The Art of Living
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The Spiritual Eye of The Heart

Discovering Radical Love & Vision in The Gospel of Mary

Meggan Watterson

Awaken the Love and Wisdom Within You

When life feels unclear or overwhelming, we often search for guidance outside ourselves. Yet The Gospel of Mary teaches that clarity, love, and direction are already within us. This three-day retreat invites you to explore what Mary calls “the spiritual eye of the heart,” an inner compass that reveals what is true, real, and meant for you. Guided by bestselling author and Harvard-trained feminist theologian Meggan Watterson, you will explore hidden scriptures, reclaim a deeper spiritual lineage, and learn practices that return you to the love you were born with. This weekend offers a powerful path toward trust, inner vision, and a more grounded sense of self.

Recommended (but not required) reading Mary Magdalene Revealed

June 5-7, 2026
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Starting at $395 (Tuition) + $616 (Lodging + Meals) plus tax

Reserve Your Spot Now

June 5-7, 2026
REGISTER NOW

SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.

Retreat Benefits

Inner Clarity

Strengthen your ability to recognize what is true and aligned.

Greater Self-Compassion

Connect with a deeper source of unconditional love within.

Profound Spiritual Insight

Explore hidden teachings that illuminate your purpose and path.

Emotional Grounding

Develop practices that help you return to calm and center.

Heart Awareness

Awaken the intuitive wisdom of the “spiritual eye” within you.

Lasting Connection

Carry home a reliable practice to return to inner love and guidance.

What to Expect

A Return to Radical Love

 

Throughout this soulful and illuminating retreat, you will step into a blend of sacred study, guided meditation, and embodied spirituality. Through group dialogue, reflective practices, and teachings drawn from long-hidden scripture, you will experience how the wisdom of Mary Magdalene opens the heart, clarifies your inner knowing, and strengthens your connection to your own truth. As you engage with texts left out of the traditional canon, you will feel supported to release old narratives, deepen self-trust, and cultivate a love that sustains you long after the retreat ends. By the final session, you will carry a renewed capacity to return to the love within you, again and again.

1. Soul-Voice Meditation

Drop into your heart through guided inner listening.

2. Scripture Exploration

Engage with hidden texts and their deeper spiritual meaning.

3. Mindfulness Practices

Cultivate presence, calm, and embodied awareness.

4. Reflective Journaling

Capture insights that arise from inner study and contemplation.

5. Dyad Sharing

Connect one-on-one to deepen understanding and integration.

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.

Check-in Begins 4:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:00 pm

Orientation 7:00–7:20 pm

Session 1 7:30–9:00 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 2 10:o0 am–12:00 pm

Lunch 12:00–1:30 pm

Session 3 2:00–5:00 pm

Free Time 5:00–6:00 pm

Dinner 6:00–7:30 pm

Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am

Session 4 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Room Checkout 11:00 am Luggage may be held at Reception.

Lunch 12:00–1:30 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

Meggan is POWERFUL and her journey is profound. She is a spiritual teacher of the next generation. The shifts you experience are worth their weight in gold. Drop the excuses and give yourself this gift.

—Jenny Fenig (Past Participant)

I went through a shift in my psyche and body that allowed me to know my worth and capacity for love and joy. Since returning, I’m more in touch with my soul voice and life purpose—and I’m experiencing more peace, abundance, and faith.

—Janet Raftis (Past Participant)

I could never have anticipated the extraordinary healing that was to take place amongst a circle of women. Meggan’s guidance feels inspired from a mysterious grace. Each woman left the circle full of so much love—we were actually glowing. I still tear up thinking of the tremendous transformation that took place.

—April Hayden Montgomery (Past Participant)

I want every woman in my life to have the gift of time with Meggan. The depth of divine love that she has embodied is transformative, inspiring and contagious, and my life will never be the same. This is truly one of the most self loving actions any woman could ever do for herself.

—Jane M.H. (Past Participant)

Meet the Presenter

Meggan Watterson

Meggan Watterson is a feminist theologian, spiritual teacher, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Mary Magdalene Revealed. She holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary.

Learn More
Meggan Watterson

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

Learn More

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@artoflivingretreatcenter.org.

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

June 5-7, 2026
REGISTER NOW

SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.