Dawn Retreat Center - A Center for Stillness and Peace

Small, limited group
Sometimes what we need most is not more information, noise, or striving, but space.
Register here
The Home Within Silent Retreat
Saturday, September 18th, 2026
9am-4pm
Cost: $150
Join us for a gentle day of silence and reflection on the beautiful land of Dawn Retreat Center. Surrounded by forests, streams, waterfalls, open fields, and the sounds of nature, this retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the constant movement of life and reconnect with something quieter and more essential within yourself.
This is not a rigid or intimidating silent retreat experience. There is no pressure to “do it right.” Whether you are seeking clarity, rest, healing, grounding, or simply a pause from the demands of everyday life, this retreat is designed to be welcoming, spacious, and deeply human.
You may be moving through change. Feeling burned out. Grieving. Overextended. Emotionally tired. Or perhaps something inside you simply knows it is time to slow down and listen more closely to your own inner voice.
The day will begin with gentle guidance from Nancy Neal, who will provide just enough structure and support to help you settle into the experience with ease. Each participant will have access to their own touchstone area for resting, journaling, contemplation, or simply being still, while also having full access to explore property throughout the day.
At any point during the retreat, Nancy will be available if emotions arise, support is needed, or you simply need a point of connection.
Silence has a way of softening the nervous system, quieting mental overwhelm and helping us reconnect with what truly matters. Even a single day can bring unexpected clarity, peace, perspective, and renewal.
This retreat is intentionally limited to a small number of participants to help preserve the quiet and spaciousness of the experience.
Please bring your own lunch and snacks. You are also welcome to bring blankets, journals, cushions, or anything else that would support your comfort throughout the day as you will have your own space to feather.
This is an outdoor retreat in nature, so please bring anything you may need depending on the weather, including a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, or a light jacket.
Click here for more information and registration.

Register Here
20-40 people attend outside of Meetup.
Join us beneath the evening sky for a powerful community drumming experience with Jeff & Lori Holland
A Free Event – Donations Welcomed
Friday, September 18th, 2026
6:30-8pm
Drumming together has a way of quieting the mind, opening the heart, awakening joy, and creating a deep sense of connection both within ourselves and with those around us.
Led by one of South Carolina’s most seasoned and well known percussionists, Jeff Holland brings decades of experience performing, teaching, and sharing rhythms and percussion traditions from around the world in a way that is welcoming, engaging, and deeply connecting. Lori brings a joyful, contagious energy to the experience that helps create an atmosphere of warmth, playfulness, and community.
Drums and percussion instruments will be available to explore and play. No experience or “natural rhythm” needed. This is not a performance and there is no right or wrong way to participate. Simply come as you are, ground your feet to the earth, and allow the rhythm, connection, and shared energy of the group to carry the evening.
This gathering is open to everyone.
Snacks and water will be provided.
Childcare: Children are welcome to attend and participate. (Children must remain with an adult in the drum circle for the entirety of the event.)
New to DAWN?
If you are new to Dawn please know you are truly welcome here. There are no expectations and no experience required only a willingness to arrive as you are.
What should I bring?
We will be in comfortable chairs outdoors and under the sky so we recommend a hat. We will be in nature in the mountains, and the weather can vary so consider, depending on the time of year, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, blanket, gloves, coat, etc. To check the weather use Cleveland, SC as your most accurate forecast but understand that mountain weather can change quickly.
Snacks and water will be provided.
*Weather cancellations – If you have registered you will receive an email, and we will indicate the cancellation on our website.
Dawn continues to be a volunteer-supported space, and your presence, participation, and quiet generosity help sustain these gatherings and the care of the land we are blessed to share.

Register Here
Sunday, October 4th, 2026
Yoga - 9:30am-10:15am led by Liz Meeker, RYT-200 (register separately)
(Followed by) Sound Bath by Kendall Harbour with Meditation in the Mountains -10:30am-12noon with Rev. Nancy Neal

Liz Meeker, RYT-200, will offer gentle morning yoga from 9:30–10:15 for those who would like to arrive early and ease into the day with mindful movement and breath. This grounding practice is open to all levels and offers a supportive way to prepare both body and mind before meditation begins. Yoga is offered freely, and love offerings for our teachers are always received with gratitude. Our special Sound Bath and Meditation in the Mountains will follow. REGISTER SEPERATLEY
Childcare: Not available for this date.
New to DAWN?
If you are new to Dawn or new to meditation, please know you are truly welcome here. There are no expectations and no experience required only a willingness to arrive as you are. Our gatherings typically bring together 35–50 people, each on their own path, yet sharing in a sense of peace, connection, and community.
What should I bring?
We meditate in chairs outdoors, but later you may wish to sit or lay down on the grass, so a blanket is optional. We recommend a hat as we typically are in the sun. Sturdy shoes and a water bottle are also a good idea but there are places to ground yourself barefoot if you choose. We will be in nature in the mountains, and the weather can vary so consider, depending on the time of year, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, blanket, gloves, coat, etc. To check the weather use Cleveland, SC as your most accurate forecast but understand that mountain weather can change quickly.
Snacks and water will be provided.
*Weather cancellations - If you have registered you will receive an email, and we will indicate the cancellation on our website.
Dawn continues to be a volunteer-supported space, and your presence, participation, and quiet generosity help sustain these gatherings and the care of the land we are blessed to share.