

This retreat is more than just a getaway; it’s a sacred opportunity for growth, peace, and renewal.
Mountain Retreat
Highlands, NC.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected,
and lost in the chaos of everyday life. Constant responsibilities and
distractions leave little time to connect with our true selves.
This is why a spiritual retreat is not just a luxury— it’s a necessity. A retreat offers the rare opportunity to step away from the noise and immerse yourself in stillness, reflection, and healing.
Join us for a transformative 3-day experience
at The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center in Highlands, NC.
September 5, 6, 7 2025
Nestled atop a mountain, this peaceful sanctuary offers a perfect blend of rustic accommodations and stunning natural beauty, providing a tranquil space to reconnect with your inner peace, deepen your spiritual practice, and gain clarity on your life’s path.
A retreat offers the rare opportunity to step away from the noise and immerse yourself in stillness,
reflection, and healing.

During the retreat, you’ll engage in guided meditation sessions to cultivate mindfulness and emotional healing. You’ll also participate in Shamanic Journeys, exploring ancient wisdom and unlocking hidden aspects of your spirit, gaining powerful insights into your life’s purpose. Past Life Regression will guide you through profound revelations, helping you release old emotional patterns that may be holding you back. These practices, led by experienced spiritual guides, will help you deepen your awareness and shift your life’s direction.
Throughout the weekend, you’ll enjoy nourishing meals prepared with
locally sourced ingredients, leaving you feeling energized and refreshed.
The serene surroundings and sacred practices provide the perfect
environment for personal transformation.


This retreat is more than just a getaway; it’s a sacred opportunity for growth, peace, and renewal. By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave feeling grounded, empowered, and transformed—carrying with you a sense of peace and purpose that will inspire you to live with greater intention, authenticity, and joy.
Don’t wait for life to slow down—create the space you need to discover your truest self.
Sign up now and begin your journey today!

In a world of A.I., blue light and noise pollution it's time to take a breath of Fresh Air and return to yourself.


RETREAT: (noun)
-
the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)
-
a place you can go to be alone, to get away from it all.


Sunrise in 30 seconds

We return to the Magical Mountain located on the 4,200 foot high granite cliffs of the Eastern Continental Divide in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Mountain is an ecologically-conscious retreat and learning center located 4 miles southwest of Highlands, NC and 10 miles east of Dillard, GA.








Schedule of Events
A full Schedule of Events will be available soon and will be posted here as a PDF. The retreat is designed to give you plenty of time to explore through the different programs and meditations as well as to give you time for your own self exploration as well.
Here is a possible scenario, all subject to change.
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Day 1: Awakening & Grounding
3:00 PM - CHECK IN and Free Time
5:00 PM - INTRODUCTION and Lodge Talk
6:00 PM - Dinner: Savor a nourishing, fresh meal in community.
7:00 PM - Bonfire with Shamanic Drumming & Journeying: Gather around the bonfire under the stars to meet your Spirit Guides. This powerful session will open you up to guidance and wisdom from the Spirit world. The rhythm of the shamanic drums will guide your evening journey, allowing you to release, surrender, and deepen your connection with the spirit world. Afterwards it is recommended for a peaceful evening of rest and reflection either by yourself or with the comfort of a new friend from the Retreat.
Day 2: Deepening Connection
6:00 AM - Sunrise Meditation: Begin the day with a calm, grounding meditation, focusing on the energy of the rising sun.
8:00 AM - Breakfast: A wholesome breakfast to fuel your day of deeper exploration.
9:00 AM - Past Life Regression Session: Through hypnosis and deep relaxation techniques, explore your past lives and uncover hidden patterns or lessons that will help you heal and grow in this lifetime.
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - Shamanic Journey to Explore Your Soul's Purpose: Enter a guided journey to uncover your soul’s purpose and receive insights on how to live authentically and in alignment with your true path.
4:00 PM - Free Time/Rest
6:00 PM - Evening Meditation & Integration: A calming meditation to integrate the lessons and energies of the day.
7:00 PM - Dinner
8:30 PM - Bonfire with Shamanic Drumming & Journeying: Another magical evening around the fire, this time focusing on soul retrieval or deep healing. Let the drumming guide you to reconnect with lost parts of yourself.
Day 3: Transformation & Rebirth
6:00 AM - Sunrise Meditation: Start your final day with a meditation focused on renewal and transformation.
8:00 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM - Integration Circle & Sharing: Share your experiences with the group, integrating the wisdom and lessons of your journeys. This circle will provide closure and reflection, allowing you to release any remaining emotional burdens.
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - Farewell Meditation and hugs in the Lodge integrating the Wellness and friendships formed.



