
About us
A Nonprofit Organization
Welcome to Dawn: A Center for Stillness and Peace. Dawn, a sanctuary to reconnect with that still, small voice within, and attune more deeply to the heartbeat of our Mother, the Earth. Located on 100+ acres of sacred land near Jones Gap State Park in South Carolina. Only 35 minutes from Greenville, SC and 54 minutes from Asheville, NC.
(Please note that most events have over 30 attendees, many who are not on meetup)
Dawn began with a powerful vision of First Light, that beckons us to become one within and with all Life. Today, Dawn is cultivating a community of individuals who share that same vision. At DAWN you belong – you are safe.
Our Purpose
As a center for stillness and peace, Dawn invites guests to quiet the external noise and distractions of the world, access their inner wisdom, and uncover that still, small voice within. Through silent retreats, classes, and events, our sanctuary offers guests an opportunity to observe the rhythm of nature, connect with the heart of the world, and foster a greater reverence for life.
Offerings
Events ~ From Meditations, Silent Retreats, Workshops, Drum Circles, Labyrinth Walks, and much more.
Visit dawnretreatcenter.org to learn more and register for events. Most of our events are Free with donations greatly appreciated. Some events offer free childcare as well (please see each event details)
Our center is in the gorgeous mountains of Cleveland, SC and exact directions will be given to members as they register at our website.
Email: info@dawnretreatcenter.org
Upcoming events
12

*EVENT FULL* Unified - A Book Study
·OnlineOnlineIn- Person or Virtually - Registration at Dawn Retreat Center
Join us for a bi-weekly discussion of this channeled work of Babaji by Roger Lanphear published in 2024.This 24-week course involves reading a chapter a week, which are fewer than 5 pages, each day. Only one or two 15-minute periods per day are needed to do this study. "Unified is a Course from the gentle, enlightened Master Babaji, whose work is concerned with the evolutionary progress and spreading Self-realization of all persons, whoever they are and whatever their life situation. In simple, easy, and unhurried fashion, he puts you clearly in touch with your Higher Self for the teaching and guidance it alone can convey."
This group will meet in person in Greenville and will be available to join via Zoom. Your zoom link will be in your confirmation email.
Free Registration - Dawn Retreat Center2 attendees
Conscience Communication with Dr. Phillip Wilder
Dawn of Greenville, 8 Clarendon Ave, Greenville, SC, USPlease see website for cost and to register. 20 person limit
“You are making me so angry!”
“You caused me such disappointment!”
“Do you not realize the pain you caused me?”
We have been taught to blame others for our challenging emotions whether we yell at them directly or yell at them in our mind. The damage is the same: we ignore the wisdom of emotions trying to reveal our unmet needs and we create further disconnection in relationships. There’s a better way
Series Details
Communicating for Human Connection
aka These People are Pissing Me Off!
In-Person Location: Greenville, SC
Sundays
March 22, April 19 and May 17th
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (Register on Website Separately)
Group size: Limited to 20 participants
This immersive series led by Dr. Phillip Wilder is for people who want to experience a fundamental shift in how conflict, disagreement, and emotional charge are experienced and handled—while finding peace without losing their voice. His teachings are based on the teachings of Marshall Rosenburg - Non-Violent Communication.
Participants leave with:- a clear understanding of what unmet needs are arising and what is actually happening inside them during difficult conversations
- the ability to name and express what matters without blame, escalation, or collapse
- the capacity to stay present and connected when emotions run high
- tools that immediately change how conversations unfold with partners, family, colleagues, and friends
People consistently describe this work as life-changing because it alters perception — not just behavior.
How the Series Works
This is not a lecture and not a retreat-style “experience.”
It is serious, guided, experiential learning.
Each month builds on the last. Participants work with real situations from their own lives, guided carefully and skillfully through live demonstrations and facilitated dialogue. Over time, patterns become visible, choice expands, and conversations that once felt impossible become opportunities.
Why This Is Rare
This work is led by Dr. Phillip Wilder who teaches internationally — including in the U.S. and Tanzania — yet rarely in an ongoing, in-person, small-group format right here in Greenville, SC. Having access to this level of guidance locally, over time, is genuinely uncommon.
Participants consistently note Phillip’s ability to:- create deep safety without softness or avoidance
- guide people through difficult material with clarity and steadiness
- help insight land in a way that actually changes lived experience
Why This Matters Now
We are living in a time of heightened tension, division, and communication breakdown — not only in public discourse, but within families, friendships, and communities.
This work does not teach people how to win arguments or persuade others.
It teaches something more fundamental:
How to stay human in difficult conversations.
The same skills that strengthen marriages, families, and friendships are the skills needed for meaningful civil discourse — the ability to speak honestly, listen deeply, and recognize shared human needs even when there is strong disagreement.
What Past Participants Say
“The education, guidance, and compassion Phillip brought changed how I understand myself and others. I left with insights I use daily.”“A deep sense of safety was created that allowed real honesty and awareness. This work went far beyond what I expected.”
“As a therapist, I was astounded by how much I learned. I now teach these practices with many of my clients.”
This series is for people who care deeply about their relationships and are ready for meaningful, embodied learning — not quick fixes.
If you’re exhausted by repeating the same conversations and ready for real understanding, this work meets you there.
If you have any questions feel free to email us at info@dawnretreatcenter.org.
For more information about Dr. Phillip Wilder visit him on IG @phillipwider2 attendees
*EVENT FULL* Unified - A Book Study
·OnlineOnlineIn- Person or Virtually - Registration at Dawn Retreat Center
Join us for a bi-weekly discussion of this channeled work of Babaji by Roger Lanphear published in 2024.This 24-week course involves reading a chapter a week, which are fewer than 5 pages, each day. Only one or two 15-minute periods per day are needed to do this study. "Unified is a Course from the gentle, enlightened Master Babaji, whose work is concerned with the evolutionary progress and spreading Self-realization of all persons, whoever they are and whatever their life situation. In simple, easy, and unhurried fashion, he puts you clearly in touch with your Higher Self for the teaching and guidance it alone can convey."
This group will meet in person in Greenville and will be available to join via Zoom. Your zoom link will be in your confirmation email.
Free Registration - Dawn Retreat Center2 attendees
Meditation in the Mountains - Free - Donations Appreciated
153 Fall Creek Rd, Marietta, SC, USTypical meditation have 30-50 people in attendance. Registration Required Register Here
We are back in our sacred location in the mountains
Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Meditation in the Mountains -10:30am-12noon led by Rev. Nancy Neal
Yoga – 9:30:10:15am under the beautiful sky
There is something especially meaningful about our first Meditation in the Mountains of the year at the DAWN property. While we have been grateful to gather in Greenville at our new location, returning to the mountains for our seasonal meditation at DAWN holds a special place in the heart of our community. This year feels even more special as our beautiful lake has been fully restored from the hurricane damage, and the tumbling stream that flows into the lake continues its steady song, offering that familiar sense of calm the moment you step onto the property.
We will begin the morning with an outdoor, guided meditation led by Rev. Nancy Neal, Interfaith Minister at Dawn, creating space to settle, breathe, and reconnect within. After meditation, you are invited to move about the property at your own pace whether that means quiet reflection, a peaceful walk, or simply sitting with the stillness the land naturally offers. When the drum is heard, we will gently circle back together for a closing sharing and blessing.
We will also offer gentle morning yoga from 9:30–10:15 for anyone who would like to arrive a little early and ground into the morning before meditation. Yoga is offered freely, and love offerings for our teachers are always received with gratitude. (Please register separately.)
Childcare: TBD
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. 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. Donate Today4 attendees
Past events
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