The Art of Living

I Am Presence Retreat

Helen Hamilton

Live What You Already Are

Spiritual awakening can feel elusive when it remains something you understand but struggle to embody in everyday life. During this five-day retreat with Helen Hamilton, you’ll step away from daily demands and devote yourself fully to the direct recognition of your True Self. Through Helen’s simple, practical approach to non-duality, you’ll move beyond seeking and toward experiencing the I Am Presence as a lived reality, cultivating the peace, clarity, and stability to carry that recognition into your life beyond the retreat.

October 11–17
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Starting at $550 (Tuition) + $1,644 (Lodging + Meals) plus tax

Reserve Your Spot Now

October 15-21, 2027
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Retreat Benefits

Embodied Awakening

Move beyond understanding awakening conceptually and experience a deeper, more stable recognition of your True Self in everyday life.

Lasting Peace

Discover a stillness that is not dependent upon circumstances and deepen your capacity to return to peace amid daily life.

Clear Recognition

See beyond the mind’s familiar stories and conditioning to recognize more directly the Truth of who you already are.

Inner Freedom

Loosen the hold of karmic patterns and conditioned responses that can obscure the peace and freedom of your authentic nature.

Loving Community

Experience the depth of practicing alongside sincere truth-seekers within a supportive community devoted to awakening.

Living Wisdom

Return home with simple, practical tools and deeper recognition to support living as the I Am Presence beyond the retreat.

What to Expect

Deepen Recognition. Live the Truth.

Across five spacious days devoted to awakening, you’ll have the rare opportunity to turn your attention away from ordinary demands and toward the Truth of your Being. In Helen’s direct and gentle presence, insights can move from fleeting glimpses into deeper recognition as old conditioning begins to loosen and the simplicity beneath mental complexity becomes clearer. Surrounded by others committed to the same exploration, you’ll create space for stillness, connection, and profound realization, returning home inspired and better equipped to live from what you have directly recognized.

1. Guided Meditation

Settle into stillness and Presence through Helen’s guided meditations, creating space to directly experience the peace and awareness of your True Self.

2. Self-Inquiry

Look beyond the apparent separate self through direct inquiry designed to reveal what remains when familiar identities and assumptions are questioned.

3. Guided Contemplation

Explore conditioned and karmic patterns through focused contemplation, opening the possibility of moving beyond duality and living with greater peace.

4. Sacred Silence

Step away from conversation and everyday demands for periods of quiet that allow recognition, insight, and Presence to deepen naturally.

5. Live Satsang

Bring your questions directly to Helen in Satsang and receive simple, practical guidance for challenges arising along the path of awakening.

Reserve Your Spot Now

October 15-21, 2027
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Program Schedule

This experiential retreat offers a well-balanced schedule that combines structured educational sessions with flexible time blocks – ensuring you have ample opportunity to engage in learning while also allowing personal time to explore the retreat center, participate in activities, and enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation.

Breakfast 7:30–8:50 am

Guided Meditation 9:00–9:40 am

Silent Sitting 9:50–10:20 am

Talk 10:30–11:20 am

Silent Sitting 11:30 am–11:50 pm

Lunch 12:00–1:30 pm

Silent Sitting 3:00–3:30 pm

Reading/Silent Sitting 3:30–4:20 pm

Q&A 4:30–6:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:30 pm

Free Time 7:30–8:00 pm

Satsang 8:00–8:50 pm

Silent Sitting 9:00–10:00 pm

Breakfast  7:30–9:30 am • Lunch: 12:00–1:30 pm • Dinner: 6:00–7:30 pm

Optional activities include
Yoga • Meditation • Kirtan • Bonfire • Labyrinth • Nature Trails

I have always suspected that my lifelong addiction to sugar was some kind of compensation for not feeling loved. Returning from the retreat with Helen, I discover that this addiction seems to have disappeared. Even more mysterious is that I wake each morning without the familiar feeling that something is missing. I feel like a new person and it is hard to find the words to describe how profound and transformative this retreat was.

—Gillian P-K. (Past Participant)

As a gay man I found this retreat to be extremely healing. It was a safe space to explore who I really am. I found the deepest knowing of me. It has left me with a sense of equanimity with all beings and everything. I am deeply grateful for this beautiful retreat and this dear beloved beautiful being called Helen, that loved without conditions. This was a deep dive into a week of unconditional love.

—Michael G. (Past Participant)

Eureka! Helen showed me I am that by being that herself. We transformed individually, and as a group, as the week progressed. Other team members rounded out this coordinated effort to give us space to dissolve our obstacles. Words fall short of how wonderful this experience was. Helen is truly love itself.

—Al C. (Past Participant)

Helen’s retreat was an unforgettable experience for me, and now that I’m home I continue to experience this profound transformation. I’ve never experienced anything like this as the unreal dissolved and I deeply realized who I truly am. My eyes have softened and my heart has opened. If you want to merge into Awareness and live as your true Self, I encourage you to experience a retreat with dearest Helen.

—Lynn C. (Past Participant)

What a wonderful six days surrounded by Helen’s words of wisdom and guidance. We were gently, lovingly guided to discover our Higher Self. I was surrounded by people who came into my life as strangers and became my family. What power there is in being with others who are searching for truth! I came away with a clearer understanding of who I really am and what love is. I will carry this understanding with me forever.

