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
Scroll down to see our Community no-cost and low-cost events
VOICES of Whidbey Institute - see our blog posts here
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 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.'
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
Upcoming No-Cost and Low-Cost Events at Whidbey Institute
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
Forest Meditation Walk
Sunday July 26th at 9:15am
Hosted by Whidbey Institute Forest Steward Larry Rohan
Join forest steward Larry Rohan, longtime resident of the Maxwelton watershed, on a forest meditation walk through the forest of the Whidbey Institute.
This morning’s gathering will be a walking meditation, using the breath and other senses to deepen our relationship with the natural world.
The entire walk is expected to take about 90 minutes and will end back at the lower lot. The walking distance is approximately one mile.
RSVP to help us track our guest count and receive detailed arrival instructions. info@whidbeyinstitute.org
The maximum number for this summer walk is 10.
SAVE THE DATE! - RSVP info@whidbeyinstitute.org
Tuesday, August 4th, from 5pm - 7:30pm in the Storyhouse Meadow
We warmly invite you and yours to the Whidbey Institute's free
Summer Community Potluck at Storyhouse.
This is a free event and all are Welcome.
Join us and neighbors, friends, and folks you have yet to connect with to share a good meal and good conversation.
Bring: A dish of your choice to share, and serving utensils. You’re also invited to bring your dinner utensils and plate/bowl.
Please label your serving ware and list your dish's ingredients for those
with food allergies.
We’ll have dinner utensils on hand if needed and varied beverages.
Expect: A casual afternoon socializing with friends old and new, sharing stories of your summer thus far and hopefully, some laughter too!
Feel free to share with your liked and loved ones!
For more information and to RSVP, info@whidbeyinstitute.org
CircleSinging in Thomas Berry Hall
with some feedback from our Circlesinging event in May:
“The Open Circle singing with Max Hart was wonderful. It was fun, playful and healing. Please have him back!” Lynn Brunell
Wednesday, September 30
6:30pm - 9pm
This is a free event
For more information and to register: https://www.whidbeyinstitute.org/events-1#/events
CircleSinging is an invitation to connect with each other, ourselves and the earth through spontaneous music making. Guided by a facilitator, we use our voices and bodies to co-create improvised harmonies, rhythms, and melodies, exploring a range of sounds and textures. One moment might feel calm and meditative, while the next could be upbeat and energizing, with the music naturally evolving as we go. No two circles are the same!
This event is for all levels and experiences with singing, including folks with no experience whatsoever.
Come experience an Autumn Forest Bath with facilitator Nancy Schmidt at Storyhouse on Sunday, October 25th from 2-3:30 p.m.
Our time together will include both outdoor and indoor time participating in a variety of sensing activities to help us calm our minds and connect with the natural world and with ourselves.
To RSVP, text Nancy: 509-599-3503.
This is a pay what you can offering with a suggested donation of $20. No one will be turned away.
Dark and Tender - A Film by the Chronically Undertouched (CUT) Project
Saturday, September 19
in Thomas Berry Hall
This is a free and/or by donation event.
with ‘Dark and Tender’ Producer Ben Wilson
Film Screening, followed by Q & A & Song Circle
To register: https://givebutter.com/whidbey-big-island
Dana Lyons, back in the House~ at Thomas Berry Hall
Saturday, December 5, from 2pm - 5pm in Thomas Berry Hall
Popular singer songwriter Dana Lyons will be back with us on stage to entertain and educate while he sings, makes us laugh and brings us all Joy.
Mark your calendars now!
Summer Conservatory - with Whidbey Institute and WICA (Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.)
August 10 - 30
Do you love theatre and outdoor adventures? Each summer, the Whidbey Institute with the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) Youth Summer Conservatory introduces Whidbey Island youth to the magic of theatre.
This adventure camp is filled with acting and the great outdoors. Youth ages 10-14 gain first-hand experience in costume and set design, music and lighting, and the performing arts. Each day includes games, exploring, imagination, and a fun-filled lunchtime.
Performances will take place on the Storyhouse Stage, at Whidbey Institute.
All tickets $10 each through the WICA website, below, or pay what you wish at the Storyhouse Stage the day of the performance.
See the WICA website for more information and to register: