A Home for Transformational Learning
Welcome
Since 1972, the Whidbey Institute has nourished, inspired, grown and changed people. We welcome you to your 2026 journey with us.
Experience Us
Come see us. Walk the land. Sink in. Feel yourself again as part of a larger whole. We believe that the well-being of each of us is deeply connected to the well-being of all living things in this living world.
Get Inspired
Join a program, be a part of our community events. Learn, grow, be inspired. Have fun, meet others, step into your sense of belonging with us.
Gratitude Report 2025
The land teaches us.
There's a knowing that happens at the edge of the woods; where the grasses give way to the deep woods, and the boundaries between self and the world get a little less certain.
This is where Whidbey Institute has always done its best teaching and learning: not through talk as much as through silence, cedar and the slow work of paying attention.
What people are saying…
“I just loved the forest meditation walk. The forest steward, Larry, had a beautiful manner and thoughtfully gave us a summary of how he came to work for the Whidbey Institute. He shared his personal story of coming into a place of deep resonance with the forest. He invited us to use our senses, one at a time, to experience the forest. It was very respectfully done and without judgment. I think we all felt held in the container of the woods, and I think we all made some discoveries that morning that were impactful. At least, I came away with that sensation. I will definitely come again for another forest meditation walk, and I hope future walks are planned! Thanks so much for this opportunity.”
- Deb S
“Hi Friends!
You have an amazing place. I found it to be extremely clean, have all the modern amenities but also adhering to the older style of decor and architecture. I stayed in the Farmhouse. I so enjoyed making my own fire and relaxing in the evenings and wee hours of the morning when up on "east coast time".
I eat plant based so VERY MUCH appreciated the food. I overate and gained 2 lbs!”
-Rebecca M. Hoelsken
“My first visit to Whidbey Institute has left only good feelings in me. Being very sensitive to my surroundings, the general effect of being on this land is quite enchanting. Everybody I spoke with from your team was helpful and caring, which feels lovely. The food was wonderful, tasty, abundant. (If you could share the recipe of the strawberry syrup served at breakfast, and the protein patties, I would love it .) I was lodging in Sorrel, and loved the feeling of being cradled by the cabin and the forest.
Hopefully I get to visit again, Thank you for making such a beautiful place available for us to enjoy.”
- Annie Francoeur, Saguenay, Québec, Canada
Whidbey Institute Forest Steward Larry Rohan guides many Forest Walks/guided sensory tours on the land during the year.
Recently he led Nourished, a group program whose participants were here in late spring, on a sweet walk with lots of moments for pausing and noticing.
Along the way Larry always encourages a sensory forest experience: stopping, smelling, touching, tasting, seeing, breathing, and giving thanks.
See the video here for a delightful 1- minute snippet of 'find a spot in nature and breathe.' Thanks to Nourished for this video!
Perhaps your place loves having you there. It misses you when you are away and in its secret way rejoices when you return. Could it be possible that a landscape might have a deep friendship with you? That it could sense your prescence and feel the care you extend toward it?”
-John O’Donohue
by donation event
Ayurvedic Yoga + Meditation
Tuesdays, 10-11 am at Storyhouse
continuing weekly…
by donation/bring a mat
a guided practice to quiet your mind
For more information & to RSVP contact: JAMESCHRISTIAN32@GMAIL.COM