A Weekend Retreat with Cory Muscara
Slow Down. Tune In.
Remember Who You Are.
3 days among the Redwoods to reset, release, and return to yourself
Mount Madonna, Watsonville CA
Dec 4-6, 2026
Starting at $695
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Life moves fast. Responsibilities pile up. Other people’s needs take over. Before you know it, you’re operating on autopilot—burnt out, disconnected, and living in survival mode—just trying to keep your head above water.
There are certain stages of life where this may be inevitable. But it’s no way to live long-term. And yet, so many of us do, slowly forgetting the spark that once guided us through our life.
This retreat is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and remember who you are beneath the noise.
Whether you’re navigating a transition, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, need help letting go, or simply want a fresh start, these two and a half days will give you the space to unwind the patterns, beliefs, emotions, and physiological knots that have accumulated over a lifetime of trying to be the person you thought you needed to be to get safety, praise, connection, and success.
It’s also an opportunity to be real with yourself, in the most loving way you can imagine—to be honest about the places you’ve abandoned yourself; to bring softness to the parts of you that live in fear or shame; to forgive, release, let go, and cultivate an inner peace that makes you actually
What to Expect
- Unwind from the chaos. Allow your mind and body to settle so you can see clearly what’s been driving your stress, fear, and uncertainty.
- Break free from autopilot. Recognize where you’ve been abandoning yourself and learn how to lead your life from inspiration rather than fear.
- Go beyond surface-level fixes. We’ll explore the deeper roots of why we self-sabotage and stay stuck in familiar patterns (and how to unwind from these loops)
- Open your heart. Learn how to release what’s been weighing you down—regret, resentment, self-doubt—and move forward with more love for yourself and others
- Reconnect with your true self. Get to know the real you. The you who has been there all along, but was muted from all the layers of conditioning.
The teachings will be shared through discussion and practices that weave together years of training in mindfulness, meditation, Internal Family Systems, somatic release, intuitive guidance, positive psychology, relational work, trauma healing, and more. It’s also the only opportunity to work with me in person in 2026.
If you feel like something in your life needs to shift—but you don’t know where to begin—this is your invitation.
Take the time. Step away. Reset.
I’d love the chance to work with you.
Your Teacher
Cory Muscara
The heart of what I offer as a teacher is this—the ability to help you unblend your true self from the personality you developed to keep you safe. Over a lifetime of seeking safety, praise, and connection, we develop patterns that get certain needs met but disconnect us from who we really are. My work is about helping you unwind those patterns, so you can return to the part of you that is already whole, free, and at peace.
This comes from my own relentless inquiry into what is truly "me" versus what is performance, control, and fear. It's a humbling process that has sharpened my ability to sense these distinctions in others and guide them in sensing it for themselves. My experience is that this is the heart of all of our suffering, confusion, and feelings of being stuck.
Formal Bio:Cory Muscara is a former monk and bestselling author of the book, Stop Missing Your Life. With over 1.5M followers across his social media channels, Cory has gained popularity for his down-to-earth, engaging, and accessible teachings on mindfulness, spirituality, and happiness.
He has taught Mindful Leadership at Columbia University, is an instructor of Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, and for the last 12 years has offered mindfulness keynotes, workshops, and retreats around the world to schools, companies, and the general public, with his meditations being practiced more than 25 million times in over 150 countries.
A graduate of the 2-year Spirit Rock Community Dharma Leader training, Cory has many years of extensive professional training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR); certification with Mindful Schools and the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI); training in Mindfulness-Based Inquiry, Breathworks Chronic Pain with Vidyamala Burch, and trauma-informed mindfulness through the Trauma Institute led by Bessel Van der Kolk.
He is a 200-hour hatha yoga teacher, certified NLP & Eriksonian Hypnosis practitioner, an Integrative Health Coach through Duke Integrative Medicine, and certified teacher of "circling" through Circling Europe. He remains a student, always.
"Cory Muscara is the real deal. His teachings are packed with practical, innovative strategies to find real happiness."
— Larry King
In Their Words
Here's what participants have said
Another key insight was noticing the ways I resist feeling peace and joy. Now, when those feelings arise, I’ve been letting them linger a little longer rather than pushing them aside to get to the next thing.
This retreat didn’t just teach me how to focus or manage stress, it helped me recalibrate to a new baseline of inner peace and alignment with my Self. It created a real shift, where I began to feel more full, with less of the internal emptiness I had been trying to fill with various personal development practices.
I wholeheartedly recommend working with Cory.
I’ve been on this path for two years. I’ve read a dozen books, developed a strong meditation practice, and attend a Buddhist meditation center once or twice a week. I’ve overcome depression, anxiety, anger, and healed so much trauma along the way. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge, but I struggled to fully live it. I was experiencing what some call “Dharma Lag” — the gap between what I know and how I embody it.
This retreat shrunk that gap. Since it ended, I’ve woken up in a state of presence every morning. I’ve never done that before. I always had to meditate or deliberately settle my mind into presence. It was fine, but it felt like I was always coming from behind. Now, waking up already in presence, I start the day ahead. Momentum is on my side. I’m so grateful.
Cory’s teaching helped me comprehend these teachings in a deep, lived way. Everything was shared with compassion, clarity, and love. Everything. Imagine bathing in an aura of love, acceptance, and freedom from judgment. That’s what this retreat felt like. It was perfection — and it has lasted.
Cory’s gentleness and patience is unmatched, he’s truly such a kind soul. To be in a room of people vibrating at this level and with him… again, such a gift. Thank you for creating this space, this container.
The Venue
Mount Madonna Center
445 Summit Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Situated on 380 acres of redwoods and grasslands overlooking the Monterey Bay, Mount Madonna offers a serene environment to unplug, drop in, and do the subtle work of unwinding patterns of stress, tension, and conditioning.
For 50 years, thousands have come here seeking to enjoy the beauty of Northern California and experience greater wellbeing through reflection, seclusion, nature, and delicious, lovingly prepared vegetarian food.
380
Acres of redwoods
50+
Years of retreats
55 min
From San Jose Airport
90 min
From SFO
Getting Here
Mount Madonna is a 55-minute drive from San Jose Airport and 90 minutes from SFO. Travel time varies with traffic. It is recommended you have your own car—ride share (Lyft/Uber) is unreliable in this rural area. From SF, Oakland, or San Jose, route through Gilroy rather than Santa Cruz or Watsonville.
Participant Ride Share: After most participants are registered, we'll create an opportunity for you to connect and self-organize ride sharing with fellow participants. Note: Ride share is not guaranteed—please register assuming you'll self-organize transportation.
The Weekend
Retreat Schedule
Friday, December 4 — Arrival
3:30–6:30 PM
Check-In
5:15–6:15 PM
Optional Dinner
7:00–9:30 PM
Retreat Opening
Saturday, December 5
6:45–7:30 AM
Optional Movement
8:00–10:00 AM
Workshop
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Brunch & Break
12:00–2:00 PM
Workshop
2:00–3:00 PM
Snack
3:00–5:00 PM
Workshop
5:15–7:00 PM
Dinner & Break
7:00–9:00 PM
Workshop
Sunday, December 6 — Closing
6:15–7:00 AM
Optional Movement
7:45–8:15 AM
Meditation
8:30–10:00 AM
Breakfast & Break
10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Workshop
12:30–2:00 PM
Lunch & Break
2:00–4:30 PM
Closing Workshop
Each session includes new topics, meditation practices, discussion, and Q&A. Chairs, mats, and cushions provided. Please note that the daily schedule may shift slightly as the retreat unfolds — we like to stay responsive to the group's needs and energy.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.”
Viktor Frankl
Pricing & Housing
Choose your accommodation
All prices include housing, meals, and teachings for the full 3-day retreat. Commuter option must book housing separately.
Registering with someone? Book shared rooms separately and indicate you'd like to room together in the checkout questionnaire. Please register at the same time since rooms fill up fast.
Spots Available
Commuter
$695
Arrange your own nearby housing — for those who live locally or prefer a hotel/Airbnb.
Keep in mind most hotel and Airbnb accommodations are a 20–30 minute commute to Mt. Madonna, and will involve driving on a winding road in the dark after evening sessions. All meals and sessions included.
Nearby Airbnb & Hotel Options:
– Local Airbnb Options (20-30 minutes)
- Best Western Gilroy (21 mins)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Gilroy (24 mins)
- Hilton Garden Inn Gilroy (24 mins)
- Comfort Inn Watsonville (24 mins)
- Best Western Rose Garden Inn (25 mins)
- Holiday Inn Express (26 mins)
Spots Available
Your Own Vehicle
$745
Park your own camping vehicle on one of Mt. Madonna's scenic camp sites.
Note: This does not include a tent. Since weather is less predictable this time of year, Mt. Madonna only allows personal vehicles to be used for camping.
Spots Available
Dormitory (Male)
$795
A great budget-friendly option with 4-8 full-sized beds (no bunks).
There is a shared (private while in-use) indoor shower and bathroom. Fun fact: I (Cory) stayed in an all-male dormitory on my retreat at Mt. Madonna in 2012. I loved it and became great friends with my dormmates.
Spots Available
Dormitory (Female)
$795
A great budget-friendly option with full-sized beds (no bunks).
There is a shared (private while in-use) indoor shower and bathroom. Bay views from the porch. Fun fact: I (Cory) stayed in an all-male dormitory on my retreat at Mt. Madonna in 2012. I loved it and became great friends with my dormmates.
Spots Available
Cabin (Shared)
$995
Cozy cabins in a grove of oak trees, each sleeping 2 people with electricity and heat.
A separate bathhouse with private toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Cabins are located a 10-minute walk up a hill from the meeting space and dining area (it's not steep, but there is an incline; the walk is beautiful overlooking Monterey Bay). You can also drive to and from your cabin if you have a car.
