THE PATH of LOVE (In Person) at Upaya, Santa Fe

Join us for THE PATH of LOVE, a transformative spiritual retreat hosted at the serene Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Friday, February 12, 2027. This intimate gathering brings together seekers of all backgrounds to explore the deepest dimensions of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening through teachings, contemplative practice, and conscious community. Whether you're a lifelong spiritual practitioner or beginning your journey, this spiritual retreat event in Santa Fe offers a rare opportunity to deepen your inner work in one of America's most sacred spiritual landscapes.

Led by renowned spiritual teacher Henry Shukman, this day-long retreat combines Zen meditation, philosophical inquiry, and heart-centered wisdom teaching. Alongside Shukman's guidance, you'll benefit from the unique perspective of Michael Pollan, whose work on human consciousness, connection to nature, and our relationship with the world adds a grounding, practical dimension to the spiritual teachings. The atmosphere is one of gentle depth—spacious, welcoming, and designed to help you access the tender wisdom already present within you.

The Path of Love is both a retreat and a reminder: that spiritual growth doesn't require escape from the world, but rather a more conscious, loving engagement with it. Expect to leave with renewed clarity, a quieter mind, and a heart more open to both yourself and others.

What to Expect

This spiritual retreat unfolds as a carefully woven day of practice, teaching, and reflection. You'll arrive at Upaya to the gentle sounds of wind chimes and the sight of snow-dusted mountains framing the center's adobe structures. After settling in, the morning begins with guided meditation led by Henry Shukman, easing your nervous system into presence and stillness. The quality of silence in a room full of sincere practitioners is palpable—you'll feel it in your chest.

Following meditation, teachings alternate between Shukman's Zen insights and Pollan's thought-provoking perspectives on consciousness and interconnection. These aren't lectures delivered from a stage; they're intimate conversations designed to spark your own inner knowing. Breaks allow for journaling, tea, and gentle movement in the courtyards. Many attendees describe these intervals as restorative, a chance to let the teachings settle into your being.

The day concludes with a closing circle where the community shares reflections, followed by a simple closing ceremony. You'll leave with resources for continuing your practice at home and connections with fellow seekers. The entire experience is designed to feel like a sanctuary day—removed from ordinary time, yet deeply applicable to your real life.

About the Artists

Henry Shukman is a Zen teacher, author, and guide known for his ability to make ancient spiritual wisdom accessible to modern seekers. With decades of contemplative practice and formal training in Zen Buddhism, Shukman brings both scholarly depth and warm humanity to his teachings. His approach emphasizes direct experience over intellectual understanding, inviting participants to discover truth through their own practice rather than belief.

Michael Pollan is an acclaimed writer and educator whose explorations of food systems, agriculture, and human consciousness have shaped how millions think about our relationship with nature and each other. Beyond his bestselling books, Pollan brings a scientist's rigor and a humanist's heart to questions of how we connect—to food, to the earth, and to our own deeper selves. His presence at this spiritual retreat adds a unique bridge between contemplative wisdom and embodied, ecological awareness.

Venue & Location

Upaya Zen Center sits in the rolling foothills north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, in a setting of natural beauty that supports deep inner work. The center's adobe buildings, courtyards, and meditation halls have hosted spiritual seekers for decades, creating a palpable atmosphere of practice and peace. Santa Fe itself—known as a hub for artists, seekers, and spiritual explorers—provides the perfect context for a spiritual retreat event.

The venue is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. The high desert landscape, crisp mountain air, and proximity to natural hot springs make Santa Fe an ideal location for spiritual renewal. Upaya's warm, welcoming community ensures you'll feel supported from the moment you arrive.