Lodging
All lodging is on The Mountain. Hotels are available down Mountain, but not recommended due to the drive. Lodging is considered to be comfortable, not luxurious ... rustic, not primitive. Each room has its own hot water shower, toilet, sink with mirror, night stand with lamp and electrical outlets, desk with chair, storage space and adjustable thermostat. The beds are single style and although the mattress is comfortable, I would recommend a blanket for a little more padding underneath the sheets. Towels and linens are provided.
There are two types of lodging: Cabin. Lodge. Both are a short walk to Dining Hall.
The Cabin is stand alone duplex building with 2 single beds per unit and private bathroom each. A small walkway/porch with chair accompanies each room for outdoor seating.
The Lodge is more configured like a hotel with 2 single beds each room with private shower and toilet. The Lodge is attached to our Indoor Classroom and the large porch overlooking the mountain. There is a small kitchenette with Refrigerator and coffee & tea maker in the main Lodge.
Closer to time of retreat I will issue an email with recommendations of other items to bring.


Cabin

Rooms in the Lodge



Interior Classroom (at Lodge) with Fireplace!

We will do most of our work outside in Nature of weather permits. Inside the Lodge is a very comfortable space just in case we have inclement weather as well as just a great place to gather and be warm with tea, coffee and hot chocolate near by!
Besides the fireplace, it has a great panel of windows overlooking the mountains.
Plenty of Outdoors
Bring your hiking boots/shoes as there are plenty of places to just wander and "BE" in nature. Because of possible cool temperatures, make sure to bring a jacket, gloves and a hat!


Bonfire
There is something truly Sacred about a Bonfire. The very Shamanic essence of "Fire" is transformation. When community gathers for Bonfire the power of transformation is increased exponentially. Each person discover a new part of themselves by burning away the old part of themself. The part no longer necessary to feel safe, accepted, forgiven and loved is release into the smoke of the fire and delivered into the atmosphere of Great Spirit.

Each and every Bonfire I've facilitated is different one from the other. All are visited by an unseen "force" that is both powerful and benevolent. Often the sound of a bear, or the howl of of wolf or the screech of an eagle or whale can be heard speaking through the darkness of the trees and the light of the fire.
We will have a bonfire both Friday and Saturday night, weather permitting. If weather prevents us then our fire will be in the Lodge with the usual program of a Shamanic Journey. Friday Night bonfire we will have a 'Sharing" and conversation as the fire is slowly extinguished then you are encouraged to spend some silent time either on the Lodge porch or your own space. Saturday Bonfire after the Shamanic Journey, you will be invited to bring your drum or rattle creating a real Tribe of Sight, Sound and Community. Stay a little more for some snacks and conversation as the fire is extinguished.


The Sacred Fire Keeper




Bonfire Prep
Dining


All of the meals are offered as a self-serve buffet, allowing the guests to craft their own meal selections.
As an example, the standard breakfast menu includes options such as morning eggs and sausage as well as veggie patties and tofu scramble, fresh fruit, dry cereal, grits and oatmeal. The salad bar is well stocked for lunch and dinner. Evening meals include meat and vegetarian main entrées and a selection of vegetables and whole grains or root vegetables.

A selection of drinks from teas, fresh coffee, juices, whole or skim milk, and milk alternatives are available 24 hours a day.

Please coordinate with our Guest Services team when planning your visit to The Mountain to discuss your dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals.

Fun Thing ~ Fun People










Retreat Details:
This is a non-drug retreat and is based solely on your Direct connection between yourself and Source with no other filters to get in the way of the authentic experience.
Mountain Retreat
Highlands, NC.
September 5, 6 & 7
What you take home is the person you always knew was inside of yourself. An intuitive, compassionate person with integrity and a desire to be a greater expression of love that will help heal the world.
Cost includes: 3 days/ 2 nights
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Lodging
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All Programs
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All meals at Retreat Center
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All taxes and fees
Double Occupancy: $542
Does not include transportation, additional meals
in Highlands or any additional services.
Single Occupancy: $692
To make your reservations and payment, please go to:
www.themountainrlc.org/shamans-path
of call if you have troubles:
1.828.526.5838
ask for James or Jennifer
Meet Your Guide

Don Simmons
Don has been an active professional meditation teacher, hypnotherapist, sound practitioner, psychic and Shamanic healer/teacher for over 30 years. He has studied meditation with Zen Master Thicht Nhat Han and Jon Kabat-Zinn and was certified in Past Life Regression with Brian Weiss, MD, author of "Many Lives, Many Masters."
Don has developed The Mindful Society to help others discover living Mindfully in every day life. His podcast The Mindful Society can be found where ever you listen to podcast. He leads a group, "The Trusted Tribe" in virtual weekly meditations and other programs of Spiritual attunement.
His One Minute Meditation has been played over 2 million times on Insight Timer and is the most requested meditation in the Under 5 Minutes category. He is the president of the International Sound Therapy Association and gives workshops and retreats yearly as well as conducts in person and virtual sessions with clients all over the world.