Spots Available
Cabin (Private)
$1,990
Same cozy cabin — all to yourself. Electricity, heat, and a beautiful secluded setting.
A separate bathhouse with private toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Cabins are located a 10-minute walk up a hill from the meeting space and dining area (it's not steep, but there is an incline; the walk is beautiful overlooking Monterey Bay). You can also drive to and from your cabin if you have a car.
Spots Available
Yurt (Shared)
$1,095
A clean, fun housing option that overlooks the Monterey Bay. Includes two queen beds, linens, towels, and warm comforters.
Each yurt has heat and electricity. A separate bathhouse with private toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Similar to the cabins, yurts are a 10-minute walk up a hill from the meeting space and dining area (not steep, but there is an incline; you can see a portion of the trail in the pictures). You can also drive.
Spots Available
Yurt (Private)
$2,190
A yurt all to yourself with sweeping bay views, two queen beds, full linens, and warm comforters.
Each yurt has heat and electricity. A separate bathhouse with private toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Similar to the cabins, yurts are a 10-minute walk up a hill from the meeting space and dining area (not steep, but there is an incline; you can see a portion of the trail in the pictures). You can also drive.
Spots Available
Orchard House (Shared)
$1,295
A lovely building nestled in pine trees with a long outdoor porch overlooking the bay.
Only a few-minute walk from the meeting space and dining hall. Each room has two or three full-sized beds. Kitchen area with fridge and microwave available.
Spots Available
Orchard House (Private)
$2,590
Private room with a queen-sized bed in the Orchard House. No roommate assigned.
Nestled in pine trees with a long outdoor porch overlooking the bay. Only a few-minute walk from the meeting space and dining hall. Kitchen area available.
Spots Available
Orchard House Room (Private Ensuite)
$3,190
A private room in the Orchard House with a full private bathroom. No roommate assigned.
Nestled in pine trees with a long outdoor porch overlooking the bay. Only a few-minute walk from the meeting space and dining hall. Kitchen area available. The most convenient and private option in the Orchard House.
Spots Available
Seminar House (Shared)
$1,195
A beautiful building with 2–3 people per room, an outdoor deck with chairs overlooking the forest and Monterey Bay, and a shared kitchen.
Only a few-minute walk from the meeting space and dining hall. Each room has full-sized beds with linens. Shared bathrooms. The outdoor deck is a perfect spot to unwind between sessions with sweeping views of the bay and surrounding forest.
Spots Available
Conference Center Room (Shared)
$1,295
The closest rooms to our meeting space — just a 1-minute walk. Modern feel with 2–3 full-sized beds.
Shared bathrooms down the hall (private while in use). If you're looking for accommodations closest to our meeting space, the conference center lodging is your best bet.
Spots Available
Conference Center Room (Private)
$2,590
Your own modern room with two full-sized beds — no roommate. 1-minute walk to sessions.
Shared bathrooms down the hall (private while in use). The most convenient option if proximity to the meeting space is a priority.
Spots Available
Ram Cottage (Shared)
$1,395
Cozy cottages with a back deck and tea bar, an 8-minute walk from the meeting space.
They offer easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails, plus private parking for your vehicle. Each cottage has 2–3 rooms, each with two full-sized beds. You'll share the room with one other person.
Spots Available
Ram Cottage (Private)
$2,790
A Ram Cottage room all to yourself. Back deck, tea bar, and private parking.
Located an 8-minute walk from the meeting space with easy access to the Wellness Center and hiking trails. Each room has two full-sized beds — you will have the room to yourself. More privacy with the warmth of cottage living.
Spots Available
Conference Ensuite (Shared)
$1,595
The only option at Mount Madonna with a full private bathroom in your room.
Each room has a modern feel with two full-sized beds (you will share the room with one other person). Rooms are a one-minute walk from our meeting space.
Spots Available
Conference Ensuite (Private)
$3,190
The premium option: private room with a full private bathroom, modern feel, 1 minute from sessions.
A room all to yourself. If you're looking for extra privacy, an accommodation close to our meeting space, and a private full bathroom, this is for you. The most convenient and private option available.
All prices are per person and include housing, meals, and teachings for the duration of the retreat.
Partial Scholarships Available
There are a limited number of partial scholarships available. We ask you to genuinely reflect on whether price is a true barrier to your attendance, as it most certainly will be for some individuals, and we want to make sure funds are allocated to those in need. If that is the case for you, please fill out the application form here to inquire about partial scholarships.
Cancellation Policy
Full refund (minus 3% processing fee) until November 12, 2026. After this, you may transfer 50% of your tuition to a future retreat. If you cancel within 72 hours of the event, we will not be able to issue a refund. This policy is based on non-refundable deposits we have with the retreat center and the fact that we cannot fill spots to cover our fees so close to the retreat dates. Thank you for understanding.
Your Invitation
Take the time. Step away. Reset.
If you feel like something in your life needs to shift—but you don't know where to begin—this is your invitation. I'd love the chance to work with you.