—Dory D. (Past Participant)

Helen is helping me to let go of the weaknesses that were leading me to live from suffering. In my daily activities there is more enjoyment, and I feel more and more at peace and free. There is an infinite gratitude for this gift of life that Helen is for me.

—Raquel F. (Past Participant)

Meet the Presenter

Helen Hamilton

Helen Hamilton is a spiritual teacher and author whose clear, practical approach helps seekers move beyond the limitations of the mind and directly experience greater freedom, peace, and the Truth of their Being.

Learn More
Helen Hamilton

Our Accommodations

Prices include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. (Rates below are per person.)

Private Hotel Room

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • King bed or two queen beds
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Shared Hotel Room (2 People)

Ideal for friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.

  • Twin beds
  • Flat screen TV
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bath
  • Hair dryer
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Daily delicious vegetarian meals
  • Complimentary tea/coffee & fresh fruit
  • Daily yoga & meditation classes
  • Access to fitness & steam rooms

Private Retreat Room

Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking simple surroundings for peace and clarity.

  • Twin beds
  • Private bath
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Access to the coffee/tea lounge
  • Desk and office chair

Note Room may contain extra single beds.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment

Fully furnished 665 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 2 persons)

  • 1 queen bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & dryer
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron & ironing board
  • A desk, chairs, and a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Premium 1Bedroom Apartment with Loft

Fully furnished 995 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 4 persons)

  • 1 queen bed and 2 twin beds or 1 full bed
  • Kitchenette
  • Balcony
  • Washer & dryer
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron & ironing board
  • A desk, chairs, and a nightstand
  • Flat-screen TV with cable
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Refrigerator, stove range & microwave

Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.

 

Upgrade Options

Extend your Stay and Don’t Miss a Thing

Add a day and enjoy R&R activities!

Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes
Cooking Demos
Meditation & Movement Classes
Wellness Workshops

Paid activities include
Pottery Classes
Ayurvedic Wellness & Healing Arts Treatments

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Nourish Your Body

Take your rejuvenation to another level. Our spa offers treatments and therapies that integrate ancient Ayurveda with contemporary wellness.

Call to check availability during Shankara Ayurveda Spa business hours; seven days a week, 9:00 am–6:00 pm.

Learn More

Have questions?

We’re here to help.

For room reservations, Ayurveda Wellness Retreats, and Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) signature retreats, we have the following cancellation policy:

  • Refunds are available (less a $50/per person processing fee) up to 15 days before your program or stay.
  • Nonrefundable credit toward a future AOLRC program or stay (less a $50/per person processing fee) is available if you give notice between 14 and one day(s) before your program or stay. Credit may be applied to any AOLRC program or stay for one year following date of issue.
  • No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content.

AOLRC reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If AOLRC cancels a program, you will receive a full refund. Some programs may have special cancellation policies; see individual workshop descriptions. For all other retreats, please be sure to check the registration page specific to that retreat.

Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are open to participants 18 years of age and older.

To encourage a healthy environment, we ask that guests not consume alcohol or meat in our public spaces. However, guests may enjoy these items in their rooms.

Our property is always smoke-free.

Yes, we ask that guests with food allergies simply inform us so we can communicate those needs to our chef. Typically, we label potential allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts. You may email us at info@theartoflivingretreatcenter.kinsta.cloud.

Thanks to the cool climate of the Blue Ridge Mountains, air conditioning is rarely needed. For the occasional warm day, there is a fan in each room to help keep you comfortable.

We do have lodging and event venues that are ADA-compliant. Due to the topography of our mountain campus, some are easier to access than others, so please speak to Guest Services (800.392.6870) prior to registering to ensure we can best accommodate your needs. We also have shuttles that run frequently throughout the campus.

We are committed to the safety of our guests and staff. Our mountaintop location and the surrounding areas are spacious, remote, safe, and secure.

  • It is safe to leave your windows open—and necessary for proper airflow!
  • Nature surrounds our campus, and it’s common to see rabbits, deer, gophers, wild turkeys, and other small animals. Please give them space, and they’ll do the same for you. We’ve never had a safety incident with animals on campus.

You can help!

  • If you come across an animal on campus or a trail, give it space, and please do not attempt to pet or feed it.
  • There’s no need to bring valuables to the retreat center; leaving them at home is best.

We are remote—yet easy to get to.

The Art of Living Retreat Center offers the right balance between serenity and easy access.
  • Fly into Charlotte, NC—Two hours away by drive.
  • Check-in at 4:00 pm first day—eat dinner shortly after that.
  • Leave after lunch the last day—schedule your flight anytime
    after 5:00 pm.

Transportation Options Between Charlotte and the Center

Hickory Hop Shuttle Service  Book online  hickoryhop.com  The Hickory Hop shuttle goes from Charlotte airport to Boone five times daily. Reservations are required, so book ahead online and be sure to confirm shuttle times coordinate with your travel plans.

High Country Limo  828.898.9595   highcountrylimo.com

Oscar’s Car Service  704.965.5800

Edwardo’s Car Service  704.949.6775

Blue Bird Transportation  828.989.7286   Blue Bird of Boone

Abby Cab 828.475.2988  abbycab.com

Uber or Lyft  Book in app on arrival.

Other airports within driving distance from the Art of Living Retreat Center include

Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Johnson City, TN (80 miles)
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC (110 miles)

Visit our directions page for more information.

Reserve Your Spot Now

October 15-21, 2027
REGISTER NOW
REGISTER NOW