Buddhist Psychology: Jan 2025
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COVID Protocols

COVID Safety Protocols

Effective October 1, 2024 - For Residential Retreats

  • COVID Vaccination(s): Not required; but strongly encouraged.
  • Masking: Not required; optional. Anyone who exhibits cold symptoms (such as coughing or sneezing) is strongly encouraged to use a mask in public spaces. Masking is welcome in all spaces. Please bring your own supply.
  • Negative COVID Test Result: Proof not required; self-testing strongly encouraged. While we no longer require proof of a negative test result for retreat entry and no longer test mid-retreat (for 7-night or longer retreats), in support of our culture of non-harming, self-testing is strongly encouraged prior to arrival on opening-day, especially if symptomatic.

Our decision to let go of testing is in alignment with other retreat centers and in consideration of CDC guidance which states that testing is appropriate when individuals show symptoms of COVID. Our symptoms-based approach aligns care and protection strategies for COVID with those of the flu, RSV and other illness. The hope is to move towards a culture of self-monitoring. COVID tests will still be available if an individual has symptoms and anyone testing positive must exit the retreat. We will continue to monitor conditions as they change, and will adapt our policies as necessary. We are keeping our "Additional Safety Protocols" in place - READ farther below.

Effective April 2, 2024 - For Non-residential Programs (in our Community Meditation Center)

  • Vaccination(s): Not required; but strongly encouraged.
  • Masking: Optional for all participants, staff, and teachers, attending a non-residential program. If you choose to mask, any masking type will be allowed. Please bring your own supply of masks.
  • Negative COVID Test Result: Not required; same-day COVID testing strongly encouraged.

Additional Safety Protocols

Ventilation/Air Filtration

We have upgraded air filtration in all the meditation halls, and have provided small air purifiers in all dorm rooms and public spaces.

Dining

We have additional indoor and outdoor seating options for dining. We’ve added more tents with heaters (during cold months) to our outside dining space and have air filters in the dining hall as well. Additionally, we have extended the buffet time to 45 minutes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We ask that retreatants practice mindfulness while eating and not linger in the dining hall.

Sick Policy

If a practitioner or teacher becomes sick, they will be asked to mask and if serious, leave the retreat. We will also ask them to take a COVID antigen self-test onsite, and if they test positive for COVID-19, they must exit the retreat.

Sickness Prevention Tips

  • If you are taking public transportation or flying to Spirit Rock, please consider wearing a mask while in route, including on the plane and in the air terminal.
  • Be mindful of attending large public gatherings and know that the risk of exposure may be increased.
  • Practice diligent hand hygiene: please wash your hands for 20 seconds as often as practical.
  • If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, please notify us as soon as possible, take a COVID test, and re-consider coming on retreat. If you test positive for COVID on the DAY OF the retreat, the Registration Department will only be able to offer you a 50% refund.

Cancellation Policy for Residential Retreats

Standard Cancellation Fees:
  • $100 On or before 8 weeks
  • $175 4–8 weeks before
  • $300 2–4 weeks before
  • No refunds as of 2 weeks before
Scholarship and Commuter Rate Cancellation Fees:
  • $75 On or before 8 weeks
  • $100 4–8 weeks before
  • $200 2–4 weeks before
  • No refunds as of 2 weeks before

* Fees reduced for serious illness or death in family

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