Date: Friday, April 24 at 4:00 PM through Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Optional Pre-Retreat Gathering: Thursday, April 23, 2026 – Olympia, WA
Location: Gwinwood Retreat Center in Lacey, Washington
Start / End: begins Friday 4 PM, concludes Sunday 2 PM
Included: Meditation sessions, accommodations, and all meals/snacks
Who It’s For: Anyone with Type 1 Diabetes — all meditation levels welcome
In-Person Meditation Retreat
April 24 - 26, 2026 in Olympia, Washington
A Mindful Journey of the Heart for the Type 1 Diabetes Community
About the Retreat
Awakening the Heart: The Brahmavihāras
Throughout this retreat, we’ll explore the four Brahmavihāras — the qualities and practices of the heart — loving-Kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), appreciative joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha). Together, we’ll discover how these timeless teachings can support resilience, understanding, and open, balanced awareness in our ever-changing experience of life with T1D.
Through guided meditations, dharma talks, gentle movement, and reflection, we’ll explore how these heart practices can transform our relationship to both diabetes and our daily lives.
One full day (Saturday) of the retreat will be held in noble silence, offering the chance to slow down, listen inwardly, and rest in presence. Silence provides space for insight and renewal while the community and facilitators hold the container together.
A Space Tailored for People with T1D
This retreat is designed specifically for those living with Type 1 Diabetes. The pacing, meals, and environment are structured to support both body and mind. There’s no need to explain or hide your experiences with T1D- everyone here simply understands.
Over three days, participants will experience a balance of:
Guided and silent meditation
Gentle movement and yoga
Facilitator-led talks and small group discussions
Time for rest and reflection in nature
Connection and community
The Beauty of Gwinwood Retreat Center
Nestled along the shores of a tranquil lake in Lacey, Washington, Gwinwood Retreat Center offers an idyllic natural setting for meditation and renewal.
The property features lush forest trails, open meadows, and a private lakefront perfect for quiet reflection. The main lodge overlooks the water, and the surrounding grounds offer peaceful spots for journaling, walking, or simply watching sunlight dance across the lake.
Accommodations are simple, comfortable, and welcoming. Shared spaces encourage connection while maintaining room for solitude.
All meals are vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available, lovingly prepared to nourish body and mind.
Retreat Facilitators
Brooke Cassoff
Co-Founder & Facilitator, DiabetesSangha
Mindfulness Teacher • Stanford CCARE Applied Compassion Training Grad
Brooke has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over 20 years, meeting its ups and downs with curiosity, humor, and grace. She discovered meditation in 2016 during a time of transition and quickly found how mindfulness brings steadiness and clarity amid change.
A graduate of the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education’s (CCARE) Applied Compassion Training, Brooke blends authenticity, compassion, and insight in her teaching. As a co-founder of DiabetesSangha, she is dedicated to creating spaces of connection, renewal, and belonging for people affected by T1D.
Email: bcassoff@gmail.com
Heather Nielsen, LPC
Leader & Facilitator, DiabetesSangha
Licensed Professional Counselor • Health & Wellness Coach • MMTCP Grad
Heather began her mindfulness journey in 2002 with a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course that reshaped her life. More than two decades later, the practices of mindful awareness and compassion remain the core of her life and work. In 2025 Heather completed her teaching training with MMTCP.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes (since 1997) and autoimmune psoriatic arthritis (since 2018), Heather offers a deep understanding of how stress and health intersect. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Health Coach, and graduate of the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, she supports others in finding balance, resilience, and ease through mindfulness and self-compassion.
Heather finds joy in motherhood, community connection, and time in nature- whether reading, hiking, skiing, or simply breathing in the quiet beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Retreat Pricing
Registration includes all meals, lodging, and sessions at Grinwood Retreat Center throughout the retreat. Housing options include dorm accommodations, shared doubles, and private single rooms, all with shared bathrooms.
What’s Included
All retreat sessions, talks, and guided meditations
Two nights of accommodations (single, shared double, or dorm rooms, all with shared bathrooms)
All vegetarian meals (vegan and gluten-free options available)
Snacks, coffee, and tea service
Retreat materials and welcome bag
Optional Pre-Retreat Day on Thursday, April 23, 2026 (additional $150)
We strive to keep this retreat accessible and approximately at cost. Scholarships and reduced-rate options are available upon request. Participants who can are encouraged to register at the Pay-It-Forward level to help others attend.
Pricing Options
| Option | Cost | Details |
| Dorm Style -Grinwood Duplex Cabins | $350 | Shared group lodging with shared bathrooms, with separate living room space. |
| Double Room – Westwood Lodge | $450 | Spacious double room with shared bath (rooming requests accommodated) |
| Single Room – Westwood Lodge | $650 | Private room with shared bath |
| Pay-It-Forward/Supporter | +$50–$200 | Helps cover others’ costs (tax-deductible donation) |
| Reduced Rate & Scholarship | Discount / Free | Available upon request – email Brooke or Heather. |
| Optional Pre-Retreat Day (Olympia) | $150 | Includes meals, activities, and community gathering |
Optional Pre-Retreat Gathering — Olympia, WA
Date: Thursday, April 23- Friday, April 24 2026
Location: A beautiful farmsite in Olympia, just minutes from Grinwood Retreat Center
Cost: $150 (includes shared accommodations, meals and activities).
For those wishing to arrive early, this optional day offers time to gather as a community before the retreat begins.
The pre-treat includes:
Gentle hiking and time in nature
Meditation and community practice
Shared meals and conversation
Time for ease and connection before the formal retreat
Getting There
From Seattle, WA (approx. 1 hour south):
Take I-5 South toward Portland.
Exit at Exit 111 – Marvin Road SE toward Lacey.
Follow signs to Grinwood Retreat Center (directions provided after registration).
From Portland, OR (approx. 2 hours north):
Take I-5 North toward Seattle.
Exit at Exit 111 – Marvin Road SE toward Lacey.
Continue to Grinwood Retreat Center.
Carpooling options and limited local shuttle service may be available closer to the retreat.
Schedule Overview
(All times subject to change)
Thursday, April 23, 2026 — Optional Pre-Retreat (Olympia, WA)
1:00 PM – Arrival and light lunch
2:00 – 5:00 PM – Hiking, yoga, and community connection
6:00 PM – Shared dinner
7:30 PM – Meditation and group reflection
Friday, April 24th, 2026 Pre-Retreat continues
8:00 AM– Morning Movement /Meditation
9:00 AM – Community Breakfast
10:00 AM-11 AM community connection
11:30 AM -1:30 PM- Hike and Meditation/Talk
1:30 PM -Lunch /Free time in Olympia Historical Town
Friday, April 24, 2026
4:00 PM – Check-in & arrival at Gwinwood (not available before 4:00pm)
5:00 PM – Retreat orientation
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Opening talk, meditation & intention setting
8:30 PM – Evening meditation
Saturday, April 25, 2026
7:00 AM – Gentle movement & morning meditation
8:15 AM – Breakfast
9:15 AM – Guided meditation & talk (Noble Silence begins)
12:15 PM – Mindful lunch
1:30 PM – Walking & seated meditation
2:30 PM – Rest
3:00 PM – Guided & silent meditation
6:00 PM – Mindful dinner
7:00 PM – Evening meditation
8:30 PM – Rest and time for quiet contemplation (journaling, reflection, meditation)
Sunday, April 26, 2026
7:00 AM – Morning meditation & gentle yoga
8:15 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – Guided meditation & talk
10:30 AM – Closing circle & reflection (Noble Silence ends)
12:15 PM – Lunch
1:15 PM – Connection time & packing meditation
2:00 PM – Departure