Where We Live

 

Climate: Summers here are sunny and dry until the monsoons in late July. Temperatures swing between the mid 80’s and the low 50’s. At 8600 ft, newcomers can experience shortness of breath, headache, and fatigue. If this happens, head over to our portal for a dilution of liquid chlorophyll, which can help oxygenate your blood and alleviate the symptoms of elevation sickness. If you are especially sensitive, we suggest drinking this for one full week prior to your arrival.

Wildlife: Lama Foundation borders the Carson National Forest, so we share the mountain with a host of wildlife, including bears, coyotes, bobcats, deer, elk, mice, rats, voles, garden snakes, and birds. For your safety, we ask that both your sleeping area and car be free of food, incense, or anything fragrant.

Facilities: Lama has many beautiful tent sites, a few car camping sites, indoor and outdoor showers, a washhouse, and outhouses. Community laundry is done down in Taos once a week by our “laundry guardians.” Due to the limitations of our water supply we ask that people are mindful of water usage and the frequency and length of showers. Expectations vary depending on rain and time of the summer, but as a general rule we ask that people only shower once a week.

What to Bring

Clothing (40°-90° F)

  • Clothing for variable weather
  • Sturdy shoes for hiking and rain
  • Sneakers/sandals
  • Sun hat
  • Warm jacket, hat, gloves
  • Rain gear

Accessories

  • Flashlight / headlamp
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Biodegradable toiletries

If you’re camping, we recommend:

  • Tent w/ rainfly
  • Two tarps (one for inside & one to place underneath the tent)
  • Sleeping bag (rated for ≤30°F)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Pillow
  •  Anything else you would like to make your tent comfy

Please Note:

  • Appliances that produce heat (irons, hair dryers, etc) are not permitted.
  • Dress is casual 100% of the time. Formal attire is welcome for ceremony!
  • Scented toiletries must be stored in the washhouse so as not to attract bears.
  • Anything that goes down the drain must be biodegradable.

 

Daily Life & Schedule

 

Silence:  As a community we observe noble silence each morning so as to begin each day with a bit more spaciousness and time for quiet reflection. We find this helps us to cultivate more awareness around right speech. Please refrain from speech until morning meditation has ended.

Seva: Selfless-service. You choose when and what you’re doing by signing up on our “wheel” for seva slots. The expectations for Seva vary depending on how you’re participating in community (i.e. Steward vs. retreatant), so you can expect to be oriented to this practice as is needed! 

Food: We provide three meals a day for retreats. Snacks and beverages are available should you need something to hold you over between meals. Our summer kitchen is vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options. 

Cellphones and Computers: Cellphones often don’t get strong reception at Lama. As a community, we place a high value on presence. As such, cellphones are only to be used in designated areas or out of sight and ear-shot of Central. Personal calls may be received on Lama’s land line: 575-586-1269 after 4pm.

Public wifi access is available in the Dewdrop. A charging station is available at this location as well. As solar power is limited, we ask that you charge your devices during daylight hours.