to modern life. They are senior teachers (Lopöns) at Tara Mandala Retreat Center, founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione, and offer retreats world-wide. They have also studied with Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Lama Wangdu Rinpoche, and Orgyen Khakhyab Lingpa Rinpoche, among others.
Raised in New York City, Charlotte received a Masters in Theological Studies at Harvard Divinity School. She is faculty at Naropa University and directs the Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education. Pieter received his Law degree in his native South Africa. His love of people, places, and cultures has carried him around the globe. He has served in leadership roles at Naropa University and Tara Mandala, and currently directs the Feeding your Demons Institute.
Their recent book, Skymind: The Radical Path of Open Awareness(Shambhala, 2026), highlights the nature of mind teachings of the 11thcentury Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön and their application to modern life. Together they lead the Skymind Sangha from their home in Boulder, Colorado, where they live with their two sons. www.skymind.us
To support your practice, we have rented Vidarkliniken. Its generous spaces and beautiful details are specifically designed for you to feel calm and at home. We have access to the whole building, including a large courtyard where it is possible to dine and meditate. We will gather in the same space each day, where some cushions are provided. Please bring your own meditation cushion and something soft for the floor, such as a blanket, as well as something to sit on outside.
Friday June 26:
Saturday June 27:
Sunday June 28:
We serve local organic vegetarian food throughout the retreat, beginning with dinner on Friday and closing with lunch on Sunday. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the dining hall or outside. Our breakfasts include granola, bread, yogurt, tea, and seasonal extras, while dinner consists of a light meal of soup, bread, and salad.
Lunch is provided by the Kulturhuset restaurant on campus. The restaurant is also open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, offering a variety of baked goods, coffees, and juices for purchase.
Your lodging is in the same building as the retreat. Every room and shared space has been designed with your well-being in mind, offering views of the surrounding gardens and fields.
You can book either a private room or a shared room, both of which include an en-suite bathroom and shower. Each room is furnished with a bed, desk, and chair, and we provide all bedsheets and towels. You will also have access to a fully equipped kitchen to share with others.
From the campus, you can walk the Ekoledentrail—a wonderful 12-kilometer nature experience that connects the campus gardens and park with the Baltic Sea coast, nearby forests, and agricultural fields. The trail is well-marked with several rest areas along the way; the full loop takes about 2–3 hours, while the shorter Nibbleloop offers a 45-minute alternative.
The garden is a classic landscape that evolved from a typical Sörmland farm into a unique sanctuary. Its history reflects Bruno Liljefors’love of wild nature and the incredible enthusiasm of Arne Klingborgand Lars Krantz, whose biodynamic gardens became the model for Stockholm's famous Rosendals Trädgård. With its renowned rose garden and beautiful magnolia groves, it is a destination of inspiration and tranquility for garden enthusiasts from all over.
Please indicate on your registration form how you intend to arrive and we will support the organization of ride shares where possible. It is possible to take a bus from Järna train station to the retreat, see below. We will send out information and help you find the best possible connections with public transport to the retreat.
Arriving by plane
The nearest airports are Arlanda (ARN) or Skavsta (NYO).
From Arlanda to the retreat grounds, it will take you about one and a half hours, depending on your connection.
From Arlanda, you have two train options: either Pendeltåg or Mälartåg
The pendeltåg (commuter train) headed to Södertäjle Hamn, in the direction of Södertäjle Centrum. The Mälartåg will take you to Södertälje Syd with fewer stops.
From Södertäjle Hamn or Södertälje Syd you can either take a commuter train to Järna or a bus and then a second bus from Järna station (Bus 784 in the direction of Norrvrå) to a stop called Stensta, (1 km walk to accommodation/campus) or directly to Kulturcentrum Järna (a few feet from Vidarkliniken).
From Stockholm
From Stockholm City or T-Centralen you can take a pendeltåg (commuter train) to Södertäjle Hamn. There is also a direct train from Södra Station to Södertäjle Hamn.
From Södertäjle Hamn you can either take a commuter train to Järna or a bus and then a second bus from Järna station (Bus 784 in the direction of Norrvrå) to a stop called Stensta, (1 km walk to accommodation/campus) or directly to Kulturcentrum Järna (a few feet from Vidarkliniken.
